On Monday, February 9th, the students of MSU's Music Therapy Program were informed by Jim Forger, Dean of the College of Music, that he was requesting the University place a Moratorium on both undergraduate and graduate admissions to Music Therapy, for budgetary reasons in these unprecedented economic times. However, he stressed that there was no concern about the value of the program.

Please consider sending a letter of support IMMEDIATELY for this historic program, which has impacted the field of music therapy beyond measure.  Letters of support are best received if not in a template form. Such letters can have an impact of the final decisions made.  Important factors to highlight include program quality, student success, alumni and external stakeholders.

Thank you in advance for speaking out concerning an action that would impact not only MSU students and clients, but the music therapy community as a whole. Your voice will be heard, and may influence a far-reaching decision.

Letters, emails and phone calls can be directed to:

James Forger, Dean
College of Music
Michigan State University
105 Music Bldg
East Lansing, MI 48824-1043
517-355-4583
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [1]

Kim A. Wilcox, Provost & V.P., Academic Affairs
Michigan State University
429 Administration Bldg
East Lansing, MI 48824-1046
517-355-1524
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [2]

Lou Anna K. Simon, President
Michigan State University
450 Administration Bldg
East Lansing, MI 48824-1046
517-355-6560
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [3]

If you feel comfortable doing so, please send a copy of the letter as an e-mail attachment to either Ted Tims ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [4]), Roger Smeltekop ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [5]), or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This will help us to keep track of the number of support letters we have received.

MSU MT Students have also formed a Facebook Group "SAVE THE MSU MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM."

See more information and updates here: Great Lakes Region American Music Therapy Association .

Here is an article from USATODAY.com: Many hospitals use music to ease patients' pain, reduce anxiety and improve coping abilities. Read more...

This piece aired on NBC's Today Show on Thursday the 29th. This is directly related to the article posted earlier: "You're never too young to rock 'n' roll." 9 music therapists, including Deforia Lane, PhD, MT-BC from University Hospitals, Beck Center for the Arts, the Music Therapy Enrichment Center and others are honored to be collaborators on the program.

Here is a great article that was posted on: "WICKED LOCAL SUDBURY with news from the Sudbury Town Crier and MetroWest Daily News":

During music therapy, she grabs an instrument and shakes it. "It sounds simple but for Kate that’s huge for her to follow an instruction," said Kate’s ...

Related Link: Kate's Voice, Connect With Music

The show airs via the internet live at 5 pm Eastern and 4 pm Central every Saturday. You can call in to join the discussion at 646-652-2850.

Sunday with LIz Walker on Channel 4 (Boston area) broadcasted a segment on the music therapy program at Shriners Hospital for Children-Boston on March 30, 2008. The show should be posted soon on their website and you can view it at: Sunday with Liz. Read the article here. 

Manchester Community Music School

"Manchester Community Music School Music Therapy Program had a radio spot on New Hampshire Public Radio, highlighting how music therapy helped a boy with Sensory Integration Disorder."
Sent by Shannon Laine, MT-BC

Listen to the Radio Clip:
http://www.nhpr.org/node/15049