On August 22, the stage at the Old Rock House belonged to Maryville University music therapy students and the kids they serve.
The Kids Rock Cancer Young Professionals group, made up of Maryville music therapy undergraduate and graduate students, hosted a benefit concert and fundraiser for Kids Rock Cancer, the University’s music therapy program for children facing cancer. The students planned every note of the night themselves, from raising seed money to selling the last t-shirt at the merch table. The result was an unforgettable night of music, community and hope.
Healing and hope, one song at a time
Kids Rock Cancer brings the joy and healing power of music therapy to children at St. Louis pediatric cancer centers. Working one-on-one with a board-certified music therapist, each child writes and records an original song that gives voice to their feelings, fears, hopes and dreams.
The program helps children cope with the anxiety, uncertainty and helplessness that can come with a cancer diagnosis. It offers a vehicle for self-expression and accomplishment, a distraction from physical and emotional pain, and real emotional support. Services are always free for families, and through telehealth, Kids Rock Cancer now reaches children wherever they receive care.
The program, with no cost to families, has empowered more than 2,000 children through music therapy to write more than 1,500 original songs. Maryville Music Therapy students, alumni and local sponsors who support Kids Rock Cancer have helped bring positive therapeutic outcomes to more than 475 children in our community.
Students and Alumni Who Made It Happen
This concert was student-built from the ground up. Last spring, the Young Professionals group raised the seed money to rent the Old Rock House, one of St. Louis City’s best-loved music venues. Then they got to work recruiting local bands who donated their time and talent, supporting the Kids Rock Cancer Rock Stars and promoting the fundraising event. Students and alumni shared the story of Kids Rock Cancer and Maryville’s Master of Music Therapy program with every guest.
The Maryville music therapy undergraduate students, Christopher Talbott, Zackary Kempen, Lucy Holley and Ray Crisler, brought the night to life. Alumni of the program, Chloe Hoth ’24 and current graduate student, Tim Biby, ’25 and Ryan Lenger, ’26, brought their expertise and passion.
“The Kids Rock Cancer charity concert was such an amazing experience,” said Christopher Talbott, music therapy student. “We were able to promote and spread awareness of Kids Rock Cancer and Music Therapy in such a unique way. I am so proud and thankful of everyone taking part in this incredible event!”
The Rock Stars Take the Stage
The most powerful moment came before the headliners ever plugged in. The music therapy students organized the Rock Stars, a band of Kids Rock Cancer participants ages 5 to 12, who opened the night alongside Maryville students and alumni.
For these young performers, the stage was more than a spotlight. It was proof of their courage, their creativity and their joy, shared with a room full of people cheering them on. For the audience, it was a reminder of exactly why Kids Rock Cancer exists: to give every child a voice, and to let that voice be heard.
Learn Deeply. Serve Boldly. Lead with Heart.
Maryville’s mission is to make the world better by learning deeply, serving boldly and leading with heart. The Kids Rock Cancer benefit concert did all three. “This benefit concert was a profound success for Kids Rock Cancer, and seeing our Maryville University music therapy students completely plan and execute the event highlighted how powerful experiential learning can be when fueled by a passion for philanthropic work,” said Crystal Weaver, EdD, MHA, LPC, CRC, MT-BC, director of Music Therapy and clinical director of Kids Rock Cancer.
The students learned through action, applying their clinical training to plan, market and run a live event from start to finish. They served boldly, turning their talents into funding and awareness for children and families in our community. And they led with heart, creating a night where kindness, creativity, community and joy were on full display. It is the Saints Plan in action: students who learn and achieve, a University that strengthens its community, and alumni who stay connected to the causes that shaped them.
Join the Band
Every song a child writes with Kids Rock Cancer is made possible by people who believe in the healing power of music. Your support creates healing harmonies.
Give: Support Kids Rock Cancer so services stay free for every family.
Families interested in free virtual music therapy sessions can contact Alison Cole at acole1@maryville.edu or 314-529-1674.
About Kids Rock Cancer
Kids Rock Cancer, a program of Maryville University, uses the power of music therapy to help families cope with a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. The program provides board-certified music therapists to help children, siblings, and parents use music and songwriting as a therapeutic vehicle for self-expression. A copy of their media kit can be found here.