UND student becomes second in two years to win national music therapy writing award

Kate Menzies

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

10-30-2014

Campus Unit

College of Arts & Sciences

Abstract

UND's own Christy Gerer is this year's recipient of the E. Thayer Gaston student writing award from the American Music Therapy Association. Gerer is the second UND student in two years to win the award, which is considered the most prestigious student award given by the association.

Gerer, a native of Denton, Mont., will be recognized at the national conference in November in Louisville, K.Y. Her paper also will be reviewed for possible inclusion in Music Therapy Perspectives.

Last year, Carly Flaagan became the first Gaston Award winner from UND. She was awarded a certificate, a $500 stipend and the opportunity to have her paper reviewed by the Journal of Music Therapy.

Music therapy is defined as the use of music to address emotional, cognitive, physical and social needs to an individual or a group, according to AMTA. A music therapist treats clients through singing, creating and listening to music. Music therapy also can help those who find it difficult to express themselves.

North Dakota became one of the first states with a music therapy licensing program in 2011, and includes music therapy under its Board of Integrative Health.

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