The Sounds of Music Therapy
New Program Sends Out Graduates When the World Needs Them the Most
Sometimes our mothers influence through their words. Other times, it’s their actions. Or, it’s who they are. For Katlyn Hasbrouck ‘21, it has been all of these as her mother has navigated Multiple Sclerosis with grace and fortitude. Her mother’s love of music has also shown her the power of music to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
As a child, Katlyn wanted to become a doctor or scientist and find a cure for MS. Eventually she found music therapy as a better fit for her giftedness. She had never forgotten that her mother had recommended it years earlier. Ironically, it was a resident assistant at another Christian college that told her about IWU’s program, and she transferred. Her arrival coincided with that of professor Karen Miller, who became Katlyn’s mentor. The following year, Katlyn joined Karen on a trip to Zambia. Had COVID-19 not struck, she would have returned there for her internship this year—in order to meet her residential qualification before certifying exams for music therapy certification. Instead, she’s in California for a unique internship.
“We get to work in hospitals, older adult groups, virtual groups, jam sessions with veterans, festivals/events in the San Diego area, behavioral health units, children’s groups, wellness groups, and with many of the music therapists from both MusicWorx and Resounding Joy.”
Her excitement was noticeable as she explained the formative experience with her supervisors. “We are given projects to work on, and have opportunities to collaborate with programs, musicians, and other therapies. This internship keeps us on our toes, while also helping us establish selfcare techniques and healthy habits that will follow us for the entirety of the profession.”
She sees music therapists as “beautiful human beings” in an expanding field. “They pour so much love into their patients and clients.” Music therapy’s flexibility and adaptability had a lot “to offer to so many populations and settings.” She also found her senior-year roommates special people— Abby, Lily, and Audra—who became her best friends. As we ended our discussion, it was clear that she finished her time on the Marion campus on a rather positive note. By her assessment—superlative. For Katlyn, the sense of community she found in her residence hall was important, but not at all secondary to the one she found in the music department. The shape of the Phillippe Performing Arts building—that of a grand piano—has indeed become symbolic of the resonance and harmony she found within it. She is leaving that department, and our campus community, with lifelong friends.
What’s next for her after her qualifying exams? “I would love to go back to Zambia next summer but I may wait another year. We will see what God does!
