In a captivating showcase, three SUNY New Paltz alumni, now certified music therapists, shared their remarkable experiences and insights with a rapt audience of fellow alumni, current students, and faculty. This annual event, organized by the university's music therapy program director, Dr. Kathleen Murphy, aimed to inspire the next generation of music therapy professionals and foster a vibrant community of practitioners.

Empowering Patients Through the Healing Melodies of Music Therapy

Pioneering the Path: Joy Pollard's 50-Year Odyssey

Joy Pollard, a trailblazer in the field of music therapy, captivated the audience with her presentation, "A Song for Everything, and Everything's a Song: 50 Years at the Keyboard." Pollard, one of the pioneering members of the first cohort of music therapy students at SUNY New Paltz, shared her wealth of experience, particularly in working with preschool-aged children. Through live demonstrations, she showcased the transformative techniques she employs in her practice, highlighting music therapy's unique ability to cultivate experiences that activate parts of the self that nothing else can. Pollard's infectious energy and passion for her work inspired the aspiring students in the room, as she reflected on the profound impact music can have on individuals of all ages.

Unlocking Flexibility and Relaxation: Alexa Marie's Innovative Approach

Alexa Marie, a 2022 graduate of SUNY New Paltz, shared her experiences working at the Elizabeth Seton Children's Center, a pioneering provider of care for children with complex medical conditions. As part of her presentation, Marie explained the innovative use of a sound bed, where the therapist's singing and the instrument's tones and vibrations help patients relax and become more flexible during physical therapy sessions. This collaborative approach, combining music therapy and physical therapy, showcased the versatility and impact of the profession. Attendee Elle, a second-year music major on the path to the graduate music therapy program, expressed her fascination with how "music therapy can expand through children and adults who are nonverbal, or who are unable to move around by themselves or need 24-hour care and change their abilities."

Reconnecting the Disconnected: Xiyu Zhang's Dementia Care Insights

Xiyu Zhang, a SUNY New Paltz graduate who received the Award of Outstanding Graduate Honor, shared her experiences working as a music therapist for elderly patients with dementia. She eloquently described how music can be a powerful force of reconnection for individuals who have become disconnected from most other aspects of their lives due to the progression of the disease. Zhang's presentation highlighted the profound impact music therapy can have in providing a vital link to the past and a means of self-expression for those struggling with the challenges of dementia.Throughout the showcase, the audience was treated to a heartwarming moment when technical difficulties caused a delay in the presentations. In a spontaneous display of unity, the room erupted in a joyful rendition of "Three Little Birds," singing, "Every little thing is gonna be alright." This shared musical experience underscored the unifying power of music and the sense of community that permeated the event.The SUNY New Paltz Music Therapy Alumni Showcase serves as a testament to the transformative potential of the field, as these accomplished alumni shared their inspiring stories and the profound impact they have had on the lives of their patients. For those interested in learning more about the university's music therapy program, visit the program's website, follow their Instagram account, or reach out to Dr. Kathleen Murphy directly.