Dan Wenger

music therapist

Dan studied music formally by attending Laguardia HS for the Performing Arts and Ithaca College (B.A. Music). While studying, Dan toured with third-wave ska pioneers The Pilfers. Dan has also performed in musical pits, jazz combos and big bands, symphonic bands, orchestras, brass choirs, and as a solo artist with various instruments. Dan pursued his interest in music therapy after supporting residents at a memory care and end-of-life facility as part of a Music as Medicine course at Ithaca College.

After completing training at the Nordoff-Robbins Institute at NYU, Dan earned his board certification as a music therapist followed by his license to practice creative arts psychotherapy. Dan has provided music therapy services in complex pediatric palliative care, nursing facilities, hospice care, special education, outpatient clinical, and in-home settings. In his most recent clinical work, Dan implemented relationship-based improvisational music therapy services at the Imagine Academy for Autistic youth ages 3-21 in Brooklyn, NY. Dan continues to train in the Analytical Music Therapy model, which focuses on titled improvisation and verbal processing. He is deeply grateful to have the opportunity to support the Midcoast community through music therapy and looks forward to continuing that journey.

Dan moved to the Midcoast last year with his partner and dog. When he's not reading by a fire or practicing a lick he can't get out of his head, you can find Dan swimming year-round at Rockport Harbor, hiking trails, snowboarding, and playing music around town.