Cecilia Stair, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist / Private Instructor / Musician

 

Cecilia Stair (she/her) is a board-certified music therapist and musician living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She earned a BA in Music at the University of Tennessee, with a focus on cello performance. At the University of Kentucky, she earned Bachelor's Equivalency and Masters Degree in Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky. While at UK, she completed a 1200-hour clinical internship with UK Healthcare and earned her certification as an MT-BC. In graduate school, she completed the NICU Music Therapy Certification, Orff Level 1 training, and was awarded both the Dr. Robert C and Mrs. Rita C Lam Award (2019) and Dr. Ralph McCracken Award (2020) for excellence as a music therapy student. Cecilia's graduate thesis research explored LGBTQ advocacy and education in music therapy, which demonstrated a need for increased education to better prepare music therapy students to support LGBTQ+ clients and colleagues. Currently, she provides contracted music therapy services and private music instruction in the Knoxville area and performs with various bands and ensembles regionally. Cecilia was named one of the "40 Under 40" by Knox News.

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Personal Statement

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As a music therapist and cello instructor, I am committed to supporting each of my clients with a spirit of collaboration, respect, humility, and creativity. When developing a plan to work with a new client, I consider the client's cultural background, preferences, strengths, needs, and ways to use the physical environment to best support our work. Reflecting on how to continue to best address the needs of my clients is an ongoing process. I welcome feedback from clients and, when appropriate, also invite collaboration with family members, treatment providers, and others within a support team.

I believe that every person deserves opportunities to engage with music in ways that feel personally meaningful regardless of age, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural or ethnic background, history of substance use, incarceration, or any other factor that may lead to exclusion or discrimination. I recognize creative expression as a basic human need and hope to improve access to the arts. Our arts community thrives when more people are included.

As a performer, I love collaborating with artists who have unique perspectives and stories to share. I particularly love working with innovative songwriters who honor Appalachian traditions while also creating new and current sounds.

Through the process of creating and experiencing music together, we can become more compassionate human beings and build healthier communities.

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