Faculty

Marjorie O’Konski
Assistant Professor of Music
Music Therapy Program Director
Office: FAC 37
Phone: (319) 352-8401

Professor O’Konski is a Board Certified Music Therapist, with specialized training in neurologic music therapy. She is a member of the American Association of University Professors, American Association of University Women, American Music Therapy Association, the Iowa Chapter of Music Therapy, and Mu Phi Epsilon. She was recently named a Fellow of Neurological Music Therapy. Professor O’Konski brings to the classroom varied experiences in both the private and public sectors.

As a clinician, Professor O’Konski has worked with special-needs preschool and elementary students, institutionalized individuals with mental disorders, the frail elderly, and the terminally ill. She served as Activity Director for six years with a corporation dedicated to care of the elderly. During that time, Professor O’Konski established a comprehensive music therapy program, as well as an internship that attracted students from across the country. She has conducted research, given numerous presentations and workshops, and remained active through leadership roles in professional organizations. Professor O’Konski co-authored an article with Dr. Alicia Clair about a neurological music therapy research project, which will appear in an upcoming edition of the Journal of Music Therapy. She collaborated with Wartburg colleague Dr. Cynthia Bane and two music therapy students on another NMT project. The research team presented the results during the poster session of the 2005 AMTA National Conference. Professor O’Konski is a member of the Wartburg College Research Committee and holds the office of Secretary for the Wartburg Community Symphony Board of Directors. She has been selected of inclusion in the 2007 Edition of Who’s Who of American Women, a publication that features women in every major field of endeavor.

She traveled to Brazil recently to lay the foundation for an international partnership. From April 25 to May 2, 2007, she met with music therapy professors, students, and practicum supervisors from the Escola Superior de Teologia (EST). She presented gifts of instruments, textbooks, and materials for use in sessions; and returned with CDs, new ideas, and many fond memories.

Prof. O’Konski discussed information exchange with EST professionals and conducted a Neurologic Music Therapy workshop attended by physicians, nurses, and music therapists. She also demonstrated tone bar chime and movement techniques that incorporated Brazilian folk songs. Prof. O’Konski returned with a Partnership Agreement between Wartburg College and EST. The document was signed by officials from the Brazilian institution on April 30, 2007. The Agreement was signed at Wartburg on October 5th by Dr. Ferol Menzel, Dean of Faculty; Dr. Peter Nash, Franklin and Irene Saemann Chair in World Communities; and Marjorie O’Konski, music therapy professor and practicum/internship supervisor. The accompanying photos indicate the warm reception Prof. O’Konski received during her visit and capture the moment the Partnership Agreement was finalized.

Music therapy is not Professor O’Konski’s only love. Piano holds an equally important place in her life. Professor O’Konski has performed solo recitals, accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists, appeared as soloist with orchestras, and performed as member of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and the Wartburg Community Symphony. In addition to maintaining a private studio, Professor O’Konski has taught piano at the University of Michigan, Washington State University, Southwestern College, and Washburn University.

Professor O’Konski has set three goals for the Wartburg music therapy program: (1) providing quality training to prepare students for careers in diverse settings, (2) engaging students in research, and (3) encouraging international field experiences. She envisions students gaining a global perspective and service orientation. The Wartburg College environment provides fertile ground for helping students acheive these goals.