Year:
2023
Abby Hershauer is pursuing the Master of Music Therapy degree at Appalachian State University. Abby is a vocalist with a desire to pursue the opportunities of healing through music therapy. Abby has been taking vocal and piano lessons since childhood culminating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Psychology at Western Carolina University located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. At Western Carolina University she was involved in many ensembles including the Concert Choir, Indonesian Gamelan Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City with WCUs Concert Choir. Throughout her undergraduate studies she took on multiple leadership roles. Abby served as a Community Enrichment Specialist and Respite Care Specialist within her internship at Lifespan’s Creative Center in Waynesville, North Carolina. Through various jobs and volunteering, she gained valuable experience with individuals who have various intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Abby spent one academic year at University of Miami studying music therapy under an NMT based perspective. Abby was involved in an Afro-Caribbean Hand Drumming ensemble at University of Miami and gained clinical experience in volunteering through the Miami Jam Sessions and being placed at a head-start facility for preschoolers in Coconut Grove of Miami, Florida for practicum. Abby has research interests in women, gender and sexuality studies through music therapy, and in examining how the feminist perspective within music therapy can facilitate psychological benefits for women survivors of various types of abuse. Abby’s key interests and experiences lead her on the successful path of a career that is helping marginalized groups of people through music interventions.