ASU unveils Center for Community Music and Wellness

In a climate of reduced federal and state funding, ASU's School of Music is providing diverse populations with broader programming options for wellness and recreation. In bringing interactive music programs to underserved populations, the music therapy program has teamed up with community partners Remo Drums, AZ Rhythm Connection, Higher Octave Healing, and Ear Candy Charity to establish the Center for Community Music and Wellness.

“Our music therapy program is thriving, bringing important therapy to an ever-wider number of people,” said Kimberly Marshall, director of the ASU School of Music. “Thanks to the hard efforts of School of Music faculty Robin Rio and Barbara Crowe, we have been able to mobilize a whole network of community partners to create this new center. There is much to celebrate!”

Programs emphasize health and wellness, leadership, positive social interaction and musical skill building.

“This collaboration is a true embodiment of the work we have been doing in the community,” said Nate Anderson, founder and president of Ear Candy Charity. “We are surrounded by some of the best musical partners in the Valley – this really is where we belong.”

The community project is coordinated by ASU School of Music faculty members Barbara Crowe, professor and director of the music therapy program and Robin Rio, associate professor and center director, and Julie Murillo, faculty associate and director of Valley Music Therapy.

Join us for a free, afternoon celebration Oct. 1 to introduce the diverse team of partners that combined their efforts to establish the Center for Community Music and Wellness at Arizona State University.

There will be an afternoon celebration that is free and open to the public, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 1, at the Community Services Building, 200 E. Curry Road, Tempe. To view a map, visit: http://www.asu.edu/tour/tempe/csb.html. If you have questions, e-mail Robin Rio or visit: http://music.asu.edu/musictherapy/clinic/

The School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is ranked 19th in the country and eighth among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. More than 100 music faculty artists and scholars work with approximately 800 music majors each year in research, performance and scholarly activities. It presents approximately 700 concerts and recitals each year. To learn more about the School of Music, visit music.asu.edu

Catherine Bickell, Catherine.Bickell@asu.edu
480.965.2817
ASU School of Music