If you are one of those who are lovers of music, who have experienced the power of healing via music, and you desire to go for a degree in music therapy, then you are at the right place because this article is meant for you.
In this article, we will be talking about music therapy and the 10 best schools where you can study music therapy in the United States.
By reading through this article you will be able to know the best music therapy school that will be right for your study. Let’s get started!
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapists have objectives of determining and using music therapy approaches that effectively help in the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of mental and physical health.
They strongly believe in the dignity and worth of every person, they also promote the use of music in therapy, establish and maintain high standards in public service.
To become a board-certified music therapist, you must pass the national exam of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The national pass rate of this program is about 74 percent.
Here are the best Music Therapy Schools in the United States
- Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance
- Berklee College of Music
- Florida State University School of Music
- University of Minnesota School of Music
- University of Miami Frost School of Music
- Montclair State University John J. Cali School of Music
- Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music
- SUNY Fredonia School of Music
- Arizona State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
- Western Michigan University School of Music
1. Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance
Temple offers a variety of concentrations within the discipline of music therapy. Undergraduates can major in music therapy or even music therapy jazz, either of which is completed with a concentration in a performing instrument.
These programs last four and a half years, which include a semester of post-academic clinical training after senior year.
Graduate students can get a Master’s in Music Therapy (MMT) or a PhD. Whichever path you choose, you will be guided by expert faculty with experience in the NICU, developmental disorders, and more.
To supplement academic study, students can join the Music Therapy Club — a fundraising organization for charities and for sending students to AMTA Conferences in the mid-Atlantic region — or the National Association for Music Education, the Temple chapter for music educators.
2. Berklee College of Music
As a world-renowned leader in music education, Berklee is home to a vibrant music therapy program.
The school emphasizes cutting-edge technology as a way to expand access to music therapy for as many people as possible. This includes clients with communicative and creative barriers as well as music therapy practitioners with disabilities.
At Berklee, music therapists and technologists collaborate to make prototype software based on the unique needs of patients and researchers.
Then, the school hosts symposia to discuss the technology, field testing, and goals for the future. Students can also take a new course on music health applications through the Berklee Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship.
3. Florida State University School of Music
Florida State University’s music therapy program is comprehensive, with a particular focus on developmental music therapy.
The Early Notes Network is a music therapy consortium studying childhood neurodevelopment. The consortium is made up of Florida State University and six other music therapy programs across the nation, all dedicated to expanding quality music therapy research and clinical practice in early childhood.
Florida State University’s National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy also offers sessions for families with young children to develop language, motor, and cognitive skills through music. Music therapy students have the chance to get involved in these highly specialized interdisciplinary fields.
Students can complete pre-internship clinical requirements at one of many practicum sites, including elementary and middle schools, hospices, mental health clinics, and retirement homes in Tallahassee.
4. University of Minnesota School of Music
Any student would be fortunate to go to the University of Minnesota, the top public college in the state.
Music therapy students thrive here because there is an on-campus music therapy clinic that has active research engagements with the university’s medical center and local medical community.
The clinic, in addition to providing clinical opportunities, features an observation booth where students can watch professionals give music therapy sessions to different kinds of patients.
The booth boasts high-tech instruments and computers to collect data for research studies. Junior and senior music therapy students can even provide supervised services at the clinic to practice before graduating.
On top of learning what it takes to be a professional music therapist, students can join various ensembles to explore other types of music to integrate into their practice. Groups include choir, concert bands, jazz, percussion, orchestra, world music, and opera.
5. University of Miami Frost School of Music
The Frost School of Music is famous for its patented Frost MethodⓇ curriculum, a comprehensive music education that covers everything from business, performance, critical thinking, and music technology.
Its music therapy program is no less innovative. Undergraduates must complete five clinical training or fieldwork experiences, equivalent to five semesters.
These real-life courses prepare students to interact with patients of all ages with different neurological and developmental conditions, incrementally developing their musical and therapeutic skills semester by semester.
Students train at their pick of venues in and around Miami, including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami VA Medical Center, and Miller School of Medicine.
The Ress Family Hospital Performance Project gives music therapy students further opportunities to help the Miami community. The program brings Frost music students to local hospitals to help lift the spirits of patients through live performances.
Conclusion
All you need to know about the best music therapy schools that are situated in the United States have been explained in this article.
By reading this article to this point, we know that you have been enlightened and also been able to pick out the school that will be fit to begin your academic journey. You can send questions or suggestions on this article to us via the comment section.
Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by Admin
