"We are the Music Makers, and we are the Dreamers of Dreams" - Arthur O'Shaughnessy I dream of becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist. My goals as a musician go beyond the confines of a poorly lit practice room- they shape my morals and frame the way I want to touch the lives of future clients. Achieving the Board-Certified status tells others that I have the dedication to put research behind my music-making, allowing me to properly tackle the individualized therapeutic goals of clients. In my home state of Ohio, licensure for Music Therapy is not recognized or required. This interferes with a person's right to receive care that is not only best practice, but best in carrying out true therapeutic intentions. My goal with Board Certification will not only inform various facilities that they are in good hands, but it will allow me to be an advocate for my profession as a whole. I'm currently working towards my goal in various ways. This semester, I'm working as a Student Music Therapist in a nursing home leading group sessions for elders experiencing memory loss. I'm in classes that allow me to expand repertoire, my instrumental skills, and the proper ways to apply music to various therapy scenarios. Additionally, I'm involved in the Cleveland State Student Music Therapist organization that allows us students to raise funding for new instruments, keep us in the loop of what's happening in the "Music Therapy world" nationwide, and create relationships with my peers that I can (and will!) carry into my career. A lot goes into achieving a goal, especially one so life-changing. And yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. My goal is not only for me, but to further highlight the importance of proper credentials for all aspiring music therapists.

#Back2SchoolBold This just got real! The start of my fall semester has been filled with music, practicing, and bold steps towards my future as a Music Therapist. I’m leading my own sessions, planning the music without supervision, and killing the documentation game. Studying Music Therapy at Cleveland State University has been a dream come true- I absolutely love what I’m doing and wouldn’t have it any other way. My living room has been taken over by instruments that I can also be found lugging around campus with a smile on my face and a cheap, red, overflowing wagon. Despite the course load and sore shoulders from tight guitar straps, each day I spend studying what I’m passionate about feels like an adventure that I never want to end.

Dr. Deforia Lane is a board-certified Music Therapist and the Resident Director of Music Therapy at the renowned University Hospitals of Cleveland. Her passion for helping patients and families shines through her design and implementation of music therapy interventions. Deforia has created an award-winning music outreach program that allows special needs students to integrate with children on a "normal" track, has created environments that promote healing, and cares deeply for all her clients. I'm constantly inspired by her work in the medical field and the arts!