University of Houston appoints Ed Roth as director for innovative music therapy program

Ed Roth named director of UH's new music therapy program

Music and science have always been integral parts of Ed Roth’s life. However, it was during his college years that he discovered a deeper interest in music’s therapeutic potential.

“I didn’t know much about music therapy, but I found something resonant about it, approaching it humanistically as both a musician and a scientist,” Roth said. “I continued exploring music therapy for several semesters, and it was during a research course in the psychology of music that I realized the depth of the field.”

Roth is now bringing his passion and over 30 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience to the University of Houston (UH) as the Alice and Fletcher Pratt Endowed Professor and Aspire Initiative Endowed Director of Music Therapy. The new four-year degree program, a collaboration between the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, and the Texas Medical Center (TMC), will provide graduates with a foundation in music along with clinical experiences across more than 40 settings including hospitals, school districts, outpatient clinics, private practice, among others.

“Ed Roth has been a leader in the field of music therapy for three decades. He has the highest qualifications, and his research accomplishments put him at the leading edge of the discipline,” said Andrew Davis, dean of the McGovern College of the Arts at UH. “We are thrilled to have him leading our new program –the first in Houston. He was the perfect choice for this position.”

Music therapy is an allied health profession utilizing evidence-based therapeutic music interventions to effect changes in neurological, psychological, and physiological health. Although Houston employs many music therapists compared to other cities nationwide demand for qualified professionals still outpaces supply.

“His extensive experience and passion for integrating music and medicine will greatly enhance our ability to train future professionals in using music as a therapeutic tool ultimately improving patient care and well-being across diverse populations.” -Dr. Stephen Spann

Dr. Stephen Spann also commented on Roth’s appointment: “Ed Roth’s appointment as director represents an exciting step forward for our interdisciplinary efforts."

An anonymous $1 million gift funds Roth’s appointment which established an endowed professorship supporting a full-time tenure-track faculty member to serve as program director. Combined with matching funds from "Aspire: The $100 Million Challenge" alongside state contributions this gift totals $3.5 million.

The Aspire Challenge is a transformational $50 million matching fund initiated by another anonymous donor aimed at propelling UH’s academic enterprise through philanthropic investment enhancing research scholarships thereby increasing endowed chairs/professorships like this new position.

Prior to joining UH Roth taught over two decades at Western Michigan University where he gained national/international recognition within fields encompassing health care/neuroscience particularly focusing on family/child well-being via evidence-based practices harnessing musical potential therapeutically.

“This position entails balanced commitments towards teaching/research/administration emphasizing connections between College Medicine & Center Performing Arts Medicine within TMC," noted Roth adding that "Moores School Music trains students foundational clinical skills assessment/planning/treatment/evaluation while city-based clinical partners/TMC offer real-world practicum preparing students early-stage careers therapists.”

Roth holds degrees from Western Michigan University & Colorado State University along with board certification advanced training neurologic/music therapy Academy Neurologic Music Therapists expressing excitement joining Tier One research university stating commitment towards serving diverse student backgrounds contributing meaningfully developing student therapists/research initiatives.

“I am excited joining UH because its standing Tier One research university conducting neuroscience robust academic ecosystem commitment serving students diverse backgrounds,” shared Roth concluding enthusiasm immersing dynamic environment making meaningful contributions developing student therapists/research endeavors.

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