Music Therapy

 

 

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Letters

To whom it may concern

I would like to express my strongest support for retaining the music therapy program at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. The music therapy program has produced during its existence 100s of outstanding professionals in health care and music therapy. Prof Rasar has trained personally with me in the RF Unkefer Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy and UWEC is among a small but elite group of universities (e.g., Colorado State University, University of Kansas, University of Miami, Western Michigan University, University of Louisville, Kurashiki Sakuyo Music University/Japan, Nagoya University/Japan, University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg/Germany, etc) to teach Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). NMT is neuroscience based and part of evidence based medicine and as such recognized by the World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation. Prof Rasar's step to become trained in NMT and incorporate it into her curriculum shows critical leadership in moving music therapy to the next level of scientific and acceptance for the benefit of patient care in neurologic rehabilitation. We applaud her commitment to change and progress and feel strongly that music therapy at your university can play an important role in reshaping the future of music therapy. I am not familiar with the specific reasons the program may be considered for closure but as an administrator I can relate to the difficult issues that befall programs at times for various financial or other programmatic reasons. As an elected member of several science and medical bodies (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, World Academy of Multidisciplinary Neurotraumatology), vice president of the International Society for Music and Medicine,  and future president of the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology I would consider the closure of music therapy at UWEC a real loss to the future development and training in evidence-based based music therapy. Therefore I want to - with all respect - suggest if it is possible to not only investigate how and if the program can be saved but possibly can be invigorated and be considered for re-investment as a strong asset to the artistic and scholarly reputation of your esteemed university. I extend my strongest support to UWEC and music therapy in this difficult issue.

Sincerely

Michael H Thaut
Co-Executive Director, School of the Arts
Chair, Department of Music-Theatre-Dance

Professor of Music
Professor of Neuroscience
Director, Center for Biomedical Research in Music



Dear Secretary Schulner, this e-mail is in strong support of the UW-Eau Claire music therapy program, and Professor LeeAnna Rasar.

I am a music therapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In only three years as a board-certified music therapist, I have had two supervisors/managers, and five colleagues who are graduates of the UW-EC program. I have learned more from them regarding professionalism, ethics, business, and practices than my entire music therapy curriculum was able to teach me at another university.

I have also had the privilege of collaborating with Professor Rasar in continuing education in neurologic music therapy, and as regional and national representatives from Wisconsin to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and our Assembly of Delegates, the AMTA governing body. I can testify as well as anyone how revered the program and professor are in music therapy circles.

I need not review the facts about UW-EC as one of the finest institutions for an undergraduate education in music therapy. I am confident the wealth of e-mails you receive will cover those points. However, it is impossible for me to imagine a circumstance in which UW-EC benefits from cutting this program. The only immediate thought that comes to mind is that the university will be glad to save Ms. Rasar's salary, although I am aware that other departments are adding faculty, nullifying any grand fiscal savings from cutting one professorship.

Rather, I ask the committee recommending this cut focus on the perception of the university after this cut may be made.

  • UW-EC loses a professor with accomplishments, research, and awards from her colleagues to great to enumerate in this letter.
  • UW-EC loses one of the most active student groups not only on campus, but statewide, regionally, and nationally. This student group consistently finds ways to have a presence on music therapy student association executive boards and is regarded highly by over seventy other institutions offering the music therapy degree in this country alone, not to mention the university affiliated internships UW-EC may lose abroad.
  • UW-EC loses touch with over 1,000 members of the Eau Claire community who receive weekly or monthly services that train the students in the art and science of music therapy.
  • Wisconsin loses it's only public university music therapy program, when it could be moving in the opposite direction by establishing the first graduate program in music therapy, following the trend of the profession toward post-baccalaureate education.
  • UW-EC loses grant funding to the music therapy program, including over 50 written and received by Professor Rasar alone, which keeps the cost of running the music therapy program far below that of most other programs.
  • UW-EC will be left with a state-of-the-art music therapy clinic, including sensory suspended wooden floors and audio/visual equipment designed by former professor, Dr. Dale Taylor for student use. The cost of redesigning that space alone needs to be considered as it offsets a professor's year of salary.
  • UW-EC loses the visibility of 100% pass rate for students on the Certification Board for Music Therapy exam, which very few other institutions can boast, setting UW-EC apart.

