Alumni Profiles
Alumni in their own words - Tania Mulki (CMU ’23)
Reflections from a CMU Music Therapy graduate
Where has your life taken you since you left CMU?
I completed my coursework at CMU in 2022, and after finishing the 1,000-hour internship required for my Bachelor of Music Therapy degree, I officially graduated in 2023. I did my internship in Calgary with JB Music Therapy, a well-established organization that offered a strong and varied clinical experience. It was a great place to learn and gain confidence as a new therapist, and I felt well prepared thanks to the training and support I received at CMU.
After my internship, I accepted a position with JB Music Therapy, and about a year later, I began working at the Alberta Children's Hospital, which had been a professional dream of mine. I also work at Renfrew Educational Services, a specialized school for preschool-aged children with developmental and complex needs. Both positions are internal roles, which can be quite uncommon in the field of music therapy. Being part of the internal team allows me to build ongoing relationships, collaborate closely with other professionals, and contribute to long-term care plans, rather than working in a short-term or consultative way.
At the Alberta Children's Hospital, my work is very diverse. Some days I support infants or teenagers during long-term hospital stays, and other days I am part of the neurorehabilitation team, helping children who are recovering from strokes or brain injuries. I love being part of a multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, teachers, and others. Together, we develop goals and strategies that best support each child's needs and overall well-being.
What of your experience at CMU continues to influence your life and work?
At CMU, I always felt seen. Profs took time to sit with me and really listen. They did not just see me as a student or a grade, but as a person. That shaped how I want to work too.
CMU taught me to sit with people, to listen well, and to build real connections, whether with patients, coworkers, or families. I think being part of the CMU community helped me develop those skills: good conversations, good listening, and a sense of connection. That is something I carry with me into my work every day.
What is a memorable story from your time at CMU?
When I started at CMU, I was a self-taught musician who had not gone through formal music training. I was 30-years-old, and even though I was enthusiastic about music, I did not have all the technical parts nailed down. I had to work hard to keep up.
During my first year, I remember going to Christmas at CMU; at that time, I was not yet in any ensembles. I saw the handbell ensemble perform and thought, "How do they do this? I don't think I could ever do that." But my music skills professor, Verna Wiebe, believed in me. I told her I was interested, and she encouraged me to join the next year. She knew where I was at and still gave me a chance. She pushed me in a really caring way.
Later, I worked my way into the jazz band. Even though they already had a great bass player, the instructor made space for me. He said, "We'll figure it out together." He encouraged me to take it one song at a time, and before long, I was performing in Christmas at CMU. I still look back on that moment with so much gratitude and disbelief that I got to be part of it all.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Take advantage of everything CMU offers you.
Go to profs' office hours. Use the services for career prep. Let someone look at your résumé. Talk to people when you are stuck. Use the resources while you have them, because once you are done at CMU, you will wish you still had access to them.
I remember one time I could not figure out where to begin a research paper. I went to see my professor and while talking aloud with her she wrote down what I was saying and said, "Looks like you have the outline." And she was right! I just needed someone to sit with me and help me put the pieces together.
Do not be shy. Talk to your profs. Show them you want to learn. They are there to help, and you will make the most of your time if you take advantage of that.
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