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 and a Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow. She has held membership in 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. Professor O’Konski brings to the classroom varied experiences in both the private and public sectors.

O'Konski holds a B.M. degree in piano performance from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, a M.M. in piano performance from the University of Michigan, and a M.M.E. in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. She teaches Principles of Music Therapy, Therapeutic Ensemble Directing I, Therapeutic Ensemble Directing II, Introduction to Music Therapy Fieldwork, Psychology of Music, Music and Behavior: Therapeutic Approaches, Therapeutic Improvisation, and Intermediate Sight-Reading.  Additionally, Professor O’Konski coordinates music therapy practica placements and provides direct, as well as indirect supervision for all music therapy students in the program. She designed a second music therapy degree curriculum, the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, which was approved by the American Music Therapy Association and the National Association of Schools of Music.
As a clinician, Professor O’Konski has worked with special-needs preschool and elementary students, institutionalized individuals with psychiatric disorders, the frail elderly, and the terminally ill. She served as Activity Director for six years with a Midwest corporation dedicated to care of the elderly. During that time, Professor O’Konski established a comprehensive music therapy program and 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 has collaborated on several Neurologic Music Therapy research projects and articles. One of the articles appeared in the Summer, 2006 edition of the Journal of Music Therapy and the other has been accepted for publication by the Journal.  

Professor O’Konski has been a member of several Wartburg College Committees: Educational Policies, Instructional Resources (2007-2008 chair), and Human and Animal Research Review. She is currently a member of the Commission on Mission Leadership Task Force Committee.  She has served as Secretary for the Wartburg Community Symphony Board of Directors and Program Vice President for the Waverly Chapter of the American Association of University Women.  Professor O’Konski has been selected for inclusion in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Editions of Who’s Who of American Women, a publication that features women in every major field of endeavor.

O’Konski traveled to Brazil to lay the foundation for an international music therapy 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.  A joint workshop entitled “International Partnerships: Creating Blended Interventions” was accepted for presentation at the 2008 World Congress of Music Therapy in Argentina. The Wartburg music therapy program is expanding its scope of opportunities for students.

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 achieve these goals.

Recent Research