Music Therapy (B.M.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Student Learning Outcomes for Music Therapy:

Students will be able to:

Perform proficiently with the creative and performance skills appropriate to the student’s principal instrument.
Identify and synthesize key components of Western tonal music theory and music history.
Demonstrate mastery of aural skills including sight-reading and dictation (melodic and harmonic).
Implement music and non-music methods and techniques that effectively assist clients in modifying responses identified in their assessment, treatment, session, and termination plans.
Communicate client progress through grammatically correct, detailed written and oral reports to colleagues, supervisors, and parents/caretakers.
Perform proficient vocal, guitar, and keyboard skills to effectively lead and accompany clients during music therapy sessions.
Demonstrate professional skills and physical and emotional stability necessary for working as a music therapist.
Read, critique, and apply research to their music therapy work.

For Music Therapy majors, MU 211 and MU 212 together will satisfy the Western Cultural Heritage Area of Understanding for Core.

An approximately six-month long internship in an approved clinical facility is required for the Music Therapy degree and is taken after the completion of the four-year Music Therapy program. Upon completion of this degree program, students are eligible to sit for the Music Therapy Certification Board Exam leading to Board Certification as a Music Therapist. The Music Therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

Music Therapy requires:

MU 100 - Repertoire Class (eight semesters)
MU 101 - Theory I
MU 102 - Theory II
MU 103 - Aural Skills I
MU 104 - Aural Skills II
MU 111 - Voice Class or
MU 117 - Functional Keyboard Skills I
MU 118 - Functional Keyboard Skills II or
MU 268 - CE Voice
MU 119 - Guitar Class I or
MU 275 - CE Guitar
MU 150 - Professional Seminar (eight semesters)
MU 151 - Introduction to Music Therapy
MU 152 - Music Therapy and Clinical Populations
MU 201 - Theory III
MU 202 - Theory IV
MU 203 - Aural Skills III
MU 204 - Aural Skills IV
MU 205 - NCH World Music
MU 211 - Music History: 1600-1850
MU 212 - Music History: 1850 to the Present
MU 217 - Functional Keyboard Skills III
MU 218 - Functional Keyboard Skills IV
MU 236 - Percussion for Music Therapy
MU 241 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques I
MU 253 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques II
MU 254 - Practical Experiences I: Music Therapy
MU 255 - Arranging and Composing for Clinic
MU 321 - Conducting I
MU 332 - Music Technology
MU 351 - Clinical Improvisation
MU 355 - Practical Experiences II: Music Therapy
MU 356 - Practical Experiences III: Music Therapy
MU 357 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques III
MU 358 - Psychology of Music and Research Methods I
MU 454 - Psychology of Music and Research Methods II
MU 457 - Practical Experiences IV: Music Therapy
MU 458 - Practical Experiences V: Music Therapy
MU 459 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques IV
MU 479 - Professional Internship in Music Therapy
MU 495 - Seminar in Musicology
PSY 221 - Abnormal Psychology
PSY 225 - Lifespan Development or
PSY 226 - Child and Adolescent Development or
PSY 227 - Adult Development and Aging
A minimum of eight additional credits in Applied Music instruction
A minimum of five credits in Ensemble with at least one term’s enrollment in Music 360 (Search Course Descriptions listing for MU 360)
Proficiency exams in piano, voice, and guitar
A senior recital

Specific courses to be included in the student’s Core Program are:

Additional Requirements for Music Therapy

A Music Therapy major may not enroll in a music or music therapy course required for that major unless a grade of C- or better has been earned in all prerequisite courses. To graduate, a Music Therapy major must maintain the following standards:

A Music Therapy major must earn a grade of C- or better in all music and music therapy courses.

A Music Therapy major must satisfy the standards and requirements in all fieldwork education, including clinical practicums and the internship.

Suggested first year courses:

Fall semester:

EN 100 - PLE Writing and Language or
EN 150 - PLE Advanced Writing and Language
MU 100 - Repertoire Class B
MU 101 - Theory I
MU 103 - Aural Skills I
MU 111 - Voice Class or
MU 117 - Functional Keyboard Skills I
MU 150 - Professional Seminar
MU 151 - Introduction to Music Therapy
Primary Instrument (MU 268 - MU 286)
Ensemble

Spring semester:

MU 100 - Repertoire Class A
MU 102 - Theory II
MU 104 - Aural Skills II
MU 111 - Voice Class (unless in MU 268, or taken in the fall) or
MU 133 - Diction for Singers (only if enrolled in MU 268)
MU 118 - Functional Keyboard Skills II (unless in MU 269)
MU 119 - Guitar Class I or
MU 275 - CE Guitar
MU 150 - Professional Seminar
MU 152 - Music Therapy and Clinical Populations
MU 236 - Percussion for Music Therapy
Primary Instrument (MU 268 - MU 286)
Ensemble
PSY 105 - SSC General Psychology

Notes:

MU 150 and MU 100 are required each semester.

Proficiency in piano, voice, and guitar is required. If piano or organ is the primary instrument, the student must take MU 269 or MU 270, and MU 111 for the fall semester. All other music therapy students must take MU 117.

Five credits in ensemble are required. Students need to be enrolled for one credit in the fall semester.

Students interested in Concert Choir must audition.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses required for the major.

Students in music therapy can take their Creative Expression core requirement as Applied lessons or Ensembles.

All first year students need to be enrolled in MU 100B in the fall semester.

MU 211 and MU 212 count for Western Cultural Heritage core. The combination of two biology offerings – BIO101 or 111 and BIO 201 – will satisfy the Natural and Physical Science core.