In the UI School of Music, research in the area of music therapy includes basic research on human response to music (emotional, physical, social, and cognitive);  assessment of therapeutic applications of music for persons of various ages and with differing types of medical conditions or disabilities; and the evaluation of best practice in the professional preparation of music therapists. 

Areas of research interest for Kate Gfeller:

• Music perception and enjoyment of adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and who use special hearing devices (cochlear implants, hearing aids)
• The use of music training to enhance speech perception of persons with cochlear implants
• Examining the impact of musical training on the auditory pathway at the cortical level
• Accommodations to enhance music education and music enjoyment for persons with hearing loss

Areas of research interest for Mary Adamek:

• Music-assisted relaxation to reduce post-operative pain
• Music therapy to regulate behaviors in children with autism