Rebecca Barnard, Ph.D.; MT-BC; NICU-MT

Dr. Barnard brings her passion for music and her dedication to the field of music therapy to the Indiana Wesleyan University Music Therapy Program. She teaches core music therapy courses and oversees the supervision of students during their pre-clinical training.

Before joining IWU, Dr. Barnard worked as a clinician serving a variety of populations, most recently in hospice care. She holds certification as a NICU-MT from the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy and has a strong passion for using music to support children’s growth and development. Her clinical and research interests center on how music enhances executive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall developmental outcomes in early childhood.

Dr. Barnard remains actively involved in the American Music Therapy Association at both the regional and national levels and frequently presents on the benefits and applications of music therapy across diverse settings.

Selected Presentations
• The Effects of Short-Term Music Programming on the Executive Functioning Skills of Preschool Children
• Creating Evidence-Based Interventions Around Executive Functioning Needs
• Harnessing the Power of Music in Early Childhood Classrooms
• Sing Me Home: The Use of Songwriting at the End of Life
• From Zero to Hero: Enhancing Your Songwriting Superpowers

Professional Interests
Dr. Barnard continues to serve as a practicing clinician and presenter in the field of music therapy. She also remains active as a performer whenever opportunities arise, combining her love for music with her commitment to lifelong learning and service.