Barbara L Wheeler

Barbara Louise Wheeler passed away unexpectedly in the ICU of Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center on February 2, 2026 at the age of 77. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church in Beach Haven, New Jersey. There will be a gathering reception from 1-3 pm followed by the memorial service at 3 pm.

Born in Nebraska on August 12, 1948, Barbara grew up in Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho. She graduated from Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska in 1970 with a BA in Music Education. She continued her education and earned a Master of Music, Music Therapy, in 1974 from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, as well as a PhD in Educational Psychology in 1984 from Fordham University in New York.

Barbara began her career as a Music Therapist from 1969-1971 at the Hastings Regional Center, Hastings, NE and continued working as a therapist at the Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA and the Connecticut Valley Hospital, Middletown, CT from 1972-1975. She writes about these years on her website in the Clinician section: https://barbarawheelermt.com/clinician/

In the spring of 1975 she was recruited to teach music therapy at Montclair State College, now Montclair University, in New Jersey. She has written about this change on her website at https://barbarawheelermt.com/educator/.

“I started teaching at Montclair State College when I was only 26 and with a limited background for teaching. There were many other difficulties—only a few books on music therapy were available at this time; I had very little understanding of why music therapy worked, although some good practical knowledge of what worked (at least in the psychiatric setting). I was overwhelmed with both the content of what I should teach and living in New Jersey. Sometimes I wonder how the students that I had in my first years of teaching learned anything—but some of them went on to become very good music therapists!

“I am happy to say that, over the next years, I pursued many avenues to learn more about music therapy—and of course, applied that to my teaching. As mentioned on the clinical and publications parts of this website, this included clinical work in a variety of settings; training in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, Paraverbal Therapy, Guided Imagery with Music training (I completed through Level II), and Neurologic Music Therapy training. I also was in my own psychotherapy (for years—for myself, but I also learned a lot that applied to my music therapy work) and was supervised on my music therapy. And I read and attended workshops covering a variety of topics. In short, I did everything I could to learn about music therapy and be the best educator that I could be. My decision to pursue my PhD was part of this journey.

“I taught at Montclair State for 25 years and had many great experiences there. I saw the school make many changes, including becoming Montclair State University in 1994, and was part of some of these changes. In addition to teaching music therapy, I had the opportunity to learn about administration and was Music Department Chair as well as Acting Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts. These were all good experiences but also reinforced in me that I really wanted to teach music therapy. In 2000, I decided to move to another university. I “retired” from Montclair State University as a full professor and was given Emeritus status.”

When Barbara left Montclair University, she went to become the Professor and Director of Music Therapy at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, where she launched their new music therapy program in 2000. The music therapy program that she developed at UofL grew along with the music therapy community that grew around it (partly based on her efforts).

In 2011 Barbara retired from her formal positions as professor/therapist and pursued opportunities all over the world developing Music Therapy programs and initiatives as well as enjoying more time for family and friends. She moved to Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore, following her life-long love of the ocean. This is what she has to say about retirement https://barbarawheelermt.com/educator/ !

I did not give up my professional work as I embarked on this new life. In the first few years after I left UofL, I edited two books (Music Therapy Handbook and the third edition of Music Therapy Research, for which I was editor but worked with an invaluable co-editor) and taught as an adjunct at the State University of New York – New Paltz and Molloy College. I taught Foundations of Music Therapy at New Paltz for a couple of years and did some consulting to their program. I had not taught this course in the past, so developing and teaching it provided growth. I taught a research course at Molloy and also supervised thesis students. All of my teaching was in master’s programs. While, of course, I did not get to know the students as well as I had in my full-time positions, I enjoyed the teaching.

My only other experience of “regular” university teaching was at Temple University. I had taught a graduate research course as an adjunct while I was still at UofL. (I flew to Philadelphia a few times in the semester for “intensive” weekends.) In 2023, I was employed by Temple for a year as a Visiting Professor, filling in for a faculty member who was on sabbatical. I taught several courses (again, as intensives, so we met for a few days a few times in the semester) and supervised students doing their master’s projects.

I have had a number of experiences that are educational but not in regular higher education settings. One has been supervising theses and other projects. Much of my work at Molloy College was with students working on their master’s theses, and the work at Temple that I spoke of included supervision of students’ doing master’s projects. One time that I worked closely with a student at the PhD level was as Supervisor of an Individual Learning Area for the PhD in Leadership and Change program at Antioch University. I helped guide Alpha Woodward through her project exploring what had occurred in her work in Bosnia-Herzegovena. This eventually contributed to Alpha’s dissertation, an auto-ethnographic study of her work in Bosnia-Herzegovena.

