Join us on April 3, 2025, at 7:30 pm EST for a special event celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Florida State University College of Music’s Music Therapy program. Established in 1955, FSU was one of the first universities in the United States to offer a degree in Music Therapy. This milestone event will explore the program’s history, growth, and impact, featuring archival materials, personal reflections, and an exciting look at the future of Music Therapy at FSU.
Dr. Lori Gooding, the director of the program, reflects on the occasion:
“It has been an incredible experience to look back at 70 years of music therapy at FSU. We are excited to share the memories, the stories, and the people with you.”
Archival assistant and Music Therapy graduate student Perry Morris adds:
“It has been my privilege and pleasure to see and hold the research, communication, and ideas of people who have strongly influenced the field of music therapy. I have gotten to know how special these past 70 years have been, and I am excited for the next 70 years of music therapy at FSU!”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
FSU’s Music Therapy program has a distinguished history. It was the sixth academic degree program in the country, and of the original seven established before 1960, FSU is one of four still in existence. The program offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral-level training, producing approximately 1,000 graduates since its inception.
Notably, Dr. Don Michel founded the program in 1954, with Dr. Jayne Standley leading as director from 1976 until her retirement in 2024. FSU Music Therapy alumni work in clinical and academic roles across the United States and globally, including in Japan, Spain, and Singapore. Faculty, students, and graduates have made significant contributions to research, creative activity, and service, with many recognized as leaders in the field. Our community includes national and regional leaders in AMTA and CBMT, Fulbright grantees, NIH and research grant recipients, and developers of innovative music therapy tools such as the PAL.
Celebrating FSU Music Therapy’s Rich History
In honor of this milestone, the College of Music Archives, under the leadership of Dr. Arianne Johnson Quinn, Head of College Archives, is curating an archival case display in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, as well as launching a new digital exhibit. This exhibit will showcase the contributions of Music Therapy faculty, students, and alumni, preserving the rich legacy of the program.
The online exhibit marks the beginning of a dedicated digital archival collection focused on Music Therapy at FSU. As part of this initiative, the College of Music Archives is actively seeking submissions of photographs, personal testimonials, interviews, and other materials. The goal is to create a comprehensive collection leading up to the program’s 75th anniversary. If you would like to contribute, please contact Dr. Arianne Johnson Quinn at aquinn@fsu.edu or CM-Archives@fsu.edu.
Video & Photo Submissions
As part of the celebration, alumni and community members are invited to share their experiences through video and photo submissions. We want to hear from you! What are your favorite memories from your time in the FSU Music Therapy program? Do you have a story to share in a video or a special photo to contribute to our collective album?
Video Submission Guidelines:
- Record videos in landscape orientation (turn your phone sideways for a wider shot).
- Ensure good lighting, ideally facing a natural light source like a window.
- Record in a quiet environment, either indoors in a closed room or in a quiet outdoor setting.
To submit your video or photos, please use the submission form here: Video Submission Form
For assistance with submissions, please contact Rebekah Hair-Stewart, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, at rhairstewart@advance.fsu.edu.
Preserving Our Legacy: Archival Permissions
All items included in the online Archives platform are for research purposes only and will be preserved in accordance with professional archival best practices and legal copyright restrictions.
If you wish to grant permission for your submission to be included in the digital archives, please complete the archival permission form.
Register for the event here: Registration Page
Join us as we celebrate the past, honor our present, and look forward to the future of Music Therapy at FSU.
Lori Gooding
- Associate Professor of Music Therapy
- Director of Music Therapy
- Coordinator of Music Education and Music Therapy
