Music Therapy Seminar Set Oct. 16

The Music Department of Oklahoma Baptist University will host a seminar on music therapy, Saturday, Oct. 16.

Music therapy has many scientifically-tested and proven applications. Some of these are lowering blood pressure; needing less painkilling medicine and recovering more quickly after surgery; adapting and re-learning daily activities after suffering from stroke; helping developmentally disabled children reach their learning potential; helping dementia patients to respond; helping to bring stability in mental health; and helping cancer patients cope with the emotional and physical side effects of chemotherapy.

The seminar begins at 9 a.m. with coffee and refreshments.

Presentations to be given include from 9:30-10:30, "Music Therapy in a Hospice Setting" by Melanie Haley, MT, Hospice Quality Care, Del City; from 10:45-11:45, a panel discussion on "Applications and Case Studies in Music Therapy" presented by Lois Gauger, MT-BC, Easter Seals Adult Day Care Center, Oklahoma City; Suzanne Heppel, MT-BC, INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital; ChihChen Sophia Lee, Ph.D., MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy, Southwestern Oklahoma State University; and Jennifer Voss, MT-BC, Fellow in Neurologic Music Therapy in private practice in Oklahoma City.

Lunch available by reservation for $6 will be from 11:45-12:45. From 12:45-1:45 will be a panel discussion including a PowerPoint presentation on the definition of music therapy, qualifications for becoming a music therapist, rewards and challenges of the profession as well as the market for music therapy presented by the music therapists in attendance. From 1:45-2:30, Todd Balcom, MT-BC, Community Outreach Coordinator for Transition House, Inc., Norman will speak on music therapy in adult mental health and present an interactive session on therapeutic drumming.

The seminar is free to OBU students, staff, and faculty (except for lunch) and open to the public for a cost of $10 plus lunch at $6. Lunch reservations are necessary and should be made by Wednesday, October 13 to Sandra Meyer, Associate Professor of Music, Oklahoma Baptist University at 878-2303.