On a number of occasions, I have given feedback to students who have prepared theses for their institutions. Sometimes, this is as an external examiner for a thesis or dissertation. I have done this for universities on several continents. It is similar to reviewing an article for a journal. In addition to evaluating the work as to its acceptability and level of achievement, I try to give the student feedback that may help for future writing.

I have had ongoing relationships with several institutions in other countries that have led to me being designated as a faculty member. I was Visiting Professor at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland, for a number of years. This has changed and, for the past years, I teach there on an ad hoc basis but maintain close ties with the Academy and its students and faculty.

The list of her publications is overwhelming, and many can be found listed on her website https://barbarawheelermt.com/author-editor/ . Trying to find a list of all her honors is daunting. The Sandpiper, the local newspaper on Long Beach Island, published this article when she was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award of the World Federation of Music Therapy in 2017: https://files.constantcontact.com/edba682a801/647e3e0e-293e-4f0d-91e4-fd377105c2d8.pdf

In retirement Barbara enjoyed being a part of local organizations and activities. She was active with Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, the local Fire Auxiliary, the Soroptimist International, and many others too numerous to mention. Here is the tribute written by St. Peter’s at the Light, where she played the organ:

Remembering our Sweet Organist, Barbara Wheeler!

Barbara was always busy living life to the fullest. Her work as a Music Therapist is world-renowned. Then there was her far-reaching involvement in her community. Barbara’s family is gathering thoughts from her friends and colleagues to craft an obituary worthy of a life well lived!

Barbara has a Facebook Page with 4,400 friends! Barbara’s zest for life in the company of all she knew graced that page with over 12,000 posts. The tributes from those who have learned of her passing are uplifting, with endless words of gratitude and love. And each friend feels the loss of how much she will be missed.

Barbara was a member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Beach Haven. She served on the Vestry and sang in the choir.

St. Peter’s shared her too! Holy Innocence is planning Barbara’s

Barbara is not one we can speak of in the past tense. So much of what she accomplished in her life will live on. Each one of us was the recipient of her smile, always vibrant, sincere, and welcoming. And then there was the engaging chat that went along with it! We will miss you, our Dear Friend. Rest Well in Worthy Peace with infinite love and gratitude from all of us at St. Peter’s at the Light!

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Frieda and Gerald Wheeler, and her younger brother, Glenn. Her remains will be interred with theirs in Wauneta, Nebraska. She leaves behind more cousins and second cousins than can be listed, as well as her Aunt Marjorie Wheeler, who soon will reach her century mark!

Making Donations in Barbara’s memory

Barbara has specified in her will that the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair University is to receive a portion of her estate and that the Barbara L. Wheeler Endowment Fund is to be established there. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, there is an online option: https://www.montclair.edu/john-j-cali-school-of-music/become-a-donor/

Also dear to Barbara’s heart were her precious Brussels Griffon dogs. The National Brussels Griffon Rescue, Inc. accepts memorial donations. https://nationalbrusselsgriffonrescue.org/

Barbara was an active member of the American Music Therapy Association and a donation to that organization would be appropriate. https://www.musictherapy.org/about/donate_to_amta/

Memorial Service Arrangements

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church in Beach Haven, New Jersey. There will be a gathering reception from 1-3 pm followed by the memorial service at 3 pm.

Here are some tributes and memories

From her cousin IIlene Wiede:

Barbara was at our last reunion in 2024. A memorable experience at that reunion was a hayrack ride from her cousin Rod Wheeler’s house to a picnic area. She and I sat next to each other and she was so happy. Many reunions were spent down in a canyon near the Wheeler homestead, and many memories of our reunion. At one reunion, a zip line was set up by my cousin Rod, (Joy’s husband). I don’t think Barbara rode the zip line but was enthralled with those who did. One relative got stuck in the center of the canyon and had to be “lassoed” by my nephew, a cowboy. Barbara loved this. Barbara was so proud of her brother Glenn and was so sad when he passed.

From Pat Halverson

The Wheelers moved to Sheridan, Wyoming in 1958, when Barbara and I were in 4th grade. Her dad was wanting to build a string program, and I was given an assessment to see if I could distinguish different pitches. He told me I was going to play violin, and I did. Barbara and I were playmates then and were friends through high school. She was my maid of honor in 1968.

