Onward: Molly Austin and Penny Roberts Tabbed to Lead Music Therapy Program
June 03, 2025
The LSU School of Music is delighted to announce the appointments of Dr. Molly Austin as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy and Dr. Penny Roberts as Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Program Director of Music Therapy. Together, they bring rich clinical experience, academic depth, and a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of music therapists. Their leadership represents a bright future for the program and a deepened commitment to advancing the profession of music therapy in Louisiana.
Dr. Molly Austin
Dr. Molly Austin, a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), joins LSU as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy. She brings nearly a decade of clinical experience across populations ranging from early childhood to older adults. Most notably, she served as the first full-time music therapist for the Florida Department of Corrections, where she developed and led a music therapy program for adult male inmates with mental illness. During that time, she also established a clinical training partnership with Florida State University to support practicum students in the correctional setting.
Her clinical background includes work in eating disorder treatment centers and extensive student supervision across a range of educational and healthcare environments. Dr. Austin’s research explores music therapy censorship, anxiety reduction through preferred music, and secondary traumatic stress among creative arts therapists. She has presented nationally and internationally, including at the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the World Congress of Music Therapy, and currently serves as Second Vice President of the Southeast Region Chapter of AMTA.
Dr. Austin holds a Ph.D. in Music Education (with an emphasis in Music Therapy) and a Master of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Converse University. Her work is marked by a commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and innovation—qualities that will play a central role in shaping LSU’s music therapy program in the years ahead.
Dr. Penny Roberts
Dr. Penny Roberts, PhD, MT-BC, brings over two decades of experience in clinical practice, research, and higher education as she joins LSU’s School of Music faculty as Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Program Director of Music Therapy. She holds a PhD in Aging Studies from Tulane University School of Medicine, a Master of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University, and a Bachelor’s in Piano Pedagogy from Loyola University New Orleans.
Her clinical work has served diverse populations, including individuals with dementia, oncology patients, those in hospice and palliative care, and children and adolescents with special needs. She has also addressed mental health concerns such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, and collaborated with organizations like the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic to expand access to community-based music therapy.
Dr. Roberts is co-author of the Individualized Music Therapy Assessment Profile (IMTAP), a widely adopted clinical tool with a revised edition forthcoming in 2025. Her research has appeared in journals such as Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Journal of Holistic Nursing, and Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, and she is a frequent presenter at both national and international conferences.
Prior to her appointment at LSU, Dr. Roberts chaired the Department of Music Therapy at Loyola University New Orleans, where she taught across degree levels, advised theses, and coordinated national internships. She is also affiliated with Mind the Gulf, an interdisciplinary network addressing trauma, aging, and public health across the Gulf South.
Rooted in holistic, research-driven care, Dr. Roberts brings a wealth of insight and leadership to LSU’s growing music therapy program.
Building on a Legacy: What’s Next?
While this announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter, it also continues a story built on the visionary leadership of the late Dr. Kamile Geist. Dr. Geist established LSU’s Music Therapy program with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Her work created the foundation upon which the program now stands.
Drs. Austin and Roberts are uniquely positioned to carry that vision forward—expanding opportunities, deepening the program’s clinical impact, and preparing students to meet the evolving needs of the communities they will serve.
About the LSU School of Music
The LSU School of Music is a nationally recognized leader in music education, performance, and research. With a vibrant community of students, faculty, and alumni, the School offers rigorous training, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a commitment to artistic and academic excellence.
About the Music Therapy Program
LSU’s Music Therapy Program prepares students to use the power of music to improve lives. Rooted in clinical practice, research, and community service, the program equips future board-certified music therapists with the skills to work in diverse healthcare and educational settings.
Learn more at lsu.edu/cmda/music or connect with us to discover how music can make a difference.