UCSF Music Therapists Present at WRAMTA Conference

Last month, I had the privilege of presenting at the Western Region American Music Therapy Association Conference in Tempe, Arizona. My session, titled “AI: Human Accelerator or Existential Threat? (Spoiler: Yes/And),” explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence on music therapy practice and education. We examined how tools like large language models can assist with everything from documentation and treatment planning to research and creative support, while also grappling with serious concerns around privacy, misinformation, skill atrophy, and ethical ambiguity. I was especially interested in framing AI not as a replacement for human clinicians, but as a tool we must learn to use wisely and responsibly, always preserving the relational heart of our work. It was a lively, thoughtful conversation, with clinicians across the spectrum of AI familiarity sharing their successes, challenges, and fears. This is a dialogue that will continue - and one that will shape nearly every profession in the years ahead.

I was also proud to support my colleague, Brianna Negrete, who gave an insightful presentation on Supporting Siblings of Infants in the NICU and Cardiac Units. She spoke about the unique needs of siblings whose baby brother or sister may spend weeks or even months in the hospital - often before ever coming home. Brianna’s work highlights how music therapy can help siblings process their experience, whether they’re preparing for a first visit to the hospital, navigating emotions during that visit, or adjusting to life at home with a medically complex sibling.

Though National Sibling Day has passed (it was on April 10th), Brianna’s message rings true year-round: family-centered care includes siblings. And as we look toward the future of music therapy - whether we are integrating emerging technologies or deepening human connection - it’s clear that our work continues to evolve in powerful, meaningful ways.