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75 Years of Music Therapy at Pacific: A Celebratory Symposium

In 1938, Wilhelmina "Billy" Harbert introduced the first in a series of courses in what would later become the Music Therapy Program at University of the Pacific.  This first course, entitled "Musical Guidance and Therapy" captured Mrs. Harbert's passion for music to assist those with educational, mental health, or medical concerns.  At Pacific we're proud to say that this spirit has been preserved to this day.

Symposium Synopsis

Former faculty, alumni, current students, and friends gathered at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA on March 21 and 22, 2014 to:

  1. Present findings from bodies of music therapy research which span more than 30 years;
  2. Provide knowledge and skills in the area of ethics for music therapists (which will satisfy CBMT's current law and ethics requirement);
  3. Offer training in specific music therapy methods and techniques; and
  4. Celebrate the history of music therapy at University of the Pacific.

The two-day event celebrated students and faculty (both past and present) of Pacific's Music Therapy Program and our beloved Conservatory of Music. Distinguished clinician and researcher, Edward Roth, MM, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow, provided a keynote presentation to set the tone for the entire weekend.

Statement of Relationship:
75 Years of Music Therapy: A Celebratory Symposium is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 6 units Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. Credits awarded by CBMT are accepted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The University of the Pacific (#P-139) maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.