Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. Helen Shoemark

The BM in Music Therapy  prepares students to work as music therapists in a variety of clinical settings, providing an integrated sequence of academic coursework and supervised field training in clinical institutions. The academic courses give basic information and provide laboratory training in using different methods of music therapy. The field experience courses provide opportunities to work directly with clients. Great care is taken to help the student apply what is learned in the classroom to clinical situations.

There are two concentrations from which to choose:

1. Traditional Concentration
2. Jazz Concentration

The curriculum covers four main areas: general education studies, music, clinical studies and music therapy. In the area of music, students take courses in music theory, history and applied music which receiving individual lessons on their major instrument. They also maintain membership in one of the performance ensembles and instruction in piano, guitar and voice. Emphasis is given to the ability to play and sing in different musical styles.

In the area of clincial studies, students take several courses in psychology, designed to provide an understanding of human beings and their health needs.

Applicants must be accomplished musicians who have the motivation, sensitivity and maturity needed to become music therapists.
An audition in the major performing medium is required for Music Therapy applicants (i.e, keyboard, brass, jazz).