Q: What do you enjoy most about being a music therapist?

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A: So many things! I love working with clients and their families. They are the “why” of what we do. I also love the continuous learning as a music therapist. There are so many facets to this career, the people we work with, and music as a therapeutic medium that you can always learn something new. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

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Q: When did you decide to become a music therapist?

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A: I decided to become a music therapist in my junior year of high school. I wasn’t exactly sure what I

wanted to study in college and assumed I’d go into teaching or the field of psychology. That all changed when a senior band member shared she was going to study music therapy. I was intrigued and did some research to learn more about the field and knew this was a perfect fit for me.

 

Q: Why did you choose a career in music therapy?

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A: Music therapy is a great combination of so many things I am interested in including working with

people, psychology, music, science, creativity, problem-solving, and so much more. The

possibilities of settings, client populations, music, therapeutic strategies, target goals, etc. are endless and exciting.

 

Q: What’s the biggest/challenge/reward in working with individuals who require music therapy?

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A: I find it challenging when a client doesn’t seem particularly responsive to the therapeutic strategies I’ve designed. It makes me question my abilities as a therapist and musician even though I know I need to trust the process. If I can be even a small part of someone engaging with others and the world around them, reaching a goal, or simply expressing themselves and enjoying life, I have made a difference. It is an understatement to say being part of these moments of connection and growth is fulfilling.

 

Q: How has ASD personally affected/influenced your life? Do you know anybody outside of the workplace that has ASD?

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A: Now that I think about it, I may only know one person outside of work that has ASD. Even as a

young child I was drawn to others who may be left out for whatever reason-physical disability,

cognitive impairment, or simply looking “different.” I just wanted them to feel included and

appreciated for who they were.

 

Q: In your opinion, how can we, as a society, move forward from preconceived, negative ideas surrounding those with ASD?

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A: Just like so many individuals with various special needs, physical challenges, and mental health

diagnoses, people with ASD are still people. If we choose to acknowledge, celebrate, and

embrace these individuals for who they are, we’d realize how much they contribute to our lives.

 

Q: Describe what a typical day is like for you. What do you typically do during sessions? What resources do you use/adapt?

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A: Every day looks different, especially when you consider the variety of clients and settings for

music therapy. I often prepare for sessions each day by looking over notes from the previous week to evaluate the strategies I used in order to make changes. This could include doing more reading about

specific diagnoses and challenges as well as researching therapeutic techniques from music

therapy or other related fields. I may need to find or create new pieces of music, learn and

practice material, create visual aides, and develop new interventions. I see clients of various

abilities and challenges in one-on-one and group settings, so there is plenty to keep busy.

Sessions can include experiences involving instrument play, singing, movement to music,

listening, songwriting, music games, lyric analysis-the list goes on and on. We use the elements

of music to evoke responses to work toward targeted goals such as communication, social skills,

emotional expression, motor skills, cognitive processes, academics, and more. After a session, I

take notes regarding progress, observations, and plans for future sessions. I also do less

glamorous things like clean and sanitize instruments, tune my guitar, and pack up for my next

group or private client. People always recognize me since it's pretty hard to miss someone

wearing a guitar on her back and lugging at least one oversized bag of noisy materials.

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Q: Is there any additional information about you, your work, or other professional experiences that would be helpful for me to know?

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A: I am a board-certified music therapist with a Master’s degree as well as Neurologic Music Therapy

training. I have a private practice called Joyful Noise Music Therapy Services, LLC and you can find me

on Facebook or contact me at kjuett@joyfulnoisemts.com.