As part of the American Music Therapy Association‘s 2015 national conference in Kansas City, a special Student Day is being planned for local high school students and others who want to learn more about music therapy as a career. The event, titled “A Future in Music Therapy,” will be held at the Sheraton Crown Center hotel on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 8 a.m. until approximately 1:15 p.m.
The student day will begin with a Music Therapy 101 presentation and time for questions, then the students will be able to attend conference sessions and the exhibit hall before reconvening for lunch with local music therapists and professors. Cash lunch will be available on-site. Music educators, parents/guardians of interested students, and school counselors are also welcome. This is recommended for sophomores and above who are currently involved in music ensembles or lessons.
This event is also open to college students or adults who are thinking about a change in major/career to music therapy. Wondering what your options for music therapy education are if you’re already majoring in or have a degree in a related field? Check out AMTA’s Education & Clinical Training information.
Music therapists can work with individuals throughout the life span, from newborns to seniors, to assess and address physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social needs. Music therapy is well-represented in Missouri and Kansas, with degree programs offered at UMKC, KU, Drury University (Springfield), and Maryville University (St. Louis). Board-certified music therapists are employed at dozens of facilities around the Kansas City area, including Truman Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospitals, North Kansas City School District, Operation Breakthrough, hospices, private practices, and many other sites.
Music therapists were also recently named Persons of the Week by ABC World News Tonight! Check out the video on ABC’s website.
An announcement/save-the-date was sent to local music educators and counselors this spring and a more detailed reminder will follow in the fall. You can also download these resources below. To RSVP or request more information, please fill out the contact form below or e-mail Emily at [email protected]. We’ve also created a Facebook event page for Student Day.
Student Day At A Glance:
Date/Time: Saturday, November 14, 2015, 8:00 a.m. – approximately 1:15 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, 2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108. Parking garage is attached, additional cost for parking. If you are traveling from out of town to attend and staying overnight, the Sheraton has a group rate for the conference valid through Oct. 23 – see our Hotel page for details.
Room: Empire A
Schedule:
8-9:15 A Future in Music Therapy/Music Therapy 101 presentation (Empire A)
9:30-10:45 & 11-12:15 – Attend 2 sessions of your choice. Session listing & maps will be provided. Volunteers will help you get to the first session.
12:30-1:15ish – Students can purchase their own lunches if desired. Tables will be set aside and local music therapists, professors will join attendees for lunch and be available for questions. The Exhibit Hall will also be open for browsing.
What to Bring: Money for lunch and parking. May want to bring something for taking notes or jotting down questions or a bag to carry information packets from area universities.
RSVP: By Oct. 30 to Emily at [email protected] or using the comment form below. You can also e-mail with any questions.
Are you a music educator or a high school counselor? Please download our flier & letter below and share with your students and colleagues!
AMTA Student Day Flier.pdf
2015 AMTA Student Day letter.pdf