The Suzanne Hanser Lecture Series

Honoring a Legacy of Global Leadership in Music Therapy

The Suzanne Hanser Lecture Series celebrates the visionary work and global impact of Dr. Suzanne Hanser, an educator, researcher, advocate, and pioneering leader in music therapy. As the founding chair of Berklee College of Music’s Music Therapy Department and a past president of both the American Music Therapy Association and the World Federation of Music Therapy, Dr. Hanser has advanced the field through decades of transformative scholarship and international collaboration.

This annual lecture spotlights thought leaders whose work exemplifies Dr. Hanser’s commitment to compassion-centered care, interdisciplinary scholarship, and the integration of music into health and wellness systems worldwide. From cutting-edge research to culturally responsive practice, each lecture serves as a platform for elevating ideas that reflect the future of music therapy in diverse global contexts.

With this series, we honor Dr. Hanser’s enduring legacy and inspire the next generation to carry forward her lifelong mission: to harness the power of music to heal, connect, and transform lives.