In summary, it is my belief that the university cannot possibly gain more than it may lose from this cut. In your efforts and deliberations on fiscal matters, it must be noted that the money invested in the program has returned to the university many-fold, and the program ought to continue. The recommendation from AMTA to add a professorship to support Professor Rasar and her students is well thought out and deserved to allow even more growth for this amazing program at a fine Wisconsin university. Please consider and enact other means to establish a professorship, and not cut this program that is so valuable to the university, the Chippewa Valley, and the AMTA.

Thank you for your time and focus on these comments.

Andrew Knight, MA, MT-BC, NMT, WMTR
Board-Certified Music Therapist, Wisconsin Registered
Milwaukee Center for Independence
andrew.knight@mcfi.net
(414).937.2180



To whom it may concern:

I have known Lee Anna Rasar for over 25 years, and know that she is a model of excellence in all her professional endeavors. She has been my mentor and my colleague. The attendance at her presentations is always packed. She maintains the highest standards in our profession and is solidly versed in the widest range of clinical applications in our field.

I am surprised by the news that her music therapy program at the university of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) might be cut. UWEC's Music Therapy (MT) Program showcases the mission of the university by combining research, teaching, and community service in the delivery of the courses designed by Ms. Rasar. Her program includes international initiatives, diversity programming, inter- and trans-disciplinary teaching, and state-of-the-art technology. She and her students have an impact on the larger community beyond campus, bringing the image of UWEC all across America and to Australia, Serbia, and soon Cambodia. That is in addition to the 1000 + hours that UWEC MT faculty and students give back to the local community in Eau Claire EACH WEEK.

I will echo Andrew McKnight of the Milwaukee Center for Independence, and urge you to consider just a partial list of what would be lost by cutting this valuable program:

  • UWEC would lose an outstanding professor. Her accomplishments, research, and awards from her colleagues are too great to enumerate in this letter.
  • Wisconsin would lose its only public university music therapy program, when it could be moving in the opposite direction by establishing the state's first graduate program in music therapy, following the trend of the profession toward post-baccalaureate education.
  • UWEC would lose touch with over 1,000 members of the Eau Claire community who receive services from music therapy faculty and students.How will they feel about UWEC when their services are no longer provided?
  • UWEC would lose grant funding to the music therapy program, including over 50 written and received by Ms. Rasar alone, which keeps the cost of running the music therapy program far below that of most other programs.
  • UWEC would be left with a state-of-the-art music therapy clinic, including sensory suspended wooden floors and audio/visual equipment designed by former professor Dr. Dale Taylor. The cost of redesigning that space alone needs to be considered, as it offsets a professor's year of salary.
  • UWEC would lose one of the most active student groups not only on campus, but statewide, regionally, and nationally. This student group has a consistent presence on music therapy student association executive boards.
  • UWEC would lose university -affiliated internships abroad.
  • UWEC would lose the visibility of 100% pass rate for students on the Certification Board for Music Therapy exam , which very few other institutions can boast, setting UWEC apart in high esteem.

In summary, you will be doing a great disservice to your community, the world at large and to the image of the university, if you were to cut this immensely valuable and important program.

I anxiously await your response that you will support this program now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Margarita G. Sims, MT-BC
Galveston, Texas



I am writing to urge you not to close the Music Therapy program at UW-Eau Claire. Although your school is not in the Mid-Atlantic Region (I live and work in New York), and we are starting to experience a significant shortage of Music Therapists. I was just at a Regional Board meeting, and there are positions in New Jersey, Delaware, New York and elsewhere that are not being filled due to a lack of trained music therapists.

Music Therapy is becoming more recognized as a valuable tool in education (especially early intervention and preschool) and in medical settings. We really need qualified professionals. A UW-EC graduate and I are the two Music Therapists at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany, NY. We have long seen very positive results in mental health, nursing home care, hospice, intensive care, and the medical units. We are valued members of the various treatment teams. We are now starting to see more Iraqi vets and the power of music to treat the brain-injured and polytrauma vets will be crucial. The nearby Syracuse VAMC has just posted a position for a Music Therapist to fill unmet needs at their facility. Quite often, a music therapist can reach a client when other therapies cannot. Please help the veterans and many other clients by continuing to train music therapists.

Thank you,

Barbara MacLean, LCAT, MT-BC, FAMI
Lead Therapist, Recreation/Music Therapy
Albany, NY



I recently heard that the music therapy program at Eau Claire is experiencing the strong possibility of being cut. Apparently the rationale being used is that the music department could lose its NASM accreditation due to only having one faculty member. Last fall, while visiting the school with my daughter, I spoke to a staff person about the music therapy program and was told that it was in danger of being cut at that time. The student who led our tour of the school also seemed aware that the music therapy program was in danger of being cut. Doesn't it seem obvious that the plans were being made then to cut the program? I find the NASM accreditation rationale odd, because I know of other programs who have operated for years with only one faculty member. What is really going on there?

