For centuries, music has been a platform for emotional expression, a form of human communication, and a tool for cross-cultural connection. While music is often used intuitively as a modality for healing, the professional role of music therapy in health care has been steadily gaining momentum as an allied health practice, and an approach to care.

In collaboration with the University of Toronto “In Your Neighbourhood” Alumni series, the Faculty of Music and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine invite you to take a deep dive into the role of music in health care, with music therapist Dr. SarahRose Black (MusBac 2009, MA Music 2010, PhD 2020), cellist Dr. Andrew Ascenzo (MusBacPerf 2009, MA Music 2011, DMA 2019), and psychiatrist Dr. Gary Rodin.

This lecture recital will feature varying perspectives on the role of music in health care, as well as a live performance and a live Question and Answer period.

Join us to explore the intersections between music and health in new and exciting ways!

Dr. Gary Rodin is the joint University of Toronto and University Health Network Harold and Shirley Lederman Chair in Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care. He is the head of the department of supportive care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and is also the director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Rodin has published widely on the psychiatric and psychosocial aspects of cancer and other medical illnesses.

Dr. SarahRose Black holds a PhD in Music and Health and a Masters degree in music education from the University of Toronto, in addition to a Masters in music therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University

She is the founder and coordinator of the first music therapy programs at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Hospice in Toronto. Her clinical work and research is focused on quality of life for acute palliative care, hematology, and hospice populations.

Dr. Andrew Ascenzo is a cellist, conductor, composer and the Artistic Director of Music in the Atrium, a weekly concert series, now in its 23rd season, at Toronto's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Andrew is a three-time U of T graduate, earning his Bachelors and Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts from the Faculty of Music.