Students, Interns, and Supervisors' Conference: Real Talks in Music Therapy
About this Event
Calling all Students, Interns, and Supervisors! SISC2026 registration is underway, and the MTAO is incredibly excited to have you join us in the Savvas Chamberlain building on the Wilfrid Laurier Campus this year. This is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage within the wider music therapy community. Featuring an array of topics from presenters with a variety of backgrounds and experience, this conference is sure to have something for everyone.
Other Info:
If you are a student and not yet a member of the MTAO, you are eligible to receive a complimentary MTAO Student Membership with your purchase of a conference ticket. Please email [email protected] for more details.
Recognition Awards
Nominations for the 2026 SISC recognition awards will open at SISC2026, on October 20th. Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual conference in February 2027. Please see below for award descriptions and the nomination process.
Student Recognition Award
The MTAO Student Recognition Award is granted to a student in a music therapy program who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and leadership.
How to nominate - Two letters of reference (at least one from a faculty member):
- How has the nominee gone beyond their regular responsibilities to demonstrate their dedication to the program and/or the field of music therapy?
- What actions make this individual stand out as a leader?
- Email [email protected]
Intern Recognition Award
The MTAO Intern Recognition Award is granted to a music therapy intern who has been recognized by a supervisor for going above and beyond during their internship placement.
How to nominate - One letter of reference:
- How has the nominee shown dedication to learning and growth throughout their internship?
- In what ways has this individual exceeded your expectations through the course of their internship?
- Email [email protected]
Supervisor Recognition Award
The MTAO Supervisor Recognition Award is granted to a supervisor as recognized by their intern(s) or peers for exemplary dedication to their role as a supervisor.
How to nominate - One letter of reference:
- How has the nominee demonstrated dedication to the role of supervisor?
- What do you find inspiring about this individual as a supervisor?
- Email [email protected]
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration & Optional Outdoor Guided Activity
Host: MTAO
Info: Registration will be concurrent with a guided outdoor activity (weather permitting).
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: MTAO
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Opener - Behind the Curtain: Building a Career in Hospital Music Therapy
Host: Briana Gregoris (she/her), MMT, MTA, NMT, RP
Info: Music therapy is increasingly recognized within healthcare, yet hospital-based positions remain limited. This presentation shares a personal journey of establishing a music therapy career in a local hospital, exploring expectations, realities, advocacy efforts, and key lessons learned. Attendees will gain insight into fostering growth and sustainability within medical settings.
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
C1a - Supervision in a Changing Profession: A Facilitated Discussion
Host: Tamara Leszner-Rovet (she/her), RP, ARCT, RMT, BMT, MTA
Info: Join fellow supervisors for an interactive discussion exploring current challenges in clinical supervision, recruitment, retention, professional regulation, and the evolving needs of clinicians. Together, we will share experiences, exchange ideas, and consider how supervisors can help shape the future of our profession.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
C1b - Real Talks About Preparing for Music Therapy Practice
Host: Ruth Watkiss (she/her), MTA
Info: Let's have a real conversation about entering the music therapy profession. Through audience polling and open discussion, participants will explore what prepares emerging music therapists for practice, and where opportunities for growth still exist.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
C2a - Transitioning From Student to Intern and Intern to New Hire
Host: Ashley Kurkjian (she/her), RP, MTA, MMT
Info: Entering the workforce, either as a music therapy intern or a newly hired music therapist, can be a daunting task. This presentation aims to demystify the internship application process and provide guidance to ensure that those first clinical experiences lead to future success in the field.
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
C2b- From Perfection to Connection: Navigating Language and Culture in Ontario
Host: Inhee Han (she/her), KCMT
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
C3a - Supervisors' Roundtable
Host: Gloria Lipski
Info: Join us for another Supervisors' Roundtable, where supervisors connect and discuss current questions/issues/topics emerging in their supervisory work. Questions/issues/topics can be submitted ahead of time to [email protected] or brought day-of.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
C3b- One Bad Apple: Navigating Interdisciplinary Barriers Within Music Therapy
Host: Brooke Collins
Info: As an emerging music therapist, Brooke wants to bring light to a clinical issue which has affected her undergraduate placements. This structured discussion will highlight a limited staff awareness towards music therapy, highlighting her individual experience and asking fellow students and colleagues how they have navigated these situations.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Break
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Regional Representatives
Host: MTAO
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Closer - What They Don't Teach You About Being a Music Therapist
Host: Thyra Andrews (she/her), RP, MA, MTA, Advanced Vocal Psy
Info: You graduated with clinical skills—but what about professionalism, workplace relationships, difficult conversations, leadership, and navigating healthcare systems? Through stories from nearly two decades of practice and building New Song Music Therapy, discover the lessons that shape a meaningful and sustainable career beyond the classroom.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Wrap Up & Closing Remarks
Host: MTAO
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 38.61 to CAD 49.26
