Mia Falcon, MTI, was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. During her internship experiences at KU, she worked with several different populations including children and adults with developmental disabilities, children in a preschool setting, teenagers in a juvenile detention center, and adults in an intergenerational choir setting. She is now completing her AMTA-approved internship at The Music Therapy Center of California.
Mia grew up in the Kindermusik education program, where her love for music blossomed. Through various musical lessons and activities she developed a passion for music. Mia began piano lessons at the age of 7 and continued in lessons through her senior year of college. She participated in music throughout her childhood and played clarinet, saxophone, and oboe in a concert band. She participated in other various ensembles throughout her educational career including the Youth Symphony of Kansas City and most prominently the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City. Through Allegro, Mia was able to travel around the country and perform at various conferences and competitions. At KU, she picked up the guitar and ukulele, which are now two of her favorite instruments. She was principal oboist in KU Symphony Orchestra, KU Symphonic Band, and KU Wind Ensemble.
At three years old, Mia’s grandmother, Vivian, moved in with her family. When Mia was a senior in high school, her grandmother began in-home hospice end of life care. One of the services that was included in her care was music therapy. Mia had the privilege of sitting-in on many of her sessions and was even able to help facilitate musical interventions. She quickly realized the extreme healing power of music and how much it helped her grandmother’s overall health and happiness in her last few months of life. Her grandmother’s music therapist was a graduate from the University of Kansas and did a great job of educating her on music therapy as a field and the program offered at KU. Along with this, Mia’s grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and experienced amazing music therapy within his memory care unit. Seeing his memory light up and demeanor improve was the highlight of every visit.
Mia ventured outside of her comfort zone and applied for MTCCA because she loved the background and values of the company. She was especially interested in the diverse client base that MTCAA and it’s therapists serve. Having always been drawn to the beach and palm trees, San Diego seemed like the perfect backdrop for this experience! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, being in nature and taking a nap (whenever time might allow). Since moving to San Diego, she has especially loved spending time on the beach reading and journaling.
“I am excited to pursue my internship here at MTCCA where I can gain experience and professionalism working with the best team and best clients that San Diego has to offer! I am excited to further explore the connection between music and the personal growth of clients.”
