March Program
March 8, 2024 – Emily Peterson: Teaching Students on the Autism Spectrum
Program Description:
This presentation will consider the intersection of music therapy and education in the private lesson setting, provide a review of peer-reviewed research regarding current practices in the field, and end with an open discussion. As Emily does not have a diagnosis of Autism herself, she welcomes perspectives of those on the Autism spectrum and encourages sharing of lived experiences.
Speaker Biography:
Emily DuPont Peterson (she/her), originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is a music therapist, music educator, and performer. Emily received her bachelor’s of music degree in voice and music therapy from Appalachian State University and earned her master’s degree in adult & higher education in 2019 from GVSU. In addition to co-owning West Michigan Music Therapy LLC, Emily maintains a thriving private music studio with locations in Grand Rapids and Rockford High School that serves all ages and abilities. The bulk of her clinical work is in end of life care and currently works with children with autism and Rett syndrome in her private practice. She taught music at Grand Rapids Community College, a NASM school for four years and gained her reputation as a sought-after vocalist and clinician; frequent collaborations include soloing with the Vintage Parlor Orchestra and chamber groups from the Grand Rapids Symphony. You may have seen her recently as the Master of Ceremonies/musical director in Kander and Ebb’s Chicago, music director of Grand Rapids' first Grown Up Theater Camp, and you can find her this fall as a teaching artist at the Civic Theater.