Alumni Spotlight: Lanaye Kemp ’24 Turns Music Into Meaningful Work

Just months after graduating from Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music, Lanaye Kemp ’24 was already putting her music therapy training into practice.

Kemp, who earned her BA in Music Therapy, joined ACDS Westchester as a music therapist shortly after graduation. In her role, she provides individual and group music therapy services for preschool-aged children with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Using music-based interventions, Kemp helps support communication, social-emotional development, attention, motor skills and overall developmental growth.

Her path from college to professional practice reflects the hands-on preparation at the heart of Montclair State University’s Music Therapy program, where students combine musicianship, psychology, clinical training, fieldwork and supervised internship experiences as they prepare for careers in the field.

Explore the BA in Music Therapy program

ACDS also gave Kemp an important opportunity early in her career by hiring her before she had officially earned her MT-BC credential and giving her six months to complete the certification process.

“That opportunity allowed me to transition directly from being a student into my professional career while continuing to grow as a clinician,” Kemp said.

Today, Kemp’s work shows the many ways music can be used with purpose to encourage connection, communication and development. Her experience also offers current Cali students a glimpse of where a degree in music therapy can lead.

Want to learn more about Music Therapy at Cali?

Discover Music Therapy at Cali: Watch the video and explore the program

Current Cali students, faculty and staff can also visit the Inside Cali Music Therapy page for program information, resources, events and updates.

Learn more about the Cali Music Therapy Program