Music Therapy Home

  Music Therapy is a growing career field that has wide appeal for those who wish to combine a love of music with the desire to work in a helping profession. Therapists use music in instructional and clinical settings to help individuals change behavior or to restore or improve physical or mental health. They analyze behavior problems and establish treatment goals within the framework of specific musical activities.

Students seeking to enter the music therapy program must complete procedures for admission to Shenandoah as outlined by the Admissions Office. Undergraduate applicants must pass an audition administered by the faculty in the applied area in which a major is desired. Specific audition requirements may be obtained from the Admissions Office. Graduate applicants must possess a bachelors degree in Music Therapy (including internship), or its equivalent. The certificate program is designed for  those who currently hold a bachelors degree in music or a related field and who seek employment as a music therapist with the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Shenandoah's Music Therapy program is well established throughout Winchester and the surrounding region. Over 100 hours of contractual services are offered per week by music therapy staff across a wide variety of populations. Music therapy services are also offered on campus through the Marian sung Music Therapy Center, which includes technology and professional resources for student instruction.

The growth of music therapy at Shenandoah can be traced directly to efforts of the faculty and staff to foster a high standard of both clinical and leadership skills among its staff and students. Students are encouraged to actively participate in educational and service opportunities through the SU Music Therapy Association, and through membership in the American Music Therapy Association.

Learning opportunities across the continuum of music therapy education and training are provided, from entry level to advanced practice. Field work experiences reflect a balance of both traditional music therapy settings and new directions for music therapy.

The Marian Sung Music Therapy Center, Institute for Music-Centered Wellness, the Music Therapy Model Demonstration Program at the Adult Care Center (federal award) and contract services in the community provide students with state of the art observation-participation opportunities.

Undergraduate students who successfully advance through the music therapy curriculum typically complete the BMT degree in 7 semesters plus the 6 month internship, allowing for continuity in student status and financial aid.

Having a degree in a related field, music therapy certificate students complete an accelerated program based on transfer credit, leading to eligibility to sit for the national examination in music therapy.

The Master of Music Therapy degree is practice-based, with core courses held on Saturdays. Entering students have completed the undergraduate degree requirements or equivalent. They are employed as music therapists in the community or surrounding regions, and wish to advance their skills in such areas as clinical practice, research, consultant services, and funding.
 
Students with an interest in combining the specific career preparation of the music therapy curriculum with a high interest in performing will find an opportunity to fulfill this interest in Shenandoahâs unique Performance Certificate. Those students who complete applied levels beyond the minimum required for the Music Therapy curriculum graduate with a Performance Certificate as well as the degree. The Performance Certificate acknowledges the advanced study in performance and documents it for graduate schools and for prospective employers seeking specific performance capability.

Bass, brass, guitar, piano, saxophone and percussion students may elect to complete their applied music and ensemble requirements by following the Jazz Applied Study Option in lieu of the more traditional classical study.

APPROVAL, ACCREDITATION, AND CREDENTIALS

The degree, Bachelor of Music Therapy, is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This degree prepares students for the six-month internship following completion of academic and field placement experiences, and fulfills eligibility requirements to sit for the national examination in music therapy offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon passing the examination, the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), is granted.

The Certificate in Music Therapy reflects study equivalent to the BMT, including internship. Similar to the BMT, this certificate fulfills eligibility requirements to sit for the national examination in music therapy offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon passing the examination, the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), is granted.

The degree, Master of Music Therapy, currently holds the status of "approval pending" with the American Music Therapy Association, and ãplan approvalä with the National Association of Schools of Music.
 
Students are required to observe professional music therapists in their work settings and lead classroom demonstrations of music therapy activities prior to engaging in field experiences, which extend across 4 semesters and precede the 6 month internship.

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER HEALTH DISCIPLINES

Music therapy majors interact directly with faculty and students from other health disciplines, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, health science, psychology and nursing. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively on class projects and practicum experiences, and to attend seminars and workshops that are jointly sponsored.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Music therapists have opportunities to work with all ages of people in all walks of life with all types of disabilities. They work with socially and emotionally maladjusted youths and adults in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, health centers, nursing homes, social service agencies, specialized rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, and state institutions. Many public school systems have recognized the value of music therapy by adding staff members to work with exceptional children.

In addition to assisting students in their effort to respond effectively to announced, full time positions, the Shenandoah prepares its music therapy students for alternative types of employment, including the creation of music therapy positions where none exist. For example: private practice music therapy is emerging as a viable option for graduating students. The music therapy curriculum provides students with the training and opportunity to present workshops on music therapy for health care agencies in the community, to write and submit music therapy program proposals to health care administrators, to develop strategies for creating consultant contracts, and to learn about the business aspects of establishing a private practice, including how to write grant proposals.