Creative Arts Therapies Intern
Teaching Artist Statement
I am excited to be a music therapy intern at South Shore Conservatory. As a South Shore native, I knew that SSC would be the perfect place for me to continue to learn and grow. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with a creative arts therapy team and to integrate what I have learned into the time I get to spend with SSC students and families. I am passionate about how music can bring people together, promote wellness and help individuals achieve their health goals.
Teaching Bio
Leanne O’Connor received her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Art from Gordon College in Massachusetts. Because of her interests in many areas of the arts, Leanne was drawn to creative arts therapies where she can use the arts to connect with others and provide opportunities for self-expression. She went on to pursue her master’s degree in music therapy from Montclair State University in New Jersey. After completing her internship, Leanne will graduate in May 2025. Leanne has had practicum placements at Infinity Music Therapy Services in Southington, CT and Clara Maas Medical Center in Belleville, NJ. She worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and ran group sessions with adults in the inpatient psychiatric unit of the hospital. Leanna started with SSC in fall of 2024.
Performance Bio
Leanne’s primary instrument is the cello. Leanne grew up playing in New England Conservatory Preparatory Orchestras and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and participated in the Massachusetts All-State Orchestra in her senior year of high school. She studied cello with Rafael Popper-Keizer during undergrad, and Christine Lamprea during her master’s degree. She played in the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and participated in a tour around New England, traveling to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. She traveled to Ukraine with Gordon string players in 2019 and worked at Music Camp International teaching music to students. Leanne played in the Montclair State University orchestra, chamber music program, and a cello ensemble during her time in NJ. Leanne started with SSC in fall of 2024.