Concentration in Music Therapy

The music therapy concentration is uniquely structured to provide not only an intensive study of music, but also an in-depth understanding of the behavioral and natural sciences (such as psychology, anatomy and physiology) and sociology. Music used as a therapeutic modality is frequently applied to a wide range of people with psychological, physical, emotional, social or cognitive disabilities. The curriculum is structured to provide an intensive coverage of these areas throughout the four-year program. 

An important aspect of the music therapy curriculum is the practical field involvement of the student from the sophomore through the senior years. This high degree of clinical exposure culminates with a six-month internship at an AMTA approved facility under a board-certified music therapist. The internship can be taken anywhere in the country upon completion of all degree course work. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student is eligible to sit for the national board certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

The concentration involves research as well as clinical work. The goal of the concentration is to produce highly qualified and knowledgeable music therapists who will become growing and productive assets to their clinical program and profession. The field of music therapy is an exciting one, utilizing a unique combination of art and science to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

While music has been used for centuries as a therapeutic tool, the profession of music therapy as we currently know it did not develop until the middle of the 20th century. By today's standards, we might view music therapy as the use of music in the accomplishment of therapeutic aims: the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health.

Find the answers to additional frequently asked questions.

MUSIC THERAPY INTERVIEWS

In addition to the Applied Perfomance audition on your major instrument/voice, Music Therapy Faculty will meet with each prospective MT student on audition days.  Each meeting will be approximately 15 minutes in duration. Each student should prepare  to sing and/or play two contrasting songs that might be used in a clinical setting.  These can include pop songs, hymns, children’s songs, folk songs, golden oldies, or anything from the standard popular repertoire.  Auditioners are encouraged to accompany themselves on guitar, ukulele, and/or piano if able.  If the auditioner is unable to play any of these instruments they should sing their pieces a cappella. 

The music therapy faculty member will also ask the following questions:
What do you know about music therapy?
Why are you interested in majoring in MT?
What are your strengths and areas of need?
Have you had any volunteer experiences or have you shadowed a music therapist?  If so can you briefly share something you learned from that/those opportunities?
A person who was the most influential to you and why?

For more information on Music Therapy interviews please contact Dr. Sekyung Jang, Music Therapy Program Director