It would be such a loss to the music therapy profession if the only public school program in Wisconsin were cut. I am a practicing music therapist who studied at the only public school music therapy program offered in Minnesota, the University of Minnesota (one of the schools which has operated for years with only one faculty member). At the time I attended, there would have been no way for me to afford a private college. The University of Wisconsin college system will be doing a disservice to the students who attend Wisconsin colleges if there is no music therapy program offered publicly within the state. The field of music therapy is growing, and there is a continuous and growing need for board certified music therapists.

Sincerely,
Becky Pansch, MT-BC
Music Therapist



October 4, 2007

As a 1982 graduate of the music therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, I would like to address the current discussion of possible elimination of the music therapy degree program at UW-EC.

I am a board certified music therapist and member of the American Music Therapy Association. I am employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs and work out of the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. During the years 1985-1995, I served as a full-time music therapy clinician at the St. Cloud VAMC. In 1995, I was appointed Director of the National Veterans Creative Arts Program with the Department of Veterans Affairs and since then have reported directly to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs at VA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has and continues to recognize music therapy as a vital component of the treatment plan for veterans served in mental health, extended care, chemical dependency, and acute medical care settings. Music therapy, more now than ever before, is recognized as one of the very few treatment modalities that have proven to be successful in benefiting the widest range of medical diagnoses. This is evident in the VA medical system as music therapy is used as an effective treatment for returning military personnel from Afghanistan and Iraq who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and an array of physical challenges.

My academic experience at UW-EC in the music therapy undergraduate degree program prepared me completely for the professional work I have and continue to perform. In my travels and interactions with colleagues, I have spoken often of the high quality of education and training received at UW-EC. As I meet with prospective music therapy students from area high schools, I routinely encourage them to consider UW-EC in their selection of an academic institution. UW-EC provides students from Minnesota with a positive option beyond attending the University of Minnesota or Augsburg College in the twin cities area where daily challenges are far greater due to the metropolitan location.

While a student at UW-EC, I found that the experience attained through community practicums was invaluable in establishing an early understanding and application of the theories of music therapy. My six-month music therapy internship at the Gaenslen School in Milwaukee prior to graduation was efficiently supervised in all aspects and provided the basis for my professional work as a music therapist.

I have attended sessions presented by Lee Anna Rasar, MME, WMTR, MT-BC at regional and national music therapy conferences and have been extremely impressed with her scope of knowledge and commitment to the profession. Though my attendance at the University occurred prior to her being hired as a professor in the music therapy program, I have directly witnessed her ability to communicate ideas, experiences and conclusions directly and professionally in regard to a variety of music therapy-related subjects. Her commitment to excellence in the field of music therapy is clear and unique.

In conclusion, I will state that I feel it would be a grievous mistake to cut the music therapy undergraduate degree program at UW-EC. I am surprised to hear that such an idea has even been proposed for reasons relating to UW-EC's strategic plan. The music therapy program enhances and supports the strategic plan and mission of the University. My hope and belief are that reconsideration will be given and that through thoughtful, intellectual and creative means, the music therapy program at UW-EC will continue and prosper under the direction of Professor Rasar. Thank you for your time and please feel free to contact me if I can provide additional information regarding this subject.

Elizabeth Mackey, MT-BC (117)

Director, National Veterans Creative Arts Program
VA Medical Center
4801 Veterans Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: 320-255-6351
Fax: 320-255-6327



October, 8, 2007

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in support of the Music Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. My name is Lisbeth Woodward, MT-BC, NMT. I graduated from UW-EC in 1991 and have been a music therapist at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salem, Virginia, for sixteen years. I was a supervising MT for one year and have been the Music Therapy Internship Director for the past fifteen years. During my experience at this facility, I have been privileged to work with US Veterans from all different branches of the military, with varying disabilities and illnesses. I currently provide treatment for an average of 7,000 veterans and their families, per year, and witness the healing power of music therapy on a daily basis.

My job includes providing music therapy for clients suffering with, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebrovascular Accident, traumatic brain injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and a variety of acute medical illnesses. The treatment protocol for each client differs significantly, based on individual cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and behavioral levels of functioning. I was very fortunate to have received my education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The music therapy curriculum provided in-depth, comprehensive training that prepared me to be diverse in my skills and knowledge, and enabled me to work with such varying populations.

