Debbie Dacus: MT from Different Angles
Debbie Dacus has viewed and experienced music therapy from several different angles. She has 25 years of clinical experience in various settings, including a multiple disability rehabilitation clinic, metroplex public schools, and her private clinic specializing in music therapy services for children diagnosed with autism and other disabilities. Debbie has published several books and coauthored several music therapy resources, and is currently preparing to teach at the university level. In her “spare” time, Debbie is a professional singer. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, Debbie shares compelling stories from her daily work and talks with AMTA-Pro host, Cathy Knoll, about lessons learned from her experiences in music and in music therapy over the years.
[display_podcast]
Debbie Dacus: Music Therapy from Different Angles
AMTA-Pro Podcast
July, 2012
— + —
Since my graduation from Texas Woman’s University in Denton,Texas in 1987, I have maintained a private music therapy practice specializing in children with disabilities and have contracted with area school districts and a multi-discipline rehabilitation clinic. I enjoy providing in-services and workshops discussing music therapy techniques and the utilization of music therapy in a variety of settings.
After filling in for a professor last Spring at my alma mater and falling in love with the students, I determined that teaching on the university level is an additional career option I would enjoy immensely. Consequently I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in music therapy at TWU and am finding it challenging and exciting. Being around the students makes me feel young again!
I have co-authored several music therapy resources that I hope are helpful to my colleagues. Learning Through Music: Volume 1 and Socially Smart: Teaching Social Skills Through Scripts and Songs are available through Prelude Music Therapy Products. Both resources are intended for use with the IDD population. I have written two books–the first in a series of book/CD sets–that provide reinforcement for social and community experiences for our friends with IDD–Going to the Dentist and Messy Jessy.
Please feel free to contact me here at <[email protected]>