Join the MTAO and a medley of incredible guest speakers at the 2024 Student, Intern, Supervisor Conference! Taking place in person at Wilfrid Laurier University, the SISC is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage within the wider music therapy community. Featuring an array of topics from presenters with a variety of backgrounds and experience, this conference is sure to have something for everyone.

Schedule

Please note that the schedule is subject to some small last-minute changes as we iron out all of the details. Attendees will be notified of any significant changes to the schedule made in advance of conference day. 

All SISC 2024 content will be provided in person only. There will be opportunities for virtual engagement in connection with the 2025 Annual Conference, details will be provided in the coming months. 

Other Info:

If you are a student and not yet a member of the MTAO, you are eligible to receive a complimentary MTAO Student Membership with your purchase of a conference ticket. Please email treasurer.mtao@gmail.com for more details.

Presentation Descriptions & Speaker Bios

Drum circle: The Heartbeat of expression, support, and togetherness.
Karen Kwok

Karen will be sharing her insights of drum circle, a unique research based experience that showcases the universal power of music, a wellness support to both clients and ourselves as music therapists. The workshop will serve as the opening of the conference by inviting everyone to join the fun filled drum circle facilitated by Samuel Liu, drum circle facilitator at drumIN. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided by drumIN and MTAO Partners.

Karen Kwok-Liu, MM, MTA, MT-BC, has been a board-certified music therapist since 2004 and the founder of Bloomy Music Therapy Services, which has provided culturally appropriate music therapy to clients across the Greater Toronto Area for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Karen has supervised many music therapy interns from the University of Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier University, and more recently, the University of Toronto. Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Music from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy, along with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, from Western Michigan University, USA. During her studies, she served as a research assistant in the University of Toronto’s Infant Studies Psychology and Music Lab and as a graduate assistant in the Gerontology department at Western Michigan University. Karen, along with her husband, Samuel Liu, is passionate about enriching the community through Community Music Therapy, organizing drum circles, and promoting music education for all. Their Drumming for Wellness program received the MicroGrant award from the Mississauga Arts Council in 2023 and was a finalist for the MAC Community Arts Group Award in 2024.

Clinical Applications in Adult Day Programs and In The Community
Meredith Woodiwiss and Mason Gibson

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-570-x/2023001/section3-eng.htm

Meredith Woodiwiss (RP (Qualifying), MTA, she/her) works as the music therapy team lead at Acclaim Health. Meredith provides support to Acclaim Health’s Burlington Club as well as in the community, supporting individuals living with dementia, palliative diagnoses, bereavement, and caregivers. Mason Gibson (she/her) is a certified music therapist currently working at Acclaim Health. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Therapy both from Wilfrid Laurier University, Mason is experienced with a variety of populations, including mental health, cancer care, palliative care, and supporting individuals living with dementia. Mason currently provides support to Acclaim Health’s Soper, Walmley, and Mississauga clubs. 

Enhancing Verbal Counselling Skills for Emerging Music Therapists: Techniques for Working with Aging Adults
Miya Adout

Miya Adout is a Certified Music Therapist and the founder and director of MIYA Creative Care, where she leads efforts to empower and enrich the lives of individuals in long-term care homes, hospices, and other care settings through creative arts therapies. Miya also runs CreativePsych.ca, a psychotherapy practice comprised of dual certified psychotherapists and creative arts therapists. Miya holds a BA in Culture & Expression from York University, a Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy, and an MA in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. She is passionate about topics such as culture change in long-term care, enhancing care for aging adults and cultural sensitivity training for care teams working with Jewish older adults. 

Neurologic Music Therapy and Brain Injury Recovery
Kaitlyn Aquino

Did you know 4% of the population lives with a brain injury? With the prevalence of brain injury in Canada, music therapists must be equipped to support this growing population. This presentation will explore considerations and clinical insights for music therapists working with individuals living with a brain injury.

Participants will explore Neurologic Music Therapy, the science behind it and why it’s effective in rehabilitation. With a combination of video examples and live demonstrations, participants will learn special considerations for working with individuals living with a brain injury, from functional movement and speech to cognitive skills and coping. Participants will also learn about opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, family training and how to build an effective home program to support clients living with a brain injury.

