Roots and Resonance: Exploring Your Music Therapy Journey

(3 CMTE credits)

Saturday, September 6, 2025
Converse University, Spartanburg, SC

PDF Flyer

Register: https://forms.gle/Rdwua1mZdFzoEG9r5

Course Description

A career in music therapy can be as transformative as the musical experiences between a music therapist and client. Anchored in the instructor’s career trajectory—from undergraduate training at Converse University to clinical practice, graduate education, and academic teaching—the course examines the multifaceted nature of career progression in the field. Participants will gain insight into the highs, lows, and pivotal decisions that shape a career.

Through guided reflection activities attendees will examine their own professional paths, core values, challenges, inspirations, and aspirations. The course also highlights the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary growth, and the balance of personal and career goals, as illustrated by the instructor’s journey through graduate studies, university-level teaching, and personal values.

Whether you’re just beginning your career or seeking renewed direction, this course offers a space to reconnect with your purpose, celebrate your progress, and chart your next steps in music therapy.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion of this CMTE, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify at least two personal goal areas for professional growth, prioritize, and establish a plan of action. (CBMT V.A.1).
  2. Identify at least two of one’s own assumptions, values, and biases. (CBMT V.B.11).
  3. Identify one’s scope of education, training, and abilities. (CBMT. V. B.5).

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to attend this CMTE event. Students are welcome and encouraged to come and learn with MT-BCs.

MT-BCs - REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CBMT # FOR SIGNING IN AND OUT.

About the Presenter

Laurie Peebles, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC is currently an Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Graduate Coordinator at Georgia College. Laurie received a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy and a Master’s of Music in Music Education at Converse University and a Doctor of Philosophy in music education with an emphasis in music therapy at the University of Miami. She completed her music therapy internship with the Fulton County School System and she joined the music therapy team at The George Center for Music Therapy, in Atlanta, GA a private practice, which specializes in catering to children with exceptionalities. She worked with children with autism, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, mental disabilities, survivors of abuse, children who have lost parents or siblings, and/or other varying health impairments.

From 2012 to 2014, Laurie served on the executive board as secretary of the Music Therapy Association of Georgia. In 2014, she began working as the music therapist on the Oncology units at Greenville Memorial Hospital, in Greenville, SC, a program funded by a LiveSTRONG grant. Beginning in 2016, she began providing music therapy services at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL providing music therapy services on the cardiology, neurology, and intensive care units. During this time, she also providing music therapist services with the private practice Wholesome Harmonies Music Therapy, LLC in Miami, FL.

In 2019, Laurie was the recipient of the AMTA Music Therapy Perspectives Graduate Research Award for her research study “Trends in Music Therapy Preprofessional Supervision: A Systematic Review.” Her research on music therapy reimbursement practices in the United States has been published in Music Therapy Perspectives. She has presented at several national, regional, and state music therapy conferences on topics which include supervision, the clinical use of technology, and her experience starting a music therapy program in Zhengzhou, China.

She has been member of AMTA since 2008. Her other professional affiliations include the Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda and the Music Therapy Association of Georgia. When not practicing music therapy, Laurie continues to enjoy performing on flute. In 2014, Laurie was the winner of the South Carolina Flute Society Masterclass competition. In 2015, Laurie performed for Sir James Galway in a masterclass at the Galway Flute Festival in Weggis, Switzerland. In 2018, Laurie performed at the National Flute Association conference with the University of Miami Frost Flute Ensemble under the direction of Trudy Kane.

Course Schedule

Registration

9:00-9:50 AM

Check In

9:50-10:00 AM

Where Did It All Start

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Welcome/Introduction

  • Participants will reflect on their own journeys:

    • Career Timeline Collage (Map your career journey - include milestones, turning points, and emotions. Timelines can be linear, spiral, or symbolic.)

  • From my beginning at Converse:

    • How it all started: Deciding to be a MT major in a new program, balancing performing with clinical development, my dualistic thinking, internship

Starting a Career

  • Working in Private Practice
  • Highs and Lows of professional practice

Going Home

  • Deciding to go back to Converse for Music Education, but keeping my feet planted in music therapy.
    • Working at the Lawson Academy Music Therapy Clinic
    • LiveSTRONG grant and starting a music therapy program in at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
    • Balancing Act between student life and my professional career.

Life After Converse

  • PhD Program at University of Miami
  • Teaching at Georgia College & State University
  • Converse mentorship that has persisted.

Career Compass Reflection

  • Participants will create a career compass that represents where they are right now and identify their next direction.
    • North = Core Values
    • South = Challenges Faced
    • East = Inspirations and mentors
    • West = Goals and Dreams
  • Participants will be given the opportunity to share their compasses and highlight at least 1 goal/aspiration for their future career.
  • Questions/Course Evaluation

Registration Information

Registration: https://forms.gle/Rdwua1mZdFzoEG9r5

Cost: Free CMTEs for Board Certified Music Therapists. No fee for others to attend.

Walk-in registration available. CMTE credits cannot be granted if you arrive more than 15 minutes after the program has started.

Questions? Contact Carol.shultis@converse.edu or call (864) 596-9621.

*Roots and Resonances: Exploring Your Music Therapy Journey is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 3 Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The SER-AMTA #P-024, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.