Your path: Profile Music Therapy
Scott Garred
Music Therapy
When Scott Garred's fiancée, Michelle, suggested he consider music therapy as a career, it was the first time he had heard the term: "music therapy." His curiosity was aroused.
"The more I read about music therapy, the more I pictured myself in that role," Scott said. The combination of music and psychology appealed to the singer-songwriter who described himself as a "people person" and "musical storyteller."
On the Web, he found Marylhurst's Bachelor of Music Therapy listed among the American Music Therapy Association's approved programs. He visited the Marylhurst campus in the fall of 2001 to look into the program and audition. "I had a gut feeling this was the right place," he said.
Campus Community
Perhaps it was Christine Korb, Director of the Music Therapy program, who sealed Scott's decision. "She instantly gave me the courage to share who I was, in an essay and through my recordings," Scott said. So in subsequent conversations, "she spoke with me as a person who genuinely knew me."
Marylhurst's tight-knit community creates "a comfortable environment to learn in," he said. During a work-study assignment in the Admissions Office, Scott was pleasantly surprised when introduced at an office function to Nancy Wilgenbusch, University President. "Yes, I know you," the president said. "You're one of our new Music Therapy students."
Valuable Experience
In the very first year of the program, Scott gained valuable experience. "In the classroom, there is lots of role-playing," he said. "And I immediately went out into the community." As part of his Music in Recreation & Special Education class, Scott worked with children in a local preschool.
Scott visited young cancer patients at Legacy Emanuel and Doernbecher Children's Hospitals, going room-to-room with his guitar and songs. "The music distracts the kids from the discomfort they're going through."
Personal Growth
While he found this work rewarding, Scott also learned about himself from the experience. "I find I approach music therapy largely from a songwriting perspective," he said. He envisions using his talents working with older individuals, such as Alzheimer's patients. "I'd like to help them create a song from their memory, or recall a campfire song from their youth and create new lyrics, to help them remember," he said.
Whatever path he chooses, Scott is confident. "I have no doubt that when I leave this campus, I'll have all the tools I need to pursue a career as a music therapist."
Update
After graduating from Marylhurst, Scott went on to practice music therapy at Oregon State Hospital, the state's primary psychiatric hospital.
In November 2006, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported a story titled Music as Medicine, featuring Scott's work with his clients.
Listen to/Read Story on OPB's Web site
