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CSUN Music Therapy Student Wins Award for Song

Cal State Northridge music therapy student Casey Gregg recently won a regional award from the Western Region American Music Therapy Association for her song, “The Wind and the Water.”

Gregg, a junior, was presented with the award at the WRAMTA conference last March in Stockton, Calif. The association seeks to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a changing world.

Gregg’s winning piece was a song she wrote and played on her guitar entitled “The Wind and The Water.” It is a piece that describes the uncontrollable situations human beings face and their need to realize that sometimes there is nothing they can do to stop or alter them.

“The chorus says ‘Let the wind and the water take control.’ It’s about not being in control about everything and letting things happen just as they should,” Gregg said. “I was inspired by my experience in transferring from Chapman to CSUN and the journey that I had to take.”

Gregg was first introduced to music therapy while in high school when she attended a summer program at Cal Arts, where she studied music composition.

“A teacher of mine was very passionate about music therapy. He gave a whole discussion about it and it instantly appealed to me. I thought ‘that is what I want to do,’”
said Gregg.

Music therapy is the specialized use of music to address the social, communication, emotional, physical, cognitive, sensory and spiritual needs of people of all ages and ability levels.

“It is one of the most effective and unique forms of therapy because it uses music and reinforcements through sounds, beats and song lyrics to help someone who has experienced trauma, who is mentally or physically ill and children, especially those suffering from autism,” Gregg said.

In order to practice in the state of California, as well as other states, one must first receive a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited university. Upon completing the degree, there is a test administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists that must be taken in order to receive a music therapy credential.

After high school, Gregg attended Chapman University, where she studied both music therapy and music performance. It was during this time that she picked up the guitar, yet another instrument she could add to her repertoire of instrumental expertise along with the piano, which she has played since the age of eight. Gregg also plays the saxophone and her ultimate passion, the drums.

“While in high school I used to play in a jazz band and would perform at banquets and special events. I also played at my church. But my main focus has always been the drums, and that is the one instrument that I hope to use as a music therapist.”

As part of her major, Gregg engages with the community through required service-learning volunteer projects. Thus far she has worked closely with children with autism, adults with various disorders, and at in/out patient psychiatric facilities.

“Working in the psychiatric facilities has inspired me to work with rehabilitation patients who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions,” said Gregg. “I am debating between becoming a family counselor or a social worker.”

For now, Gregg hopes to finish her music therapy degree within the next year and receive accreditation as a music therapist. She currently works for a non-profit organization founded by a fellow CSUN music therapy student. The organization uses the Guided Interactive Drumming Method to uplift, educate and energize people.