Overview
The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy consists of 30 credit hours of graduate study beyond the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy (or its equivalent). This degree program is designed for the individual who already holds an undergraduate degree in music therapy. It is designed to prepare students for either advanced-level clinical practice, or additional opportunities in research or college teaching. Although all masters music therapy students are prepared for advanced clinical practice they also specialize in either a clinical or a thesis track. The curriculum is built upon the clinical and research paradigm known as Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). This model utilizes scientific evidence regarding the influence of music on human brain and behavior function to treat neurological, developmental, and medical needs. The NMT approach is becoming increasingly recognized and accepted by the medical community, which helps increase employment for our graduates. Masters students work closely with music therapy faculty for the duration of this rigorous program, thus they gain experience in all aspects of music therapy clinical practice, education, and research. The music therapy faculty are experienced researchers and distinguished educators who are known internationally for their research and service to the profession.
Admission Requirements
All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:
· An online application
· Application fee
· Resume
· Three letters of recommendation
· Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended
This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:
· Prescreen/Performance
· Writing sample
· TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable
For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area | ||
| MED 729 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice I | 3 |
| MED 730 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice II | 3 |
| MED 759 | Music Therapy Graduate Practicum 3 | 2 |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Final Project (Thesis or Clinical Emphasis) | ||
| MED 810 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
| or MED 805 | Master's Project | |
| Other Studies in Music | ||
| Approved Graduate Level Courses in Music | 10 | |
| Supportive Studies | ||
| MED 651 | Music Therapy Research Methods | 3 |
| Approved Neuroscience Elective | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Approved Research Elective (if choosing Thesis Emphasis) | ||
Approved Clinical Elective (if choosing Clinical Emphasis) | ||
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Sample Plan of Study
Clinical Emphasis
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MED 729 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice I | 3 |
| MED 651 | Music Therapy Research Methods | 3 |
| Neuroscience Elective | 3 | |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 730 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice II | 3 |
| Graduate Studies in Music | 5 | |
| MED 805 | Master's Project | 1 |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MED 805 | Master's Project | 1 |
| Clinical Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Studies in Music | 3 | |
| MED 759 | Music Therapy Graduate Practicum 3 | 2 |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 805 | Master's Project | 1 |
| Graduate Studies in Music | 2 | |
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
* This degree program is designed for the individual who has already earned a Bachelor degree in music therapy. Applicants must also be board-certified, or eligible to take the exam.
* This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
Sample Plan of Study
Thesis Emphasis
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MED 729 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice I | 3 |
| MED 651 | Music Therapy Research Methods | 3 |
| Neuroscience Elective | 3 | |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 730 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice II | 3 |
| MED 810 | Master's Thesis | 1 |
| Graduate Studies in Music | 5 | |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MED 810 | Master's Thesis | 1 |
| Research Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Studies in Music | 5 | |
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 810 | Master's Thesis | 1 |
| MED 759 | Music Therapy Graduate Practicum 3 | 2 |
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| MED 710 | Graduate Forum in Music Therapy | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
* This degree program is designed for the individual who has already earned a Bachelor degree in music therapy. Applicants must also be board-certified, or eligible to take the exam.
* This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
Mission
The mission of the Master of Music degree program in Music Therapy at the Frost School of Music is to prepare students to develop:
- advanced and comprehensive musicianship
- independent research skill
- advanced level clinical knowledge and skill for the music therapy profession.
Goals
The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy is designed to help students achieve the following three goals:
1. To acquire specialized musicianship as needed for advanced performance and for clinical practice. Within the diverse and comprehensive Frost School of Music, students have the opportunity to study with faculty who perform and compose regularly in local, national and international venues. Consequently, the musical preparation of students here is unparalleled.
2. To achieve advanced clinical competencies by examining the scientific evidence that supports the use of music in a therapeutic context. Through this examination, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and further refine their clinical interaction skills. Students will then translate this knowledge into therapeutic interventions which are then applied to clinical populations. Clinical work and research can be conducted at multiple hospitals and agencies in the greater Miami area, including the world-famous Miller School of Medicine.
3. To develop independent research skills. Students have the opportunity to exercise their critical thinking skills and increase their knowledge of research topics, methodology, and analysis. Students who pursue the thesis will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an independent research project. Students who pursue the clinical emphasis will apply research findings as they develop a clinically focused project within a specific clinical setting.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate musical skills and knowledge of musical concepts for advanced clinical practice.
- Students will demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge and skill competency.
- Students will demonstrate independent research skill.
