(Emily Ross | Photo courtesy of Cascade School of Music)
Beginning this fall, the Cascade School of Music (CSM) will enrich its already robust curriculum of youth classes, adult classes and private lessons by introducing a music therapy program under the guidance of Emily Ross, MA, MT-BC (Master of Arts, Music Therapy — Board Certified). Expanding its programming to include music therapy furthers the nonprofit music school’s mission of serving the community “by providing exceptional music education and experiences for all Central Oregonians, making music Fun, Engaging, Safe and Social” (cascadeschoolofmusic.org). In the case of music therapy, however, learning an instrument isn’t the primary objective. As music therapist Kalani Das explains, “Music Therapy is the delivery of music based services, music based experiences, by a board certified music therapist within a client / therapist relationship to a person who has therapeutic goals and objectives.” Such goals may include increasing expressive communication, increasing coping skills, decreasing stress and increasing skills in social interaction.
Approximately 80 music therapists practice in the state of Oregon, and Oregon itself is one of only nine states that require a license to practice music therapy, which increases access to safe, high-quality services. Among these therapists, Ross stands out as exceptional, an incredible addition to CSM’s talented faculty and a true gift to the Central Oregon community. The basic requirements for a practicing music therapist are a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy along with Board Certification, and Ross exceeds these requirements by also holding a masters in Counseling Psychology / Music Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Following this advanced degree, she taught music therapy courses from 2003 to 2015, and served as Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor of music therapy at Marylhurst University from 2015 to 2018, while also maintaining a private practice for thirteen years. These many years of experience make Ross a seasoned veteran in this up and coming profession.
“I am very excited to join the Central Oregon community” says Ross. “I am passionate about working with participants struggling with anxiety, depression, learning differences such as Autism, or growing pains such as how to set boundaries or improve communication.”
She continues, “I also really hope to serve folks who aren’t ready for lessons, those who love music but can’t yet ‘play in the band,’ so to speak, whether for emotional reasons or due to learning challenges.” Emily’s passion for the profession is rooted in her early experiences as a general music, choir and band teacher to K-12 students where, with 30 kids in the classroom, she felt she couldn’t meet their individual needs.
Support for the program has come from a variety of sources, such as the Starview Foundation, who sponsored the music therapy room, and Brooks Resources, who sponsored the special instruments need in a music therapy setting.
