In Memoriam: Carol Collins

Carol Collins 1927 – 2022 

It is with deep sadness that we share the death of Carol Collins, a beloved music therapy pioneer and educator. She was one of the first music therapy interns to train with Dr. Ira Altshuler during the late 1940’s at Eloise Hospital (later named Wayne County General Hospital and Infirmary) in Detroit, Michigan. Carol was the first music therapist employed by the Kalamazoo State Psychiatric Hospital. In 1958, she began the Music Therapy Program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Later, she became the Director of Music Therapy at Wayne State University in Detroit and eventually went on to teach Music Therapy at Indiana Purdue University. Carol was awarded the AMTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. She valued the history of our field, serving as a regional Archivist in the Great Lakes Region. Carol also donated the extensive personal files of Dr. Altshuler to the American Music Therapy Association Archives.

Known for her graceful ability to create community and collaboration among music therapists, she influenced and inspired success for countless music therapy programs and clinicians. She was generous with her energy and time to support others in their career development and advocacy for music therapy. Her lifelong efforts leave a valuable and impactful legacy. She will be greatly missed. View Carol Collins Obituary

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