Blythe LaGasse

Dr. Blythe LaGasse serves as Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Therapy at Colorado State University within the College of Liberal Arts, directing the Music Therapy Distance Learning Program. With over fifteen years of clinical specialization in autism spectrum disorder interventions, she integrates communication neuroscience with therapeutic practice across diverse populations including children with developmental disabilities, Parkinson's patients, and palliative care recipients.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Music Therapy and Communication Neuroscience (University of Kansas)
• M.M. in Music Therapy (Colorado State University)
• B.M. in Music Therapy (University of Kansas)

Dr. LaGasse's research examines music-based interventions for improving communication, cognitive, and sensorimotor outcomes, with recent work exploring virtual reality applications, rhythmic cuing for motor rehabilitation, and neural mechanisms underlying therapeutic responses. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, clinical practice, and community outreach through Service Learning initiatives.

Recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate three converging trajectories: (1) autism-focused interventions using DIR/Floortime and neurologic music therapy frameworks, (2) technological innovations including virtual reality and continuous publication models, and (3) expanding applications to Parkinson's disease and palliative care. These works consistently emphasize evidence-based practice while addressing methodological challenges in neural measurement and clinical implementation.

Her accolades include:

• GRAMMY Foundation grant (2016) for autism creativity research
• AMTA Research Award (2015) and Arthur Flagler Fultz grant (2016)
• CSU System Board of Governors Teaching Award (2020-2021)
• Multiple College of Liberal Arts awards for outreach and teaching excellence

As lead Editor of the Journal of Music Therapy and former AMTA Council Coordinator, she has shaped professional standards while securing significant research funding. Her service learning programs connect CSU students with community clinics, fostering real-world therapeutic experience. Though no dedicated lab is specified, her Neurologic Music Therapy Academy faculty trainer role (8 years) and Distance Learning Program direction indicate leadership in clinical training infrastructure.