Many of the referrals I receive are for patients of whom traditional medicine and/or therapies have not produced treatment outcomes of which were expected or hoped. I have worked with dozens of stroke victims who thought they would never speak again. I can not express in words, the excitement and joy I feel when these individuals realize that all is not lost; that they can sing. Not only can they sing, but many can learn to speak through intonation and oral motor exercises, facilitated through music, components of music, and various instruments. Quite often, discharged clients return to visit and reminisce about their experience and express their appreciation for their remediated speech.

It is not an unfamiliar experience to witness a coma patient wake up to a favorite song and actually sing or hum a few verses. It has, however, been quite a surprise to our medical staff! I recall one individual in particular, that had suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was a middle-aged married man with a wife and family. He was in a coma like state and his prognosis was quite poor. My intern at the time was a very accomplished violinist. We attempted to stimulate him using preferred music and a variety of different instruments. Initially, he would respond with only brief periods of eye-contact. To our surprise, when the violin was introduced, he looked directly at us, picked his head up, smiled, and tried to say a few words. Little had we known that his father played the violin when he was a young boy. From that moment on, his rehabilitation had begun. This client slowly progressed to a much more functional state and was eventually discharged.

I have had other more unusual experiences, such as, working with an agitated veteran during his whirl-pool treatment. This individual was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and could not comprehend what he was experiencing. Once the music was introduced, his agitation lifted and he immediately calmed down. The music provided comfort, reassurance, and familiarity. Now, not only were the physical therapists able to provide his treatment, but they also sang along and joined in creating a more comforting and secure experience for this veteran.

Yet another unusual experience was of working with a veteran who suffered with both late-stage Alzheimer's Disease and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This individual was very resistive to daily care activities. Taking a bath confused him and he became resistive and combative with the nursing staff. The staff and physicians had tried everything they could think of, in order to make his experience less threatening. The current music therapy intern was a very accomplished cellist. Our client was drawn to the sound of the cello; therefore, we proposed to decrease his combative behavior by using guitar and cello. We started by working with the patient fifteen minutes prior to his bath, and when he was settled, with his privacy intact; we entered the tub room and proceeded to play. To the surprise of everyone involved, this technique provided excellent results.

I could share literally hundreds of stories similar to these. However, as the medical community continues to observe these experiences and becomes more familiar with MT techniques and outcomes, not only will these practices be an exception but they will be an expectation. Our music therapy profession is and will continue to go through growing pains. But, I am confident that with continued research, determined and educated therapists, and the support of our training institutes, such as my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, our profession will flourish and bring many of those who suffer to a place of wellness. Who knows, it could easily be one of our parents, brothers, sisters, children, or perhaps even ourselves, that are benefited by music therapy. I know how I would like to be cared for if I have a choice.

In closing, please, continue to support the UW-EC Music Therapy Program. The benefits of music therapy are innumerous and offer hope where often there is little to none. Your continued support will ensure the training of skillful, knowledgeable, and well qualified music therapists, who in turn will strive for continued excellence in the field of Music Therapy.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Lisbeth A. Woodward, MT-BC, NMT Music Therapy Internship Director
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Salem, Virginia

UW-EC Class of 1991



To whom it may concern:

I am a graduate of the music therapy program that was cut at UW-Oshkosh. It is so disheartening to think that another music therapy program may be cut in Wisconsin! Music therapy is a growing profession, and a much needed profession in Wisconsin.

I have been a board-certified music therapist for 11 years and recently moved back to the area from Arizona. In my years, I have seen the dramatic and powerful changes music therapy can have in people's lives. I have seen children with autism learn how to communicate through music interventions...some of which other services discontinued due to "lack of progress". Music has the power to organize information and organize movements in a way that is removing challenges from all ages and abilities. Without schools and programs that continue to educate and teach music therapists, people with special needs will lose the chance to show their true potential.

Please think of the families and people that benefit from the wonderful programs that flourish through the Eau Claire Music Therapy program under Lee Anna Rasar. Think of all of the students that are educated under the program and are THEN providing services throughout the state and country. What a terrible waste to see people not benefit from what music therapy has to offer!!

Please contact me if you need further information at 715-212-5086.

Thank you,


Richelle Kroening, MT-BC, NMT
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Neurologic Music Therapist

Music Therapy Services of Central WI, LLC P.O. Box 86 Mosinee, WI 54455-0086
715-212-5086
mtscw@charter.net

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