Jon Fessenden

Dr. Jon Fessenden serves as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy in the Department of Music Therapy within the College of Arts & Sciences at Mississippi University for Women (MUW), joining the faculty in Fall 2021.

His academic credentials include:

• B.A. in Music, George Washington University
• M.M. in Composition, Brooklyn College
• M.S. in Music Therapy, Molloy College
• Ph.D. in Music History and Theory, Stony Brook University

Dr. Fessenden's research examines music therapy interventions for autism spectrum disorder, focusing on how sensory, cognitive, and emotional differences influence musical engagement. His work bridges disability studies, auditory processing, and music theory to enhance therapeutic outcomes, notably through his dissertation 'Autistic Musicality: History, Theory, and Two Case Studies.'

A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) since 2014, he has clinical experience in adult/geriatric mental health and with children with developmental disabilities. He holds advanced training in Nordoff-Robbins and Neurologic Music Therapy, applying these methodologies across diverse clinical settings.

In his educational role, Dr. Fessenden prepares future music therapists through curriculum development, clinical supervision, and mentorship, drawing from his guitar performance background and jazz composition training.