The best music therapy degree includes education in therapy and music performance, an internship, psychology and counseling classes, and basic skills in multiple instruments. Look for accredited programs with comprehensive course requirements and flexible scheduling options. Check with the financial aid department for scholarships and grants.
The best music therapy degree will provide an excellent education not only in therapy but also in music performance and repertoire. It will also meet your schedule and budget requirements. The best music therapy degree will also lead to an internship in the final semester, so you can practice the skills you’ve acquired in a real music therapy environment, under the guidance of an experienced music therapist.
Music therapy is a multifaceted degree, including therapeutic and musical skills on multiple instruments. A good music therapy program will include all the basic requirements of a music performance or a degree in music education: tutoring, ensemble participation, music history and music theory. Typically, music therapists don’t need to reach the same skill level on their instruments as music performance professionals, but you should still receive at least four semesters of private tuition on your primary instrument.
While you can major in any instrument while studying music therapy, the best programs also require you to learn basic skills in backing instruments such as guitar and piano and build your singing skills. Many programs refer to additional instruments as secondary instruments, as opposed to your main instrument. Part of your education should include learning basic songs that are commonly used as tools in music therapy sessions.
In addition to music classes, the best program will require additional psychology and counseling classes. These classes will cover the knowledge and theory behind the therapy, as well as specific training in music therapy techniques. Typically, before starting your internship, one or two classes will include a mini-internship that will require you to practice music therapy techniques on your peers or in a music therapy setting.
Many universities and colleges with strong music programs offer a music therapy degree. You can start your search by checking out schools in your area or in an area where you would like to live. You can also look for schools that are accredited or endorsed by professional music therapy organizations, such as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
To find out if the school’s music therapy program is comprehensive and requires music training as well as counseling, consult the music therapy graduation sheet found on the school’s website. Generally, the graduation sheet lists all the courses required for the program. Use the school’s course catalog to find course descriptions. If this does not provide enough information, contact the program director and request the syllabus for the classes you are interested in, and read them thoroughly. They must provide detailed information about the objectives and requirements of the class.
If you plan to earn your full-time music therapy degree, your schedule will likely allow you to take classes whenever they are offered. If you are going to school part-time, find out if the program offers evening classes, weekend classes or online classes. Due to the hands-on nature of a music therapy degree, it is not possible to fully complete an online music therapy program, but there may be flexibility in scheduling that will allow you to earn the degree as a part-time student.
When you find a school that looks promising, check with the financial aid department for information about scholarships, grants, and loans. Even if the tuition fee is affordable in your budget, you may be eligible for scholarships or grants, being a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid.
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