Music Therapy
Overview
Music therapy programs prepare people to encourage healing in patients through music.Music therapists address physical, psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social needs in patients.
Music therapy programs include topics such as:
- Music theory and performance
- Counseling techniques
- Human growth and development
- Abnormal psychology
- Patient assessment and diagnosis
- Professional standards and ethics
Schools
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in music therapy. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in music therapy. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Art Therapy
- Counseling Psychology
- Dance
- Keyboard Instruments
- Mental Health Counseling
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History
- Music, General
- Psychology, General
- Recreation Therapy
- Social Work
- Voice and Opera Performance
- Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Music Performance
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Many schools require you to apply separately to the school of music before you can pursue a degree in music therapy.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Individual Technique, Instrumental Music
- Music History and Appreciation
- Psychology
- Sociology
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate major or significant course work in psychology and music
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Applied Music – Principal Instrument or Vocals
- Applied Music – Secondary Instrument or Vocals
- Ensembles
- Group Dynamics and Counseling Techniques
- Human Development
- Improvisation
- Music History
- Music Therapy
- Neuroanatomy
- Psychology of Music
- Psychotherapy
- Research Methods
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
In most music therapy programs, students are required to participate in practicums. This means that students directly observe music therapists as they work with patients at mental health clinics, nursing homes, schools, and other organizations. Students also perform duties such as creating treatment plans, writing reports, and eventually participating in therapy sessions. Students are closely supervised by professional music therapists.
Through practicums, students learn firsthand what it's like to be a music therapist. They learn to apply their course work to real-life situations. Practicums also give students valuable experience that they can use to apply for jobs after they receive their bachelor's degree.
Things to Know
Most people with a degree in music therapy choose to become certified. You must graduate from an accredited music therapy program and pass a national exam.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Seattle Pacific University
- Music Therapy--Physical Education & Exercise Science Track
- Music Therapy--Psychology Track
- Music Therapy--Special Education Track