VIDEO: Music Therapy returns after 10-year hiatus

President Armacost asks Director Carly Flaagan about music therapy as degree program makes its comeback

For his latest biweekly video, President Andrew Armacost is joined by Carly Flaagan, director of UND’s recently relaunched Music Therapy degree program.

Flaagan is a native of East Grand Forks and a UND Music Therapy graduate. Prior to her current role at the University, she practiced as a music therapist both in Colorado and Grand Forks.

Armacost asks Flaagan about what the field of music therapy entails, as well as how she felt upon hearing the program was coming back after a 10-year hiatus.

Flaagan speaks to her passion for music therapy, the dynamic qualities of the practice and the fact that UND once again hosts the only music therapy degree program in the state.

Music therapy has “endless possibilities” in its integration with the health care system, Flaagan says. Whether it’s helping the neurodevelopment of newborns or decreasing anxiety for those about to undergo surgery, music can be an “agent of change to improve quality of life and health care outcomes.”

Those looking for more information on the Music Therapy program can find it on the UND website.

Armacost also acknowledges that November is Native American Heritage Month, and he encourages the community to come together in honoring the rich contributions of Native Americans and learning about Native American cultures and traditions.

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Connor Murphy
is a 2015 graduate of the University of North Dakota, where he earned a degree in Communication. He joined UND Today in 2017 as a writer and now serves as internal communications editor in the Division of Marketing & Communications.