Frazier Krohn: Keeping the Beat

Eight months ago, senior Frazier Krohn had never heard of music therapy. Now he’s combining his passion for music with his curiosity for psychology as his college major. Frazier will spend the next four years studying music therapy at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) in order to become a professional music therapist.

Frazier discovered music therapy in August when he was on a college visit to UMKC, which is known for its prestigious and competitive music programs. After it came up during a discussion he had with the head of the Conservatory of Music and Dance, it caught his attention because it gave him a way to pursue music while still being able to make good money.

“In addition to music, I really like psychology, so [music therapy] is kind of a combination of both, and there are job opportunities [in the field],” Frazier said. “[Music therapy] is definitely more unique than just playing and teaching music. It’s something different, and that’s what I like about it.”

Frazier’s mom, Mary Krohn, sees value in music therapy because she has seen the good it could do for people who need it. As an emergency room worker at Centerpoint Medical Center, she sees many patients every day who have diseases like Cerebral Palsy or who have had strokes. She thinks these patients would benefit from the kind of therapy Frazier will be studying next year.

“I think what Frazier’s going to be doing is really important,”  Mary said. “He’ll be helping other people and doing something he really enjoys, and that’s great.”

For Frazier, helping people is an important aspect of working in music therapy.

“I chose music therapy because it’s taking music and making it not only a practical use, but a helpful one that I could help people out with in so many different ways,” Frazier said.

Frazier will also be touring and playing with his band, the Fog, next year. He and East graduates Ian Teeple and Brenden Dulohery started the band in August. They have been playing at events around town three to four times a month since, and they’re working on editing their first album, Darkness USA, which they plan to release in June. They plan on going on tour this summer along the East coast in order to gain experience and more name recognition for their band.

“We’re really excited about what we’re playing and we want to share it with as many people as possible,” Frazier said.

Frazier is excited to have the opportunity to play with his band while studying to earn a degree for his dream job, a musical therapist.