Sharon R. Boyle, associate professor of music therapy and coordinator of the undergraduate music therapy program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, recently had an article published in the Music Therapy Perspectives Journal.

Boyle co-authored the article, entitled “Are Music Therapists at Risk for Voice Problems? Raising Awareness of Vocal Health Issues in Music Therapy,” with Dr. Rebecca Engen, director of music therapy at Queens University of Charlotte. This article brings to light a topic that has not been studied in the music therapy profession and is based upon her collaboration with Engen at national conferences, where they frequently present on vocal health issues.

Boyle and Engen are currently in the process of completing an article based upon their research to determine the actual prevalence of vocal health problems among music therapy clinicians in the field.

With extensive clinical experience working in both short-term and long-term care facilities, Sharon Boyle is board-certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and is a professional member of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). She presents regularly at state, regional and national conferences on various topics, which include vocal health issues, the importance of self-care for music therapists, and innovative clinical training/curricular ideas. She also serves as president of the Indiana Music Therapists (IMT) and is a state representative on the Great Lakes Region Executive Board. Boyle earned her master's degree at East Carolina University, and she holds a bachelor's degree from Linfield College.

For more information about the undergraduate music therapy program at SMWC, contact Boyle at sboyle@smwc.edu.