Kaitlyn Aquino is a certified Neurologic Music Therapist with a Master of Music in Applied Music and Health Sciences from the University of Toronto. Kaitlyn is the owner of Rhythmic Rehab Inc, a rehabilitation company providing Neurologic Music Therapy services to individuals with neurologic impairment across the lifespan in Greater Toronto Area. Kaitlyn is a passionate advocate of Neurologic Music Therapy, collaborating with community partners to educate and support individuals living with neurologic impairment.

Music Therapy Interventions With At-Risk Youth
Emma Burke-Kleinman

Music therapy can play a large role in the lives of at-risk youth and support them through their development by targeting goals related to cognition and psychosocial health. The Music Makes Us Stronger program at Covenant House Toronto, developed first as a music therapy internship site and now run by a certified Neurologic Music Therapist, is a space for youth experiencing homelessness to engage in music for wellness, relaxation, and self-expression, and participate in therapeutic music interventions such as music listening, songwriting, music making, and engaging with the creative arts. This presentation will explore the specific ways in which music therapy interventions have been used with this population to address mental health and wellbeing. 

Emma Burke-Kleinman (BMTP, MMus, MTA, MT-BC, NMT) graduated from the MMus Applied Music and Health program at the University of Toronto and became a certified Neurologic Music Therapist in 2023. During her studies, she conducted research on Melodic Intonation Therapy, a therapeutic music intervention that aims to increase expressive language, and was a research assistant at the Music and Health Research Collaboratory on a project led by Dr. Tristan Loria that focused on exploring the efficacy of paired versus individual learning in music education. She presented her graduate thesis, which focused on the NMT technique Music in Psychosocial Training and Counselling (MPC)®, at the ArtEZ Institute in Enschede, Netherlands. Through her music therapy clinical work, she has experience with a variety of populations, including children and adults with Autism, ADHD, at-risk youth, developmental disabilities, post-stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson’s, Traumatic Brain Injury, dementia, and mental health diagnoses in private settings through her own practice and Music Therapy Toronto, as well as through Canada’s National Ballet School’s Adapted Dance Program, B’nai Brith Canada, and Covenant House Toronto. 

Post-Grad: Next Steps in Music Therapy After your BMT
Hope Pascoe, Jessica Kwong, Adrianna Suppa, Joanne Tseng, and Julia Lee

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy is an exciting time, but also a time filled with many questions. What’s next? How do I prepare for the CBMT exam? How do I find a job as a music therapist? Should I pursue further education? These are questions each of the panelists asked themselves as they entered the field of music therapy as new graduates in 2021. In this panel discussion, the panelists will share their experiences from graduation to the present, describing their journey over the past three years and the lessons they have learned. The panel will discuss preparing for the CBMT exam, finding work in music therapy, building your caseload, considerations for pursuing further education, starting a private practice and other experiences they have found beneficial for their personal and professional growth as a new music therapist. Each music therapists’ career pathway is unique, and this panel aims to illustrate there is no one right way to a successful career post-graduation and inspire you to make your post-graduation journey your own. There will also be the opportunity for the conference attendees to ask the panelists questions, so come prepared to hear their insights and ask your questions!

Hope Pascoe (MTA, MA, BMT) completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021 and her Masters in Music and Health at the University of Toronto in 2022. During her masters, Hope conducted research investigating the use of Neurologic Music Therapy for improving speech symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease. Hope has experience working with client populations in palliative care and oncology and individuals with neurodiversity. She is currently serving as the secretary to the Board of Directors for the Music Therapy Association of Ontario and working toward becoming a Registered Psychotherapist.

Adrianna Suppa (MTA, NMT, BMT) is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University and is a current student in the Master of Creative Arts Therapies program at Concordia University. She completed her Neurologic Music Therapy training in 2021. Adrianna has experience working with people across the lifespan in many settings including long-term care, neurorehabilitation, and developmental care. Adrianna is currently completing her clinical internship at Sick Kids Hospital. In her spare time, Adrianna enjoys reading, drinking tea, and spending time with her dog.

