Students at Oceanside High School got a firsthand look at careers in music therapy earlier this month, as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to connect classroom learning with real-world pathways.
On Feb. 9, students welcomed Anne O’Rourke, a board-certified music therapist, singer-songwriter and performing musician, for a full day of workshops and classroom visits. O’Rourke works with individuals of all ages and abilities at The Music Academy for Special Learners in Hauppauge, where music is used to support communication, emotional expression and overall well-being.
Throughout the day, O’Rourke met with students enrolled in the Road Map to Success course, as well as classes in music, psychology, world language, math, biology and business. Sessions focused on how a foundation in music, combined with clinical training, can lead to meaningful and diverse career opportunities.
Students participated in hands-on workshops that highlighted the blend of creativity, science and empathy at the core of music therapy. O’Rourke brought a variety of instruments and led interactive activities, allowing students to experiment with sound while learning how music-based interventions are used with clients.
Iris Wiener, coordinator of the school’s Work-Based Learning program, said the visit was sparked by student curiosity.
“I teach career awareness classes called Road Map to Success,” Wiener said. “One of my students asked me if the class could learn more about the role of a music therapist because she has always been interested in that field. I was so lucky to find Anne, who kindly spent a full day with a number of classes.”
Wiener said O’Rourke shared insight into the profession while playing interactive games and demonstrating activities commonly used in therapy sessions. Students were able to ask questions about college programs and training requirements and see how musicianship can translate into therapeutic practice.
One moment, she added, stood out.
“After meeting with one of the classes, a relatively shy student approached Anne to ask them a few additional questions about music therapy because she was so intrigued by it,” Wiener said. “It was a really profound moment for me because the student was able to make such an authentic connection through learning about a career.”
Beyond clinical work, O’Rourke released the children’s album “Make a Little Music” in 2023 and shares original songs and adaptation videos online to provide accessible resources for families and caregivers. Their career path, educators said, offered students a tangible example of how a lifelong interest in music can evolve into service-oriented work.
The visit also aligned with Career and Technical Education Month, observed each February to recognize programs that prepare students for college, careers and life through hands-on learning. At Oceanside High School, the Work-Based Learning program connects students with guest speakers, field trips and career awareness activities across departments, giving them insight into post-secondary options and future professions.
For many students, the day offered more than information — it opened the door to possibility.
