Not only will the best music therapy degree provide an excellent education in therapy, but it will also provide an excellent education in music performance and repertoire. It will also meet your budget and scheduling needs. The best music therapy degree will also include an internship in the final semester, allowing you to put your newfound skills to use in a real-world setting under the supervision of an experienced music therapist.
Music therapy is a multifaceted degree that encompasses both therapy and music skills on a variety of instruments. A good music therapy program will cover all of the fundamentals of a music performance or music education degree, such as private lessons, ensemble participation, music history, and music theory. Although music therapists are not required to reach the same level of proficiency in their instrument as music performance majors, you should still take private lessons in your primary instrument for at least four semesters.
While you can major in any instrument while earning a music therapy degree, the best programs also require you to learn basic skills on accompanying instruments such as the guitar and piano, as well as improve your singing abilities. Additional instruments, as opposed to your primary instrument, are referred to as secondary instruments in many programs. Learning basic songs that are commonly used as tools in music therapy sessions should be a part of your education.
Aside from music classes, the best program will also require psychology and counseling classes. The knowledge and theory behind therapy, as well as specific training in music therapy techniques, will be covered in these classes. Typically, one or two classes will include a mini-internship that will require you to practice music therapy techniques on your classmates or in a music therapy setting before beginning your internship.
A music therapy degree is available at many universities and colleges with strong music programs. You can start your search by looking at schools in your neighborhood or in an area where you want to live. Look for schools that have been accredited or endorsed by professional music therapy organizations like the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
Look at the music therapy degree sheet on the school’s website to see if the music therapy program is well-rounded and requires both music and counseling training. Typically, the degree sheet will list all of the program’s required courses. Course descriptions can be found in the school’s course catalog. If that isn’t enough, contact the program’s director and ask for the syllabuses for the classes you’re interested in, which you should read thoroughly. They should give specific details about the class’s goals and requirements.
If you intend to pursue your music therapy degree full-time, you will most likely be able to attend classes whenever they are offered. Find out if the program offers night classes, weekend classes, or online classes if you’re going to school part-time. Because of the hands-on nature of a music therapy degree, it is not possible to complete it entirely online, but there may be scheduling flexibility that allows you to complete it as a part-time student.
When you find a school that appeals to you, inquire about scholarships, grants, and loans through the financial aid department. Even if the tuition is within your financial means, you may be eligible for scholarships or grants, which are non-repayable forms of financial aid.