About this Course

The history of music therapy is a collection of stories that the profession identifies as important to preserve and celebrate. The music therapy profession has crafted the narrative that music therapy as a profession in the United States developed from World War II, the establishment of the first academic program, and the founding of the National Association for Music Therapy in 1950. However, newly analyzed primary and secondary sources illuminate how the grassroots activities of women music therapy leaders from 1900 onward contributed to the development of music therapy. Participants will examine personal and institutional biases and assumptions within music therapy’s historical narrative and engage in discussions about the reasons these narratives exist. Presenters will summarize the findings of their historical studies of two early women leaders and encourage the diversification of narrators through presenting an overview of basic historical research skills and how to embark on a study.
a yellowed, old book with a broken binding, opened to a middle page

Learning Objectives

w/ CBMT Board Certification Domains

  • Deconstruct personal and institutional bias and assumptions within music therapy’s dominant historical narrative. -II.C.1, V.B.11

  • Compare the historical narratives of Eva Augusta Vescelius and Isa Maud Ilsen’s music therapy activities to the dominant historical narrative often presented in textbooks and other publications. -V.A.2.

  • Summarize and apply the historical research process, including locating, evaluating, analyzing sources to critically examine and expand the historical narrative. -V.B.18. S

Course Schedule

150 minutes. This is an asynchronous, online course. You can complete the course modules at your own pace and on your own schedule. Follow the instructions to complete the course evaluation and receive your CMTE certificate.

  • Current Historical Consciousness of Music Therapy in the United States (40 Minutes)

  • Contributions of Women Music Therapy Leaders of the Early 20th Century: Eva Augusta Vescelius and Isa Maud Ilsen (70 Minutes)

  • Historical Research Skills for Music Therapists (40 minutes)

Emily E. Sevcik, PhD, LPC, MT-BC

Emily E. Sevcik, PhD, LPC, MT-BC, is an Assistant Professor Music Therapy at Western Illinois University where she teaches across the undergraduate curriculum, supervises practicum students, and serves as an academic advisor. Emily is active member of American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Illinois Association for Music Therapy (IAMT). She joined the editorial board for Music Therapy Perspectives in January 2023 and currently serves as a GLR AMTA Assembly of Delegates Alternate. Emily’s research is published in the Journal of Music Therapy, and she has presented at numerous national, regional, and state conferences.
Emily, a white woman with blonde hair smiling at the camera

Kelly L. Carlson, MA, MT-BC

Kelly L. Carlson, MA, MT-BC, is an engaging and fun presenter with over 18 years of clinical experience. Kelly returned to graduate school in Fall 2022 to pursue her PhD in Music at the University of Iowa and has discovered how interesting and fun historical research can be. Currently her research is focused on Isa Maud Ilsen’s life and contributions to the field of music therapy, as well as music and mindfulness to decrease stress.
Kelly Carlson wearing a flowered top, smiling with a green outdoor background.