APSU to launch new music therapy degree concentration this fall
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. 鈥 When Jennifer Denk takes out her guitar and strums a soothing melody 鈥 anything from 鈥淎mazing Grace鈥 to 鈥淢argaritaville鈥 鈥 her listeners sometimes drift off to sleep. As a board-certified music therapist, that鈥檚 exactly the type of reaction she wants. Denk isn鈥檛 a performer; her music, played in schools, hospitals and for hospice patients, is meant to ease suffering and help listeners overcome challenges.
鈥淚鈥檝e done this for 10 years, and I鈥檓 still blown away by the power of music,鈥 she said. 鈥淥ur purpose is not to teach our clients to learn an instrument or sing. We鈥檙e using music to address their needs. So, we鈥檙e working with motor skills, communication skills, cognitive skills, social skills and emotional skills. That鈥檚 why there are so many applications of music therapy in the community.鈥
Last August, Denk joined Austin Peay State University as an assistant professor of music. Throughout the year, she鈥檚 piloted a music therapy concentration within a degree program at the University, and this fall, the APSU Department of Music will welcome the first students into its new Bachelor of Music with a concentration in music therapy degree program. In August 2021, Austin Peay will become one of only two public schools in Tennessee to offer a music therapy degree accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.
鈥淎s a music therapist, I鈥檝e worked with clients across the lifespan,鈥 Denk said. 鈥淲ith all the populations we work with, that means there are a lot of job opportunities. We designed our curriculum in such a way that all the information they get here can directly be applied to the field.鈥
Music has long been a source of healing and inspiration 鈥 its therapeutic roots date back to antiquity 鈥 but according to the American Music Therapy Association, the modern profession 鈥渂egan after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to veterans鈥 hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.鈥
This ability to serve soldiers and veterans, along with people ranging in age from preschoolers to senior citizens, is one of the reasons why the Department of Music developed this new program.
鈥淎s we鈥檝e seen Clarksville grow and expand, we鈥檝e seen newer healthcare centers and senior living facilities crop up,鈥 Dr. Eric Branscome, chair of the APSU Department of Music, said. 鈥淎nd in addition, we鈥檝e seen the benefits this could provide at Fort Campbell. There鈥檚 a growing need in the community.鈥
Students enrolled in the program will spend their first two years following the curriculum of a traditional music major, taking classes in music theory and music history. As they transition into the program later, they鈥檒l begin incorporating courses like biology and psychology into their schedule, while also learning how music can influence physical and psychological responses.
Denk sees this as part of the program鈥檚 appeal, attracting people like her, with deep, competing interests.
鈥淚 was always involved in music, but I was also interested in psychology and human behavior and this was the combination of both of those,鈥 she said. 鈥淏y becoming a music therapist, I was able to combine my two passions.鈥
The program also includes practicum opportunities in the Clarksville community, giving students the chance to apply their classroom learning and musical skills with a variety of clinical populations. These field experiences, along with the program curriculum, were designed to prepare graduates for the Certification Board for Music Therapists national board certification exam. Once they鈥檙e board-certified music therapists, they鈥檒l be able to pursue careers that use music as a form of healing.
鈥淭hroughout my career, being a music therapist has been my greatest privilege,鈥 Denk said. 鈥淔or (hospice patients) to allow me into this sacred space, and more often welcome me into that space, that is really powerful.鈥
For information on the program, contact Denk at denkj@apsu.edu.
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