Finding Our Paths: The Journey of Two Music Therapy Students, Spring 2022

My beautiful grandmother!

Katy's Perspective  I first heard of music therapy when I was a junior in high school. I always knew that I wanted to help other people, especially in a healthcare sense. I also knew that I had a talent for music. I was so conflicted. My grandmother was my best friend.  She’s the one that taught me everything I know about music and loved me unconditionally. I loved her so much. When I was discussing my thoughts about college, she brought up the idea of music therapy at Saint Mary of-the-Woods.  Even though I didn’t understand much about music therapy at the time, I knew it dealt with helping others through music—a combination of my two wants in a career! I loved the idea of music therapy, but I was still conflicted. I thought about going into music education because I come from a family of teachers, but I also wanted to delve deeper into music therapy.

Accepting my
Musician of Promise
Scholarship - April 2018 

I auditioned and interviewed for the Music Therapy Program at SMWC, and the Music Education department at Indiana State in Fall 2017. In March 2018, I found out that I was awarded the Musician of Promise Scholarship at SMWC. Around that time, my grandmother went on hospice care for cancer. I knew that I wanted to go into music therapy to honor my grandmother, and I am so glad I did. As soon as I stepped into the Conservatory for my first day of college in August 2018, I knew I had made the right choice.

Me & my Big, Abbie Roberts,
on Big/Little Reveal Night -
October 2018

Homecoming 2021!

The coursework for music therapy was hard.  My semesters were filled with up to fourteen classes that were stuffed with extremely valuable, but difficult, information.  A lot of the time, I would be on campus from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at night studying and doing homework for my classes. Some days were exhausting, but it was the support and closeness that I had from my professors, my friends, and my “Music Therapy Life Partner” (MTLP), Autumn Wilson, that helped me through my hardest days. Throughout my time at Saint Mary of-the-Woods, not only did I learn how to be the best music therapist I could be, but I also made lifelong friends. One of the benefits of going to such a small school is that all your classmates become family. Some of my favorite memories with my college best friends include our daily hangouts and study sessions while crammed inside the tiny student lounge, the Big/Little reveals, game nights, dinner parties, and so much more. Graduating is bittersweet. I’m excited to move out of Indiana and venture to new endeavors in Northern Virginia for internship, but I am devastated at the thought of leaving all my precious college memories in the past. As I move into my career as a future music therapist, I know that the friends I met in college will always be there. They will always be there for a group Zoom call or an impromptu karaoke night. The people that I’ve met during my four years are friends that will stay.

Autumn's perspective

Fall 2018

When I was nine-years-old, a member of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra visited my elementary school to encourage us to join our local community youth orchestra program. I can still clearly picture myself sitting in the music room, listening to her demonstrate each instrument. As soon as I heard her play the viola (all she played was a scale), I knew that I had to learn how to play it. In fourth grade, I began playing the viola. I soon joined the band program in sixth grade as a percussionist after much indecision. I had planned on signing up to play clarinet, but my mom suggested trying out the percussion instruments. Although neither of my parents played musical instruments, they were supportive of me pursuing my passions. My sophomore year of high school, I started researching careers in music for a career project. I couldn’t see myself as a performer or teacher, so I started researching other options. Coincidentally, or as we fondly call it here, Providence, had its way and guided me to music therapy. My high school classmate, and 'Big', Olivia Wendel, was considering coming to the Woods. As I began looking into music therapy, she encouraged me to visit, giving me and my family our first tour here. I visited SMWC several times before ultimately deciding to attend here, and I’m so grateful that Providence has guided me along the way.

Me & my MTLP,
Katy Pell
Homecoming 2021

My journey from freshman year to now has been a whirlwind. Although I’ve always been used to a busy schedule, I found myself a few hours away from home, living in a new place with new people. My freshman year flew by, and the sophomore year that upperclassmen music therapy students warn you about had begun, but I made it through. Yes, there have been many growing pains and late nights, but there has also been joy, laughter, and growth in an incredibly supportive environment. I’ve learned so much about myself during my time as a Woods student, and I couldn’t picture myself having gone to college anywhere else.

