Olivia Centonza

Music as Medicine

A passion for singing led Olivia Centonza, BA ’20, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP, to discover music therapy as a first-year student at Saint Joseph’s. Now, she is a music therapist providing care for her pediatric patients in the emergency department at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. 

Centonza graduated from Saint Joseph’s with a major in music and a double minor in psychology and music industry studies. 

“Saint Joseph’s music program helped me to truly understand the beauty of the arts and music,” says Centonza. “Being a part of all of this has been beneficial in my career as a music therapist working with kids of all abilities, identities, talents and interests.”

Following graduation, the New York native earned her master’s degree in music therapy at New York University. She gained experience at an integrative learning facility teaching music to young children as she worked toward passing her board exams and landing a full-time position with Mount Sinai. 

“This job is my absolute dream job and I couldn't be more happy or feel more blessed,” she says.

Being a music therapist in a hospital setting requires that Centonza be present before, during and after medical procedures to provide therapy as a form of pain management, anxiety reduction, relaxation and stress management, patient and family bonding, sleep support and more.

“I truly believe without music, my life would not have a purpose,” says Centonza.

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