What is USUMTSA and what do we do? 

The Utah State University Music Therapy Student Association is a nonprofit organization that helps students connect with fellow classmates, faculty, professionals, and the community as a whole as they progress through their music therapy education. Our students strive for excellence as they develop their clinical and therapeutic music therapy skills. For example, each year Utah State University's Music Therapy Forum is organized and presented entirely by students to advocate for the benefits of music therapy within the community. We host lots of activities, social events, fundraising opportunities, and special events throughout the academic year. Students in USUMTSA are also actively involved in collaboration with other music therapy professional affiliations such as the Utah Association for Music Therapists, Western Region of Music Therapy Association Students, and we encourage participation in American Music Therapy Association events and conferences.

​USUMTSA students strive to develop a wide variety of musical skills through composing and/or performing songs which are showcased in bi-annual music therapy concerts held at the Caine College of the Arts. Our annual Fall concert, Muses, offers students the opportunity to share what inspires them musically and culturally through meaningful performances that are intended to showcase our growing clinical musicianship skills. In the Spring, we have a chance to develop and showcase our unique songwriting skills through various songwriting opportunities and events that culminate in a showcase of our original songs. 

USUMTSA looks forward to continuing to support our students in their journey to become an exceptional music therapist and change the world for the better.

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Who represents USU MTSA?

Meet the 2026-2027 Academic Year USU MTSA Executive Board!
President: Josh Dew

Josh Dew is the second of 7 children and an ex-cello performance major. He transferred from BYU when he learned of the music therapy program at USU. Besides playing the piano and cello, he enjoys running and hiking. He is particularly interested in music-centered music therapy such as Nordoff-Robbins and believes in the importance of research.
President-Elect: Landon Preece
​My name is Landon and I love Music Therapy! My primary instrument is piano, which I’ve been playing for 17 years. Outside of music, I love spending time in the outdoors, in the gym, and with family. I’m originally from Pinedale, Wyoming, and I’m married to my wife, Annika, who’s the sweetest person you’ll ever meet! Some fun facts about me are that I beatbox and write music, I speak Spanish fluently, I love to cook, and I enjoy riding horses!
Treasurer: Kate Sainsbury

Hey everyone! My name is Kate Sainsbury, I'm from South Jordan, Utah, and a senior in the Music Therapy program. I love to spend time outdoors exploring the mountains, playing sports, and spending quality time with my family and friends! I love everything about music therapy and one day hope to work as a music therapist in fostering rehabilitation and supporting positive behavioral changes in at-risk youth/inmates. 
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Treasurer-Elect: Tara Jepsen
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My name is Tara, I am 25 years old and will be a junior in the music therapy program in the fall. I’m excited for the opportunity to be more involved with USU MTSA and I think I would do well as the treasurer-elect because I am responsible, trustworthy, and pretty good at math for a musician!

Community Outreach Chair: Alia Leonard
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Hello! I am Alia Leonard, and I am a junior in the program, studying voice as my primary instrument. Strong communication is a strength of mine; I am passionate about connecting with those around me, and advocating for the value of music therapy. I am artistic and love creating through outlets of music, dance, poetry, drawing, and even chalk. Overall, I value including everyone, educating others about music therapy, and leading with kindness and reliability. 
Special Events Coordinator: McKailey Lopez
 
​Hi! I’m McKailey Lopez, and I enjoy planning, being creative, and having fun! If I’m not playing music, you can find me hanging out with friends, going on adventures, and taking photos. This next year, I’d love to help the different cohorts have opportunities to feel more connected. I’ll do this by organizing fun events that are worth showing up to!
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Publicity Coordinator: Erin Hewitson

Hi, I'm Erin Hewitson and I am so excited to be in charge of MTSA's publicity this year! I will be a sophomore this year, and this is my second year serving on the MTSA board. My main instrument is guitar, which I've been playing for about ten years. When I'm not playing my guitar, I'm probably listening to One Direction, spending time with friends, traveling, or hanging out with my two pets (a lizard named Stanley and a hamster named Percy)!  One fun fact about me is that I am bilingual and am fluent in ASL!

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Freshman Representative: TBD

More information about freshman representative nominations and elections will be coming soon! Stay tuned in Fall of 2026 if you are interested in applying to join our MTSA board! :)
Want to join USUMTSA?
Membership is open to any current or prospective music therapy student at Utah State. You can join at any time by paying a nominal annual membership fee. For current rates and additional information on how to join, please email us at [email protected].

Interested in running for a leadership position?
Elections for USUMTSA happen every academic year at the start of the Fall semester. Information about the various board positions and eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.

Still unsure about the advantages of joining?
In addition to gaining access to a passionate community of like-minded students and faculty mentors, joining USUMTSA provides you with full access to all of our activities, socials, and events that might otherwise have an admission fee. We also provide access to unique networking opportunities, fun free giveaways and music therapy swag, and members-only scholarship opportunities based on our fundraising efforts. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, USUMTSA gives students a chance to amplify our voices and advocate for ourselves and our future profession.


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