Academic Banquet - Spring 2019

I remember first meeting Katy at the scholarship interviews for the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Scholar Program. She had on bright red lipstick, curled hair, and I heard her talking about being an incoming music therapy major. I was so nervous to meet her that I didn’t talk to her until we went to a preview day for the SMWC music programs. It’s amazing to think about how two very different people were put into each other’s lives for a reason, and I’m so grateful to be able to call her my “Music Therapy Life Partner” (MTLP). No matter where our journeys take us, I know I’ll look back fondly on our time together as undergraduate students, and I look forward to endless random phone calls filled with laughter and support in the future. This past year, we’ve spent a good amount of time reminiscing about our growth together and separately. As our freshman year ended, we started sophomore year before we knew it. Several of our peers had chosen to pursue different majors, and by second semester sophomore year, it was just the two of us. We were finally beginning to grasp more concepts about music therapy and facilitating in our practicum sessions when we were suddenly challenged in a way that we’d never expected - going into lockdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. All of our classes moved from in-person to online. Sophomore year of the program has several classes which heavily include playing instruments, so we had to get creative. Recording pieces on the piano and guitar in our living rooms and cooped up in our bedrooms doing homework late into the night, we did our best in an uncertain world. Together, we shared our hopes and fears. Would things ever go back to normal? Would we go back to in-person classes? Would we be able to make music together again? 

Ring Day - March 2021

Academic Banquet - Spring 2022

As we reached the end of sophomore year, we began junior year on campus, but with many restrictions. We began our practicum experiences in telehealth, and our classes were taught in a hybrid format. Despite the challenges, we were able to create music together and continue to move forward. We were able to celebrate Ring Day with our peers, do virtual concerts, and continue to gain more experiences in practicum working with many different individuals. And finally, we made it to senior year. 

Winter Choral Concert - December 2021

At the end of sophomore year, after having my Gateway Disposition evaluation with Sharon Boyle, I remember talking to her about what it would feel like to be an upperclassmen. I was terrified. I felt a lot of responsibility because I had greatly looked up to those ahead of me, and I wanted those younger than me to be able to come to me, someone to look up to, and to support them on their journeys. I began to take on more leadership positions, and I ultimately became President of the Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA). I’m honored to have taken on this position to advocate for music therapy and to help become one of the most active organizations on campus.

Spring Choral Concert -
Me & Ariana Hall
Spring 2022

Over this past year, I’ve had so many wonderful experiences. I got to partner up with Katy for the first time for both of our practicum placements this year. It was amazing to have the opportunity to work with her in a clinical setting after we’ve both grown so much. I took clinical improvisation class, and I grew much closer to my peers. It was a truly special experience, and I’m so grateful that I was able to be in such a musically creative and supportive space with them. Katy and I also both recently presented our senior projects - a culmination of our time here at The Woods as undergraduate music therapy students. “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow” has been one of my favorite quotes associated with coming to SMWC. As I’ve watched my Katy and myself grow, along with my amazing friends, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and pride to be a part of an ongoing legacy of students.

Internship interview -
Winter 2021

From the Acorn Ceremony to all the upcoming senior ceremonies that I’m looking forward to, time has flown by incredibly fast. Even though I’ve had my struggles and many self doubts along the way, I’ve always been sure that The Woods has been a good place for me to be. Being a Woodsie has been dreamlike to me, a perfect fit: The small size, the campus, the faculty, the friendships, and the opportunities. I have truly found a home. I’ve grown so much over the past four years, and I can’t believe that I’ll be moving on to an internship within a few months. Thanks to the support of my family, and my second family: the SMWC faculty, staff, and my friends. I wouldn’t have been able to make it along the way without them.

