Music Therapy
The Master of Music Therapy degree program is designed for experienced, board-certified music therapists who desire training in advanced competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association. This blended program equips candidates with the knowledge, skills, and values required for advanced clinical work and research in music psychotherapy. All candidates in this major must complete the music therapy core requirements, elective courses in music, music therapy, and related disciplines, and a culminating thesis/creative project.
| MMT Core Requirements 1 | 18 | |
| MUS 584 | Topics in Music Psychotherapy | 3 |
| MUS 585 | Music Therapy Principles and Theories | 3 |
| MUS 586 | Methods of Music Psychotherapy | 3 |
| MUS 587 | Advanced Music Therapy Research | 3 |
| MUS 588 | Advanced Practicum and Group Supervision | 3 |
| MUS 589 | Music Therapy Education and Supervision | 3 |
| Electives 2 | 15 | |
| MUS 590 | Thesis/Creative Project 3 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Students enrolled in core courses are required to attend one to two 2.5-day intensive trainings per semester.
- 2
Choose 15 semester hours from approved options in Music (MUS), Counselor Education (EDC), Teacher Education (EDT), Psychology (PSY) and related disciplines.
- 3
A successful written comprehensive examination precedes enrollment in the thesis/creative project.
Courses
MUS 501. Graduate Seminar in Musicology. 2 Hours
Students will become familiar with selected general aspects of Western music: music notation, editions and performance, social contexts and meanings of musical works. This course explores the range of approaches and research methods in musicology, aiming for a comprehensive understanding and a critical knowledge of the sources and literature of music and musicology, and the rudiments of research and writing techniques.
MUS 503. Teaching World Music. 2 Hours
Methods and techniques for teaching music from representative cultures around the world, and their role and function in society.
MUS 505. Teaching Music with Technology I. 2,3 Hours
Provides a hands-on, introductory basis in 1) computer aided notation, 2) recording music with digital instruments, 3) developing multimedia presentations, and 4) utilizing the world wide web for connected learning.
MUS 506. Teaching Music with Technology II. 2,3 Hours
Provides an in-depth and hands-on study in 1) computer aided notation, 2) recording music with digital instruments, 3) developing multimedia presentations, and 4) utilizing the world wide web for connected learning. Permission of the instructor required.
MUS 511. Music Theory, Analysis, and Technology. 2-3 Hours
This course investigates music theory and compositional practice of the Western music tradition. Current techniques of tonal theory including linear analysis are explored. Students also apply music technology in the notation and analysis of music. Prior experience with music notation and web authoring software is expected.
MUS 531. Foundations & Current Issues in Music Education. 2-3 Hours
Topics include history, philosophy, and psychology of music education; special needs and inclusion; assessment; national and state music education standards; gifted identification; curriculum development; scheduling; Vision 2020; and learning theories.
MUS 535. Literature & Resources for Classroom Music. 1 Hour
Review, analysis and critique of standard and new literature for grades PreK - 8. Exploration and utilization of available teaching resources.
MUS 536. Literature & Resources for the Choral Ensemble. 1 Hour
Review, analysis and critique of standard and new literature for elementary, middle, and high school choral ensembles.
MUS 537. Literature & Resources for the Instrumental Ensembles. 1 Hour
Review, analysis and critique of standard and new literature for elementary, middle, and high school instrumental ensembles.
MUS 544. Advanced Techniques for Classroom Music. 2 Hours
Focuses on the development of teaching techniques and methods for grade levels PreK-8. Concentration on areas such as contemporary methodologies, learning theories, and utilization of the National Standards in music education.
MUS 545. Advanced Choral Conducting & Rehearsal Techniques. 2 Hours
Focuses on score study, comprehensive score analysis, performance practice study, ensemble conducting experience, and rehearsal techniques.
MUS 546. Advanced Instrumental Conducting & Rehearsal Techniques. 2 Hours
Focuses on score study, comprehensive score analysis, performance practice study, ensemble conducting experience, and rehearsal techniques.
MUS 560. Special Studies. 1-4 Hours
Special studies in Music.
MUS 581. Improvisation in the School Music Curriculum. 2 Hours
Emphasis on vocal and instrumental skill development and facilitation of improvisatory experiences suitable for individual students and groups.
MUS 584. Topics in Music Psychotherapy. 3 Hours
Survey of topics related to music psychotherapy, such as established and emerging models of practice, design and facilitation of therapeutic music experiences, treatment dynamics, professional issues, and current trends in the field. May be repeated. Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator required.
MUS 585. Music Therapy Principles and Theories. 3 Hours
Historical and epistemological foundations and principles of several established theoretical orientations that undergird music psychotherapy practices, including but not limited to behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator required.
MUS 586. Methods of Music Psychotherapy. 3 Hours
In-depth exploration of at least one of the four distinct music therapy methods used in music psychotherapy practices: listening, improvising, performing, composing. Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator required.
MUS 587. Advanced Music Therapy Research. 3 Hours
Exploration of epistemological foundations and methodological and ethical concepts and principles related to objectivist and interpretivist research in music psychotherapy. Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator.
MUS 588. Advanced Practicum and Group Supervision. 3 Hours
Supervised practice in at least one distinct clinical setting toward developing and advancing clinical skills in referral, assessment, treatment, evaluation of treatment, and termination phases of music therapy. Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator required.
Prerequisites: MUS 586.
Corequisites: MUS 585.
MUS 589. Music Therapy Education and Supervision. 3 Hours
Exploration of topics related to music therapy education (curricula design, clinical training, institutional and accrediting standards) and supervision (theoretical tenets, models, procedures and techniques). Enrollment in Master of Music Therapy degree program or permission of program coordinator required.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 584, MUS 585, MUS 586, MUS 587.
MUS 590. Thesis/Creative Project. 3 Hours
Culminating project in Master of Music Therapy degree program.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 584; MUS 585; MUS 586; MUS 587; MUS 588; MUS 589; comprehensive written examination.
MUS 599. Graduate Performance Studies. 1-2 Hours
Private lesson instruction, or performance in an approved ensemble (large group or chamber). Lessons (14, 30 minutes each or equivalent) offered in keyboard, strings, winds, percussion, and voice. Ensembles can include university ensembles as well as off-campus ensembles (must have approval of advisor). Fee for lessons.