Jessica Kwong (MT-BC, MTA, NMT, BMT) is a licensed music therapist who graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with her Bachelors of Music Therapist in 2021. She has served seniors in long-term care homes and adult day programs, adults with developmental disabilities in adult day programs, and youth through mental health workshops. In September 2024, Jessica began her Masters studies with Concordia University and embarked on internship work at Baycrest, a geriatric hospital in North York. She was a concurrent speaker at the CAMT 2021 Annual Conference alongside Hope Pascoe, presenting the clinical application of Baroque music.

Joanne Tseng (MTA, NMT, BMT) graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Music Therapy in 2021. She is a certified music therapist through the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and works with individuals of all ages and abilities. In 2023, Joanne founded her private practice, Tune to Heart Music Therapy, with the goal of making music therapy more accessible to her community in the Greater Toronto Area. When she is not working, Joanne enjoys watching live performances, going for a run, and paddle boarding.

Julia Lee (MTA, BMT) obtained her MT-BC and MTA accreditation in the fall of 2022. She began contracting for music therapy companies in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, including Canadian Community Care and Expressions Music Therapy Services. Julia specializes in working with folks of all ages who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. In her career so far, she has collaborated with associations such as Extend-A-Family, Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services, Woodstock and District Developmental Services, Community Living, and KW Habilitation. In addition to music therapy, Julia works as a music teacher as well as a direct support person.

Understanding Music Therapy Contractor and Subcontractor Rights in OntarioPresenter
Steffi Friyia

This presentation, titled “Understanding Music Therapy Contractor and Subcontractor Rights in Ontario,” provides an in-depth exploration of the rights and protections that music therapy professionals need to be aware of when working as contractors or subcontractors. Aimed at both seasoned practitioners and those new to the field, this session covers essential aspects of contractor and subcontractor roles, including legal frameworks such as the Ontario Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, and Human Rights Code.

The presentation will delve into critical topics like contract essentials, payment rights, intellectual property, and health and safety protections. We’ll also discuss the practicalities of working for multiple clients or employers, addressing common concerns such as non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, and managing workload effectively.

Real-life case studies will be presented to illustrate how these principles apply in practice, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate their professional responsibilities while safeguarding their rights. Additionally, resources and support networks will be highlighted to empower music therapists in making informed decisions about their work arrangements.

References for this presentation include the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s guidelines on contractor rights, the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and relevant sections of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The session is designed to equip music therapists with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently manage their careers, ensuring that their practices are legally compliant and professionally rewarding.

Steffi Friyia, MA, BMT, MTA, NMT has been a certified music therapist for 10 years, with extensive experience as both a contractor and subcontractor. In late 2023, she launched her private practice, Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Ontario, where she applies Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) to help stroke and burn survivors in their recovery journeys.

Thoughts and considerations when choosing a clinical population
Ashley Kurkjian

When starting out as a music therapist, going through the interview and selection process for a clinical internship can be daunting enough as it is, let alone deciding what clinical population to work with. As an undergraduate intern, are you “stuck” working with the same population you worked with through your entire internship? While graduate interns have more opportunities to work at a variety of sites, is it wise to gain experience with various clinical populations or specialize in one? And once your internship is over, are the skills you acquired transferable between populations or are you at a disadvantage if you end up working with a different population in your internship than you will in your job? In this discussion, each panelist will discuss the work with our current, primary clinical population, and the journey we took to working with them. We will also offer any additional insights needed to successfully work with your preferred clinical population through your internship and beyond.

Ashley Kurkjian is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and Accredited Music Therapist (MTA) with New Song Music Therapy. She is currently completing her PhD in Music (Music Therapy) at Wilfrid Laurier University and specializes in providing music psychotherapy in long-term care.

**Note: This presentation will be followed by a round-table style panel discussion with members of the board and volunteers in sharing experiences related to the topic as well as insight into the realities of music therapy beyond the classroom and internship settings. There will be an opportunity to submit questions and topics in advance, as well as throughout the discussion.

Recognition Awards

Nominations for the 2024 SISC recognition awards are open and will be accepted until Thursday October 3rd. Please see below for award descriptions and the nomination process.