Music Therapy (B.M.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The music unit prepares students to engage meaningfully and successfully as leaders in a music-filled world. Music major curricula stress development of the knowledge, skills, and experience for students to become well-equipped professionals. The Bachelor of Music degrees in music education and music therapy reflect our support of the College’s motto of “Educate for Service,” and the Bachelor of Arts degree in music additionally offers the flexibility to design an individualized emphasis. Music majors are chosen through an audition and interview process in which their performance, listening skills, and aptitude for their intended majors are evaluated. Curricular and co-curricular opportunities are provided for students to study and experience music at all levels.

The Department has adopted requirements for upper-level standing for Music majors. A copy of these requirements is available in the Department’s office.

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 (0.00 or 1.00 credit) (eight semesters for credit)
MU 101 - Theory I 2.00 credits.
MU 102 - Theory II 2.00 credits.
MU 103 - Aural Skills I 1.00 credit.
MU 104 - Aural Skills II 1.00 credit.
MU 111 - Voice Class 1.00 credit. or
MU 117 - Functional Keyboard Skills I 1.00 credit.
MU 118 - Functional Keyboard Skills II 1.00 credit. or
MU 278 - CE Voice 1.00 credit.
MU 119 - Guitar Class I 1.00 credit. or
MU 285 - CE Guitar 1.00 credit.
MU 120 - Guitar Class II 1.00 credit.
MU 205 - NCH World Music 4.00 credits. or
MU 225 - NCH Silk Road Soundscapes of Compassion, Healing, and Care 4.00 credits.
MU 150 - Professional Seminar 1.00 credit. (taken in every semester of attendance)
MU 151 - Introduction to Music Therapy 2.00 credits.
MU 152 - Music Therapy and Clinical Populations 2.00 credits.
MU 201 - Theory III 2.00 credits.
MU 202 - Theory IV 2.00 credits.
MU 203 - Aural Skills III 1.00 credit.
MU 204 - Aural Skills IV 1.00 credit.
MU 211 - WCH Music History: 1600-1850 4.00 credits.
MU 212 - Music History: 1850 to the Present 4.00 credits.
MU 217 - Functional Keyboard Skills III 1.00 credit.
MU 218 - Functional Keyboard Skills IV 1.00 credit.
MU 236 - Percussion for Music Therapy 1.00 credit.
MU 241 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques I 3.00 credits.
MU 253 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques II 3.00 credits.
MU 254 - College Clinical Experiences 1.00 credit. or
MU 255 - Community-Based Clinical Experiences 1.00 credit. (MU254 or MU255 will be taken a total of five times)
MU 321 - Conducting I 2.00 credits.
MU 332 - Music Technology 1.00 credit.
MU 353 - Clinical Improvisation and Composition I 2.00 credits.
MU 354 - Clinical Improvisation and Composition II 2.00 credits.
MU 357 - Music Therapy Methods and Techniques III 3.00 credits.
MU 358 - Psychology of Music and Research Methods 4.00 credits.
MU 450 - Music and Trauma 3.00 credits.
MU 479 - Professional Internship in Music Therapy 0.00 credit.
MU 495 - Seminar in Musicology 2.00 credits.
PSY 105 - SSC Introduction to Psychology 4.00 credits.
PSY 247 - Lifespan Development 4.00 credits. or
PSY 240 - Child and Adolescent Development 4.00 credits. or
PSY 245 - Adult Development and Aging 4.00 credits.
PSY 250 - Psychopathology 4.00 credits.

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)
A total of five credits of MU 254 or MU 255 .
Proficiency exams in piano, voice, and guitar
A senior recital

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

PSY 105 - SSC Introduction to Psychology 4.00 credits.
BIO 200 - NPS Human Anatomy and Physiology: The Basics 4.00 credits.
MA 251 - MA Probability and Statistics 4.00 credits.

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.

First Year Suggested Courses:

EN 100 - PLE First Year Writing 4.00 credits.
MU 100 - Repertoire Class (0.00 or 1.00 credit) B
MU 101 - Theory I 2.00 credits.
MU 103 - Aural Skills I 1.00 credit.
MU 111 - Voice Class 1.00 credit. or
MU 117 - Functional Keyboard Skills I 1.00 credit.
MU 150 - Professional Seminar 1.00 credit.
MU 151 - Introduction to Music Therapy 2.00 credits.
MU 102 - Theory II 2.00 credits.
MU 104 - Aural Skills II 1.00 credit.
MU 118 - Functional Keyboard Skills II 1.00 credit.
MU 119 - Guitar Class I 1.00 credit.
MU 152 - Music Therapy and Clinical Populations 2.00 credits.
MU 236 - Percussion for Music Therapy 1.00 credit.
Primary Instrument (MU 268 - MU 286)
Ensemble
PSY 105 - SSC Introduction to Psychology 4.00 credits.

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 100C in the fall semester.

MU 211 counts for Western Cultural Heritage core.

Music Policies

Preparatory Music Division

The School of Arts and Humanities also offers a Preparatory Music Division that offers instruction to pre-college students, adults, and college students who desire to take instruction without credit. Instruction is available from the Division’s faculty and other qualified teachers. Interested persons should contact Prof. Grant Moore, Director of the Preparatory Division.

Applied Music Lessons

Students who register for applied music for credit must meet minimum standards established by the School and should contact the School office for a list of standards for each applied area. Students who have not attained the level necessary for credit may study through the Preparatory Division. Students in applied music advance as rapidly as their abilities permit. They must study technical exercises and literature from various musical periods and styles.

Students may register with or without credit for the established music ensembles and for other ensembles organized under faculty supervision; ensemble registration for credit may be repeated. All students must meet the standards for attendance at rehearsals and public performances established by the faculty Directors.

Applied music lessons and certain music ensembles may be counted for the Creative Expression requirement of the Core Program if taken as letter-graded for four semesters. An additional fee is charged for applied music lessons. Fees are printed on the master course schedule.

Transfer Credit for Aural Skills and Functional Keyboard Skills

The Music Department reserves the right to administer a diagnostic exam to verify a student’s skill level PRIOR to awarding academic transfer credit for Aural Skills and Functional Keyboard Skills. This policy was established to ensure academic success at the appropriate level. Students accepted into a music program should contact the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities for any needed information about an assessment of transfer credits.

Additional Accreditation

Elizabethtown College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.