Final answer:
E. Thayer Gaston was a prominent figure in the field of music therapy, known for his contributions to education and research. He established one of the first music therapy programs at the University of Kansas in 1940 and founded the National Association for Music Therapy in 1948.
Step-by-step explanation:
E. Thayer Gaston was a prominent figure in the field of music therapy. He was known for his contributions to music therapy education and research. Before returning to KU in 1937 for a graduate degree, Gaston worked as a high school band director and a bandmaster in the military. In 1940, Gaston established one of the first music therapy programs at the University of Kansas, which became a model for other programs across the United States. In 1948, he established the national organization known as the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT), which later became the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Gaston's contributions to the field of music therapy have had a lasting impact and continue to shape the profession to this day.