Meet Megan Chiu-Dawson | Music Therapist (MMT, MT-BC) & Social Justice Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Chiu-Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what principle do you value most?
My family immigrated from Taiwan to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Growing up in an Asian household, I was instilled with the values of hard work, humility, and a constant drive to be the best version of myself. These lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape the way I approach both challenges and opportunities in life. These values mean the most to me because they reflect my core beliefs—and they have stayed true through some of the toughest times in my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a board-certified music therapist at Baylor Scott & White Health, primarily serving oncology and palliative care patients, though I have the opportunity to work with individuals across the hospital. I am incredibly proud that this field exists, allowing me to use music as a tool for healing and to provide a meaningful space for patients and their families.

My passion lies in serving others within the medical field, but in a way that aligns with my love for music. Growing up, I was set on becoming a doctor. I pursued a pre-med track at Austin College, majoring in Music and minoring in Chemistry and East Asian Studies, and took a gap year as a Scribe at Parkland Memorial. It was during this time I realized that while the medical field was my calling, I could serve in a different, deeply impactful way—through music. The path to becoming a music therapist was both challenging and beautiful. I immersed myself in the therapeutic side of music, learning how it can be applied in diverse settings like schools, private practices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, hospice care, and more. One of my major goals throughout this journey was to deepen my understanding of death and dying, particularly as it relates to working in hospital settings.

What sets me apart is my approach: I meet people exactly where they are, allowing the music to guide us forward together. Every session is individualized, human-first, and rooted in empathy. I combine evidence-based clinical techniques with genuine compassion, all while coming from an anti-oppressive perspective that ensures a supportive and inclusive environment.

The journey to where I am today was not easy. Becoming a board certified music therapist required rigorous academic and clinical training, countless hours of practicum, and a 1200-hour internship before even being eligible to take the board certification exam. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when I felt the weight of “is this the right path for me?” I overcame these obstacles by staying connected to my family, friends, and most importantly, my “why”—the reason I am in this field: to provide healing through music.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that healing and grief do not always follow a straight line. Progress can sometimes look like small wins, such as a smile, a shared moment of eye contact, or a breakthrough in communication. I have also learned that being truly present and listening attentively is one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person.

What I want the world to know about my work and my story is this: music is not just art. It is medicine, it is connection, and it is powerful. My brand is built on this belief, and I am committed to creating a safe, empowering space where people feel heard, valued, and free to be their authentic selves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a hardcore foodie, I would take my bestie on an unforgettable week-long food tour! We would kick things off by exploring Carrollton’s Koreatown, hitting up my favorite spots like Ari BBQ, BCD Tofu House, and Too Thai, and wrapping up the night with sweet treats from Somi Somi or TP Tea. Over the next few days, we would wake up early to stand in line for legendary BBQ at Hutchins, sip mojitos and savor Carne Asada at Gloria’s, and enjoy light afternoon snacks from Paris Baguette. To balance out all the amazing food, we would take scenic walks around White Rock Lake. We would also squeeze in visits to the Perot Museum, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. Each day would be packed with food, fun, and unforgettable memories. Whether we are savoring spicy tofu soup, laughing over lattes, or watching a Texas sunset, the week would be all about good vibes, great company, and exploring the best of DFW—one delicious bite at a time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Angela Wibben, MM, MT-BC, was my internship director, advisor, advocate—and now, a dear friend. I am incredibly grateful for the six months I spent in Colorado, having moved from Dallas to gain real-world experience at the University of Colorado Hospital. During that time, I not only grew as a clinician, but also as a human being. I learned that it is okay to cry, to grieve, and to fully feel everything that comes with this work. Angela welcomed me with open arms and gave me the space and support to learn, grow, and eventually soar. Her guidance and encouragement were instrumental—not just in helping me make it through internship, but in becoming the clinician I am today. I truly do not know if I could have done it without her. And now, beyond the professional bond, I have a friend I can explore the beauty of Colorado with—someone who shares both my passion for the field and my love for the mountains.