2018 AMTAS Executive Board

President, David Farsetti

Contact: president.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Southeastern
School and Region: Univeristy of Louisville, Senior
Primary Instrument: Flute
Why I want to be a music therapist: I find the ability of music to serve as a cognitive motivator to be uniquely powerful, and want this power to be shared with those who need encouragement for growth.
Why I became an AMTA member: AMTA is a uniting force within our profession, and I feel we must stand as a United from in order to further advocate for the professional recognition of our field. In addition to this, AMTA serves as an excellent resource for research, networking, and professional information.
Fun fact: I just recently had an amazing trip to Peru!

President-Elect, David Farsetti

Contact: presidentelect.amtas@gmail.com
Info: David assumed both the role of President and President-Elect following the resignation of the previous President.

Vice President, Eternity Stallings

Contact: vicepresident.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Western (WR)
School & year: Arizona State University, Intern
Primary instrument: Flute
Why I want to be a music therapist: I had a really difficult time choosing between studying music and medicine. It wasn’t until my band director in high school introduced me to the field of music therapy that I realized I could pursue both of my passions and help others in the best way I know how- music!
Why I became a member of AMTA: To stay connected in the field of music therapy across the nation and take an individual responsibility in furthering my education.
Fun fact:

Treasurer, Melinda Glass

Contact: treasurer.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Great Lakes Region (GLR)
School & year: Cleveland State University, Intern
Primary instrument: French horn
Why I want to be a music therapist: To help people recover from physical and neurological injuries.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I joined to have new opportunities, whether it is building networks or learning new techniques. I feel that it is also important to be a member of an organization which works hard to better our profession.
Fun fact: I have donated my hair three times; once before graduating high school, again sophomore year of college, and most recently after walking for graduation. (Please note that unlike my photo to the left, I currently have very short hair!)

Secretary, Grace Ham

Contact: secretary.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: South Eastern Region (SER)
School and year: East Carolina University, Senior
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music doesn't need words to reach someone. Music was there for me when I needed it most. It helped me crawl out of some pretty dark places. Music shaped the person I am today and it's also shaping me to become the person I eventually want to be. I wanted to help as many people become the happiest and the healthiest they could be through music, since music helped me the most during my difficult times.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I joined AMTAS because I wanted to become the best future music therapist and professional I could be. That meant using the resources and opportunities around me to push myself completely out of my comfort zone. I never realized how joining AMTAS would lead me to meeting so many wonderful people and taking so many new opportunities. 
Fun fact: I love animals and I also probably drink coffee more often than I breathe air... 

Parliamentarian, Kevin Bock

Contact: parliamentarian.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Southwestern (SWR)
​School & year: Southern Methodist University, Intern
Primary instrument: Viola
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music has been such an influential part of my life and as I learned more about the field of music therapy, I began to see how powerful of a force it can be. I'm excited to have the opportunity to experience those breakthrough moments when music forges a connection between you and the client in ways that other modalities aren't able to.
Why I became a member of AMTA: Initially, I was interested in the discounts on conferences and music therapy textbooks. Shortly after I joined, I realized how many benefits there are to joining as a student. There are not many professions where you have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to developments in the field while you're still a student. Not to mention all of the friends I've made and how much I've learned along the way!
Fun fact: I've had a number of fun and nontraditional pets including several rats, a hedgehog, and a tree frog.

Student Affairs Advisory Board Advisor (Chair), Jeffrey Wolfe

Contact: advisor.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Great Lakes (GLR)
Place of employment: Institute for Therapy through the Arts
Primary instrument: Percussion
Why I wanted to be a music therapist: When I was a sophomore at The University of Akron I became interested in Harry Partch, a percussionist/composer, who devised innovative instruments and tuning systems. Meanwhile, I was employed at Midpark High School as a Concert Band and Drumline Instructor. As I learned more about the mathematical concepts and scientific relationships of frequencies in music, I began to wonder how different elements of music affected people on a physiological and psychological level. I started to observe more and more at Midpark and noticed the unifying agent that music created. It enabled individuals on all levels to come together as one to create art. I had a few students with disabilities at that time. I found that they were empowered by performing music and engaging in the social process of making music. I found this experience to be rewarding on several levels; personally, spiritually, and from the community of those parents of individuals I was working with. As I learned more about research I began to talk more about my experience on a daily basis. I was engaged in an intense conversation with a colleague about my two experiences when she mentioned that what I was referring to sounded like the work of a music therapist. After realizing such an amazing profession existed, I sought out to make the rewarding experience of helping others through music my future. To this day I find it a truly rewarding and increasingly fascinating experience.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I grew up attending networking events with my family business. At a young age I realized how interaction in professional organizations such as AMTA helps you grow and feel supported in what you do. It allows an opportunity to witness professionals applying their knowledge on a daily basis, ideas developing through partnerships that enhance the quality of each organization, and how organizations provide support so you can ask questions and receive resources.  I am also a member so I can support others and share my knowledge.  In comparison to many organizations, I have always been amazed at the positive energy and sense of community that AMTA creates amongst music therapists.  
Fun fact: My face was once used on a giant 700 sq. ft. billboard for the University of Akron.