Heeyoun K. Cho

Dr. Heeyoun Cho serves as Assistant Professor and Area Head of Music Therapy at the State University of New York at Fredonia since 2019, with clinical expertise spanning dementia care, special education, and mental health populations.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Music Therapy, Temple University
• Master's in Music Therapy, Temple University
• Master's in Piano Performance, Northwestern University
• Bachelor's in Piano Performance, Seoul National University

Research focuses on therapeutic applications for dementia patients, stress management in college students, and special education through music-based interventions. Clinical work emphasizes Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health, and elderly care with 15+ years at New York State Veterans’ Home.

Her 2018 dementia study established evidence for singing groups improving quality of life, while current 2022 projects explore therapeutic songwriting for dementia caregivers and college stress interventions.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Music Therapy Research Award (Temple University, 2016)

Secured sponsored research funding for:

• The effectiveness of music-based interventions on college students’ stress management (2022)
• Therapeutic Songwriting for People with Dementia and Their Caregivers (2022)

Prior to Fredonia, she served 15+ years as senior music therapist and activity director at New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford while maintaining active piano performance across multiple states.