The music therapy area at CSU is celebrating 50 years with an event on Saturday, September 27 from 1-4 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts. Learn about the journey of building one of the nation’s leading music therapy programs and the unexpected details that shaped its history from the leaders who helped establish the program and curriculum. From classroom memories to ground-breaking innovations, this celebration highlights the people, stories, and spirit that have made CSU’s program thrive for half a century.

Guests include Bill Davis, Kate Gfeller, and Sarah Johnson.

A reception celebrating Music Therapy’s 50 years and Sarah Johnson’s retirement will follow the panel. Please register for the event here. Thanks!

A Message from Dr. Blythe LaGasse, Head of Music Therapy at CSU

Dear CSU Music Therapy Alumni,

We are thrilled to invite you to a very special milestone celebration – 50 years of Music Therapy at Colorado State University! Your contributions as alumni have helped shape CSU Music Therapy into the vibrant community it is today. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, we welcome you to be part of this celebration.

Join us on  September 27, from 1-4 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts in Fort Collins as we honor the legacy and future of our program. We are delighted to welcome guest speakers Dr. Bill Davis, Dr. Kate Gfeller, and Sarah Johnson, who will join Dr. Lindsey Wilhelm to share reflections on the history, growth, and future of CSU Music Therapy. The panel will highlight the people, stories, and spirit that have made our program thrive for half a century. Following the panel, we will host a reception to honor both 50 years of CSU Music Therapy and the retirement of Sarah Johnson.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we are raising funds to support future generations of music therapy students. A gift of any size makes a meaningful impact. Your presence and participation, whether in person or online, will make this milestone all the more meaningful.

We hope you will join us for this unforgettable celebration. For those unable to travel, a hybrid participation option will be available so you can join the festivities from afar. We’d also love to hear your stories! Share a favorite memory or photo to be included in our celebration. Instructions for sharing can be found on the event registration form here.

Warmly,
Blythe LaGasse
Proud Ram – M.M. in Music Therapy, 2004
Coordinator of Music Therapy, 2011–present.