From Doug Keith

My friendship with BW started in 1994 at a groundbreaking but intimate research conference for music therapists in Düsseldorf, Germany. We grew closer over the years, particularly after I returned to the US and we had regular contact at music therapy conferences, regional and national. She encouraged and mentored my growth, particularly after I moved into full-time teaching roles. We connected over many things: our love of our dogs, playing the organ, our rather different experiences living in Georgia, the (Episcopal) church, and of course good food! We were apparently known in the music therapy field for our dinner dates at conferences. I couldn't have asked for a better conversationalist as a friend and mentor.

In the last several years, Barbara continued to mentor me online and in person in Germany. She had a serious case of "FOMO," I'd say, as she never wanted to miss an event. In the last two years she became friends with and began to mentor and be mentored by a good friend and graduate here in Germany and was part of his wedding. What a gift to be able to share her friendship! It was like passing the baton to the next generation. Alas, that chapter has ended before it really got started.

Goodness, I have so much more to say, but I will keep it brief. Those of us who knew Barbara are blessed beyond measure. She was a great woman, and a great friend.

From Jing-Wen Zhang

For those who don't know me, I was Barbara's friend and former student. I met Barbara when I was 19 in Chengdu, China. Barbara was still a professor at the University of Louisville at the time. She came to China as an expert consultant for a project that provides educational and therapeutic music activities for the children earthquake survivors at an elementary school called, Xiang'E, after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. I was one of the two student-volunteers. We lived in the elementary school for a few days, and Barbara supervised the music activities that we provided for the children.

That was my first encounter to an American professor (actually just a real American/Western person), and the experience was eye-opening. I believe that inspired me to come to the US to study music therapy in graduate school.

I applied to SUNY New Paltz for graduate school without knowing Barbara was going to adjunct there. When I was accepted, Barbara was excited to tell me that she was going to teach a course there (she's retired then). I was equally excited. That's how our relationship continued as teacher and student. I took Music Therapy Foundation with Barbara, which I still think is the best class I've ever taken. Later, Barbara was kind to be on my thesis committee and support me (2012-2014). Not to mention she also came virtually to my dissertation defense (2022). She was my presider when I presented for the first time as a student at our national conference. Barbara had been to all my presentations at various conferences nationally and internationally. Looking back, I realized this continuous support from her throughout my student years and early career is deeply precious. I wouldn't be where I am today without her encouragement and support.

After I graduated from New Paltz, Barbara was the first professor who forcefully corrected how I used to address her (Dr. Wheeler), she said "you have to practice! Call me Barbara now that we are colleagues!" I remember how she almost yelled it when I said goodbye to her, as she getting in her car to leave. That simple gesture was empowering to a newly graduated student.

I returned to China in 2015. Barbara came to Beijing at least twice when I was there. We had great time hanging out, mostly surrounded by amazing food, like Peking Duck and others.

In 2017, I came back to the US for PhD. Since then, Barbara invited me for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. I've been to LBI for the holidays, and I can't count the number of times throughout the years. Since I didn't have family here, having Barbara and meeting with her friends for the holidays, was like being with family to me. I unwrapped Christmas gifts underneath a Christmas tree, painted Easter eggs, and had Thanksgiving dinner all for the first time with Barbara. She included me for everything as a family member and showed me love in these holidays. Barbara also made me the first egg sandwich ever, before I headed back to Philadelphia one day. She couldn't believe I'd never had an egg sandwich at the time. It was actually delicious! (I didn't know Barbara could cook before that).

Because I don't have a car, Barbara always picked me up at Tom's River. She was always happy to do that. We had so many meaningful conversations during those rides. Some were about things in music therapy; some were about our personal life.

From Sheryl (Wheeler)Dinklage

Her father was number 8 in a farm family of 11 living siblings and was known as a musical one. Even with so many children, the Wheeler family survived the Great Depression. Higher education and hard work were expected. Grandma was said to have 200 chickens and hand milked 12 cows before breakfast while the biscuits were rising. Barbara was a baby boomer and her dad, plus number 6 and 7 served in the military. My father was number 7 and Uncle Gerald encouraged my parents to buy a piano for me to take lessons, also mentoring my progress. Barbara was the same way, giving lessons to a grandniece way out on the western Nebraska prairie online every week. She organized a family piano recital at the family reunion in 2024. Through the years, she tried to visit and contact as many cousins as she could. Thank you for asking us to share. An author could write a good novel combining the Wheeler family pioneer spirit with Barbara's pioneering adventures in music therapy.

There are many more tributes on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/barbara.wheeler.507