Hello! My name is Claire Cogar and I am a Master of Music Therapy Student at Ohio University and the new intern at Rhythm Garden Music. I am originally from Akron, Ohio and I went to the University of Akron for my undergraduate degrees. I was fortunate enough to receive a Bachelor of Art in music and a Bachelor of Art in psychology before pursuing my masters in the field of music therapy. My main instrument is voice but I have learned and taught several other instruments including piano, guitar, ukelele, clarinet and more. I have observed and worked with a variety of groups from newborns through older adults and I have learned so much about music therapy and the power that it has to support and improve people’s lives. I am incredibly passionate about music therapy and meeting every client where they are so that we can build together.
When I interviewed for Rhythm Garden Music I knew if I was fortunate to receive an offer to be an intern that I would love this company. The therapists that I interviewed with were not only kind and fun, but right off the bat gave me a challenge in an impromptu song writing that I had never had before. I absolutely love learning and growing not only as a person but in knowledge and skill and I knew this place was somewhere that would challenge me and help me grow as a therapist. As an intern I will be here for around 6 months and completely 1200 hours of clinical work to become eligible for the music therapy board certification! I am so very excited to start my internship at Rhythm Garden, not only to learn from the amazing staff here, but to learn from the clients and work we will do together!
Some fun and random facts about me: I love coffee and you will find me every morning with a coffee in hand! I have two very spoiled cats that were both found outside and now live the good life with me in my apartment. I have traveled internationally to perform and sing with a chamber ensemble, and I was recently in an opera called “Little Women” where I play “Marmee” or Alma March.