"This is the path traced by Providence. And I follow it." - Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

Author: Autumn Wilson and Katy Pell, SMWC senior music therapy majors

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music & Theatre

Photo Credits: Autumn Wilson and Katy Pell

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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:

Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC

sboyle@smwc.edu

From Little Acorns May Mighty Oaks Grow - The Journey of an SMWC Music Therapy Student

"Show our students how sweetly tender is the Providence of God..." - Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has a long history of fostering growth to "Aspire Higher". As a campus undergraduate music therapy student, students become part of a community whose branches are plentiful and roots run deep. Following in the footsteps of those who have come before, once an individual steps onto the campus of SMWC, they have come home. Enveloped in the peaceful and supportive presence that is lovingly called "Providence", students can face any challenges that come their way. SMWC excels in creating an inclusive environment which touches each and every student, inspiring them to carry Providence in their hearts, as they continue on their journey into the rest of their lives. 

To anyone who may be interested in pursuing a degree in music therapy, to all students who are currently in music therapy programs, and to those who are a part of the music therapy community, here are a few reasons why studying music therapy, and particularly studying music therapy at The Woods, is beneficial. 

Growth: This overarching theme pervades all aspects of being a Woods student. Students often comment that professors are there every step of the way, as they discover their areas of need. Not only do students participate in a challenging academic curriculum, but they are encouraged to think deeply, establishing their roots to grow into mighty oaks. Personal growth is the first step in a student's journey as a Woods student.

Support: Support from peers and faculty is one of the many highlights of the Department of Music & Theatre. From the first day of Music as Therapy, first lessons, first rehearsals and performances, and Music Theory I to completing internship, there is endless support along the way. Embedded within the culture of the music therapy program, all grade levels interact with each other in the classroom, participating together in practicum class, and they are often encouraged to work together on projects. With small class sizes, faculty know you on a personal level and are committed to supporting students. 

Self-Reflection: Encouraged to develop reflexivity, self-reflection is integrated into all facets of the program. Self-reflection allows students to grow as individuals, and to be able to help others in the future to the best of their ability. Students problem-solve more effectively, develop flexibility, and experience personal growth which are all important skills in personal life and as aspiring music therapists. 

Self-Care: At the beginning of the pandemic, self-care was brought to the forefront of conversation. While already integrated into the music therapy program, practices have expanded. In addition to developing self-care plans, self-care tasks, discussions about reactive vs proactive self care, and risks of compassion fatigue/burnout are all incorporated into the music therapy curriculum. To ethically help others, students must also take care of themselves. Self-care is prioritized to help students be the best they can be through setting boundaries, planning, and prioritizing wellness. A music therapy student explained, "Taking care of myself [is] crucial to benefit myself and others."

 Below, you'll find a few quotes from music therapy students about their experiences as a student.

"I love being able to apply what I learn about in classes to what I observe during music therapy sessions. I like knowing that I'm taking classes that teach me information that I will use in my career."

"Studying music therapy at The Woods has been a sweet journey, and I really appreciate the smallness of the classes and personal aspects of connecting with my professors and classmates."

"My experience at The Woods has been all about growth for myself and others. Growing as a person and connecting with others as they grow, too. I've learned to focus on the small goals and what I can accomplish one step at a time."

"Enjoy the present moment, and pace yourself each and every day."

Quotes have been edited for clarity.

Author: Autumn Wilson, Music Therapy Student Assistant and music therapy major

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music & Theatre

Photo Credits: Autumn Wilson, Music Therapy Student Assistant and music therapy major

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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:

Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC

sboyle@smwc.edu

For information about the SMWC Master of Arts in Music Therapy program, contact: 

Dr. Tracy Richardson, MT-BC

trichardson@smwc.edu

For more information about the SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency-Distance (MTED) Online program, contact:

Larisa McHugh, MA, MT-BC

lmchugh@smwc.edu