University Advancement

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NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Professor Ron Borczon to Receive National Honors
for Contributing to Field of Music Therapy

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2006) -- Cal State Northridge music professor Ron Borczon, who has traveled the world to help survivors of disasters and other traumas deal with their problems through music, is being honored next week by his peers for his "outstanding contributions" to music therapy.

The American Music Therapy Association will present Borczon with one of its highest honors, an Award of Merit, during its national conference in Kansas City.

In her e-mail to Borczon informing him of the award, Michelle J. Hairston, president of the association and chair of the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy at East Carolina University, said his work has "markedly benefited the profession" and has contributed to the development of the profession in a "unique and remarkable way."

Borczon said he was flattered by the honor. "To be recognized by the people who know the work intricately is the highest of honors," he said.

Borczon started the music therapy program, and its sister Music Therapy Clinic, at Cal State Northridge 22 years ago and they quickly gained national attention. Borczon, the clinic’s therapists and music therapy students work with a variety of clients, from autistic children and children with Down syndrome to the survivors of severe trauma and rape.

Borczon has personally provided music therapy to survivors of the Northridge earthquake, victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado and at Santee High School in California, and to caregivers and survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Borczon said that for centuries people have used music to help with healing and dealing with grief.

"Music helps you get out those emotions you can’t really express with words," Borczon said. "It also brings you together with others in rhythm and helps you communicate and create bonds without having to say anything."