Music major Jasmine Andrews graduated from Seton Hill in December 2019. She’s completing the six month internship required by the American Music Therapy Association prior to taking the certification exam. Here, she shares how a love of music and a babysitting job inspired her career path.

What made you decide to major in music therapy?

When I was in middle school I started babysitting for a little autistic girl. When she would get upset, singing to her was the only thing that would calm her down. When I got to high school I realized I wanted to make a career out of music. I think it was my sophomore or junior year of high school when I started researching music professions. It was during my research that I happened upon music therapy. It seemed that music therapy consisted of two of my favorite things, helping people and making music. I initially went into college at Seton Hill University as a double major in music therapy and music education. After two really tough semesters, I quickly realized my heart was in music therapy and if I wanted to teach piano, voice, or guitar lessons I could still do that.

Have you graduated, or are you in the process of completing your final internship?

I graduated in December 2019 and will complete my internship at a special needs school called Bridgeway Academy on March 6th!

What were your favorite parts of the program?

My favorite part of the program was when some of us went on a mission trip to Jamaica. It was not required, but it is still the best experience I’ve ever had in my life. While we were there we did several things, but one notable thing was that I got to sing with some of the people at an infirmary.

What experience really stood out for you?

There was a great opportunity through the Music Therapy Club to help out at a local soup kitchen. I learned so much from helping out there and am currently working on creating one in Columbus, Ohio where I reside for my internship.

What are your plans for the future?

Whatever God has planned for me. My internship asked me to stay until May as a floater teacher (similar to a substitute teacher) so that is my immediate plan. While I’m working as a floater teacher I plan on passing my board certification exam and searching for a permanent music therapy job. My dream music therapy job would be a contracted music therapist. This is because it would allow me to work at multiple facilities such as the following: nursing homes, special needs schools, juvenile detention centers, hospitals, mental health facilities, and more.

Is there anything you'd like to share with prospective Seton Hill students who may be interested in music therapy?

Although music therapy is an intense major, I promise that the hard work will pay off.

Inset photo, above: Jasmine Andrews lets a little boy from her church strum her guitar.