A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Dr. Jayne Standley’s Contributions and Legacy (July 2024)7/2/2024 Behind the ever-growing field of music therapy are several pioneers who have paved the way for our practice. Among them, Dr. Jayne Standley stands out as the most influential and innovative pioneer of NICU music therapy. Known for her role as a Robert O. Lawson Distinguished Professor at Florida State University and the inventor of the Pacifier Activated Lullaby (PAL), Dr. Standley has become a beacon of inspiration for many in the field. Her exceptional intelligence and innovative contributions have profoundly impacted the communities at Florida State University and the Neonatal Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. Dr. Standley has left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring and supporting countless individuals along the way.
As Dr. Standley approaches retirement from Florida State University this year, music therapists across the globe have come together to honor her significant contributions to the field. In a recent edition of Imagine magazine for early childhood music therapy, 70 authors celebrated Dr. Standley's work. The magazine features 180 heartfelt tribute letters, resources, intervention ideas, and research snapshots of current NICU practices, highlighting her dedication and innovative contributions. Additionally, the Evidence-Based Music Therapy for Premature Infants, 3rd edition textbook, published last year, includes contributions from several NICU fellows who are FSU alumni and former students of Dr. Standley. This book illuminates Dr. Standley’s accomplishments, serving as a valuable resource for all current and future music therapists. At the 2024 SER-AMTA conference, attendees had the unique opportunity to receive NICU-MT training from Dr. Standley herself and get their new textbooks signed. Alongside the many tributes from the NICU Institute and the music therapy community honoring Dr. Standley’s work, her FSU family has made sure she feels the impact of her legacy in her final year. Toward the end of spring semester, several doctoral students in the music therapy program at FSU organized a special serenade by the FSU Marching Chiefs—a group Dr. Standley was part of during her time as an FSU student. Faculty, staff, and students all came together for this heartfelt celebration. Following her 10 a.m. class, everyone gathered in the classroom to present Dr. Standley with flowers and kind words. In a touching tribute, they formed a large circle, linked arms, and sang the FSU Alma Mater, celebrating her remarkable contributions and lasting influence. A couple months later, following Dr. Standley’s final class period at FSU, her students came together to celebrate her last day on campus with flowers, a farewell card, and dessert. A little over a year ago, I made the decision to apply to FSU for my master’s degree with the hope of studying under Dr. Standley. I was delighted to find that I had been accepted. All my expectations were exceeded. The support, inspiration and education I received from Dr. Standley during my time at FSU was profound. I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate her during her final year at FSU and contribute to the 2024 edition of the Imagine magazine. She has become a role model for myself and for many. Though there have been many tears shed at the prospect of Dr. Standley’s leaving, we are overcome with joy, appreciation, and immense respect for the legacy she has created. Dr. Standley’s contributions to the field of music therapy will remain an integral part of our profession and live on to inspire current and future generations of music therapists. Written by Hannah Gross, MT-BC, NICU-MT
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Hello AMTAS, my name is Mercedes Shook and I am your secretary for the 2024 year! The purpose of this blog is to provide updates on the AMTAS region, give helpful tips and tricks for music therapy students, share meaningful experiences, and promote collaboration with all music therapy students across America! If you have any ideas or questions regarding this blog please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
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December 2024
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