Denise Travis, MM, MT-BC, feels like she was born with an instrument in her hand. She started taking formal lessons at the age of 8 and still loves learning new music, picking up new instruments, and adapting and writing new songs. Denise received her Bachelor and Master of Music Therapy from Michigan State University. She has worked for Music Therapy Clinical Services at Michigan State University, the Preschool and Communication Therapies (PACT) program at the University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University’s Autism Collaborative Center. Denise has experience working with clients of all ages, from birth through hospice. She has worked in a variety of settings including university clinics, elementary schools, ISD and RESA schools, group homes, pediatric clinics, and hospice centers. She also enjoys educating others about music therapy and has led presentations and workshops for Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Michigan Music Therapists, GIML Michigan Chapter, Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association, and various Michigan elementary and high school music departments. Denise believes: “Music making is part of what makes us human. Without music our lives are lessened, while active music making helps us learn, grow, emote, connect, and heal.”
In addition to her degrees and board certification in music therapy, Denise holds certification in Drums Alive, a cardio drumming program that focuses on the brain/body connection, and Level I certification in Early Childhood Music from the Gordon Institute of Music Learning. She has taught early childhood music classes at the MSU Community Music School since 2006.
Denise also plays French horn with the Meridian Community Band for her own musical enjoyment. When she isn’t making music, Denise enjoys cycling, reading, and playing with her trivia team.