University of Kentucky Music Therapy

04/02/2026

Woah—ARH was on the radio! 🎙️
Check out this interview featuring insights on how person-centered care can improve life for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

For many Kentuckians with dementia, medical interventions may seem like the only choice, but a new University of Kentucky study shows that prioritizing joy and engagement through enrichment activities is vital for the health of both residents and the caregivers who support them. Researchers from the...

03/13/2026

Check this out!! if you live in Lexington! 🎵 Thank you for your support and collaboration, Council Member Tyler Morton - Lexington's 1st District!

Help Design a Memory-Friendly Community Choir in Lexington!

Researchers at the University of Kentucky and Wildwood Music Therapy are inviting Lexington community members to help co-create a memory-loss–inclusive, intergenerational choir.

Who can participate:

· Adults (18+) with or without memory loss

· Adolescents (13–17) with parent/guardian permission

· Residents of City Council District 1 or 2

· Community organizations in Lexington

· Interest in arts, aging, or dementia support

What participation involves:

· Creative reflection activities

· Actively share your experiences and ideas

· Compensation available Interested? Contact [email protected] or complete the eligibility form.

03/13/2026

Check out the awesome conference-goers from University of Kentucky!! What an amazing group of humans. -AMTA Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association

03/04/2026

Dr. Reschke-Hernandez spoke about some of her research on WBKO! 📺💙 (collaborators: Martina Vasil Emma King-Cohen & Carson Woolums).

Watch the WBKO story here University of Kentucky School of Music : https://www.wbko.com/2026/02/16/uk-study-finds-joyful-activities-improve-dementia-care-patients-caregivers/ 👇

Research reveals dual benefits as engaging programs improve resident quality of life and staff well-being.

03/03/2026

🎸☀️ Rock on this summer with music camps at Wildwood Music Therapy!

Fun, inclusive, therapist-led music experiences for kids and teens right here in our community. Check them out and get ready to rock! 🎶🤘

02/27/2026

Huge shout out to UKMT graduate student Jameka Redden for her work as MC for M’Power Rhythm’s presentation “African Seeds, American Roots” at Coventry Oak Elementary this morning! We are proud of your impact in our local community!

Alt text: Jameka is standing next to an M’Power Rhythm banner, smiling.

02/09/2026

✨ Check out this UKNow feature! ✨
Dr. Reschke-Hernandez, Martina Vasil, Emma King-Cohen, and Carson Woolums collaborated on a qualitative study that is featured in UKNow! Check it out! Bonus: the research article is open-access and linked in the 6th paragraph.
What's stopping you? Read about some JOY! UK College of Fine Arts University of Kentucky School of Music UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging

A new University of Kentucky study shows that prioritizing joy and engagement through enrichment activities is vital for the health of both residents and the caregivers who support them. This research highlights how advancing Kentucky’s health care means looking beyond standard measures to support...

01/29/2026

Calling all healthcare heroes and organization queens! Do you have gently used scrubs sitting in the back of your closet that deserve a second life? We are collecting scrub donations to help out UKY music therapy grad students with required attire for working in medical settings. Mostly need black scrubs, rather than other colors & prints.

📍Drop-off location: UKMT Cottage 319 Rose Lane, Lexington, KY 40508

⏰ Time: Mondays-Fridays 9AM-2PM, or contact UKMT Faculty or TA’s (Cameron & Jen) to arrange a drop off.

🗓️ This is an ongoing call for donations. Share this post to help us spread the word!

🫧 Please ensure scrubs are clean and in good condition ✨

01/28/2026

Congratulations to Zach Palma, MM, MT-BC for defending his master’s thesis yesterday!! We are so proud of you! Join us in celebrating his accomplishment!

alt text: Screenshot of people joyfully smiling after Zoom defense, left to right from top row: Dr. Hudson, Dr. ARH, Dr. Yinger, Zach / Caleb, Dad (Ted), Corrina, Craig & Michelle / Mom (Beth), and Pricilla (iPhone2).

University of Kentucky School of Music UK College of Fine Arts Zach Palma

01/22/2026

🎉 Attention! Zach Palma's MM Music Therapy Thesis Defense!!

Title: "Music-based storytelling for older adult well-being: An adapted multiple case study"
Date: Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026, 1–2pm EST
Location: UK Little Fine Arts Library, Johnson Classroom (2nd Floor)
**Email ARH for Zoom link by Monday**

alt text: Dorothy playfully taps a stock pot on Rose’s head in the kitchen, like a whimsical percussion instrument bringing a story to life — a perfect reminder that even everyday moments can become music and storytelling for joy and connection. 🎶🥄
UK College of Fine Arts University of Kentucky School of Music

12/10/2025

We hope you have a good last day of Fall 2025, Wildcats. Also holding space for our neighbors at Kentucky State University.
alt text: Sulley, a large furry blue monster from Monsters, Inc, hugging human child Boo. UK College of Fine Arts University of Kentucky School of Music

12/05/2025

Congratulations to Melissa Peters, MM, MT-BC for defending her master’s thesis today!! We are incredibly proud of you! alt text: Melissa is joyfully standing in front of the presentation screen that is displaying her thesis title slide.

Thesis Title: “Burnout and mindful self-care practices among BIPOC women music therapists: A cross-sectional study.”

Join us in celebrating her accomplishments! University of Kentucky School of Music UK College of Fine Arts