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Our Process

Process

Kids Rock Cancer offers a unique therapeutic outlet for children facing the emotional turmoil of cancer or blood disorders, whether their own or a family member’s. Through sessions tailored to each child’s needs and feelings on that day, an experienced music therapist helps them channel their emotions—ranging from fear and pain to love and joy—into music and songwriting. This creative process allows children to express difficult emotions or simply enjoy being a child again, turning their thoughts about everything from medical treatments to personal interests into powerful musical expressions.

This program not only serves as a distraction from the physical and emotional challenges these children face but also empowers them, giving them a voice and transforming them into rock stars in their own right. The act of creating music has been known to lessen the need for pain medication and provide a sense of control over their situation. For both children and their families, Kids Rock Cancer brings a sense of normalcy, fun and togetherness, helping them to navigate the challenges of illness with strength and unity.

Process

Kids Rock Cancer offers a unique therapeutic outlet for children facing the emotional turmoil of cancer or blood disorders, whether their own or a family member’s. Through sessions tailored to each child’s needs and feelings on that day, an experienced music therapist helps them channel their emotions—ranging from fear and pain to love and joy—into music and songwriting. This creative process allows children to express difficult emotions or simply enjoy being a child again, turning their thoughts about everything from medical treatments to personal interests into powerful musical expressions.

This program not only serves as a distraction from the physical and emotional challenges these children face but also empowers them, giving them a voice and transforming them into rock stars in their own right. The act of creating music has been known to lessen the need for pain medication and provide a sense of control over their situation. For both children and their families, Kids Rock Cancer brings a sense of normalcy, fun and togetherness, helping them to navigate the challenges of illness with strength and unity.

Interventions

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children.

Every day, 43 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. More than 15,000 children, annually.

Many survivors face long-term physical and emotional challenges.

70% of children with cancer experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Songwriting & Recording:

Helping kids express their journey through original music

Music Therapy Sessions:

Led by certified therapists to reduce stress and anxiety

Group Sessions & Individual Support:

Bringing children and families together for healing

Last year, KRC enabled 475+ Therapeutic Experiences

Meet the Team

Crystal Weaver
EdD, MHA, LPC, CRC, MT-BC

Director of Music Therapy
cweaver@maryville.edu

Alison Cole
MBA, MT-BC

Lead Music Therapist
acole1@maryville.edu

Damon Mitchell
MDiv, MBA

Development Director Outreach Programs
dmitchell7@maryville.edu

Maryville’s Music Therapy Program

Maryville University’s Music Therapy Program, established in 1972, stands as the sole provider of music therapy degree programs in the St. Louis area, boasting full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approval by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). This program underlines music therapy’s role as a significant force in healthcare, utilizing music to facilitate change across various clinical environments.

Offering both undergraduate (BS in Music Therapy) and graduate (MMT) degrees, Maryville’s program equips students for a dynamic and fulfilling career in a growing field. The curriculum is designed to build upon basic music therapy skills acquired at the undergraduate level with more advanced clinical training, research, theory and ethical practices at the graduate level. This comprehensive approach ensures that professionals are well prepared to employ music interventions effectively to achieve individualized therapeutic goals, enhancing the quality of life for their clients through the clinical and evidence-based use of music.

Interested in becoming a music therapist? Click the button below to learn more about how to apply.

DISCOVER MORE

Maryville’s Music Therapy Program

Maryville University’s Music Therapy Program, established in 1972, stands as the sole provider of music therapy degree programs in the St. Louis area, boasting full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approval by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). This program underlines music therapy’s role as a significant force in healthcare, utilizing music to facilitate change across various clinical environments.

Offering both undergraduate (BS in Music Therapy) and graduate (MMT) degrees, Maryville’s program equips students for a dynamic and fulfilling career in a growing field. The curriculum is designed to build upon basic music therapy skills acquired at the undergraduate level with more advanced clinical training, research, theory and ethical practices at the graduate level. This comprehensive approach ensures that professionals are well prepared to employ music interventions effectively to achieve individualized therapeutic goals, enhancing the quality of life for their clients through the clinical and evidence-based use of music.

Interested in becoming a music therapist? Click the button below to learn more about how to apply.

DISCOVER MORE