Kari O'Briant
Teaching Artist Statement
I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to use music as a tool to help my clients achieve their
potential. I am a compassionate therapist and teacher, and I believe that truly getting to know
individuals and working together to create and reach goals is incredibly important and rewarding.
Teaching Bio
Kari O'Briant, MT-BC has a degree in Music Therapy from Radford University and completed
internship training at the Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Service Office (Newark, NY),
where she studied clinical improvisation with emphasis on a humanistic, person-centered approach.
She joined the music therapy faculty at South Shore Conservatory in 2011.
Kari is a board-certified music therapist and has worked with a wide range of clients in various
settings. Kari strives to be an advocate for music therapy and the individuals she serves, and always
looks for opportunities for personal and professional growth. She also works for Roman Music
Therapy Services, a private practice of music therapists located on the north shore.
Kari is a board member of the Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance and is a national and regional
member of the American Music Therapy Association. She has given presentations to educate high
school and college students about the field of music therapy. In addition to her music therapy work,
Kari is a flutist who enjoys performing in small and large ensembles.
Performance Bio
Kari O'Briant, MT-BC has a degree in Music Therapy from Radford University and completed
internship training at the Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Service Office (Newark, NY),
where she studied clinical improvisation with emphasis on a humanistic, person-centered approach.
While a student, Kari studied privately with Leslie Marrs and Carla Copeland-Burns and was
principal flute and piccolo for the Radford University Wind Ensemble. She has also performed with a
wide range of small and large ensembles, notably as an orchestra member for The Nutcracker and
Pippin, and has coached small instrumental ensembles. More recently, Kari has performed with the
Bridgewater State University Wind Ensemble. She joined the music therapy faculty at South Shore
Conservatory in 2011.