Music Therapy
Program Director: Dr. Darlene M. Brooks
Chair of Music Education and Music Therapy: Dr. Rollo Dilworth
Degree Programs | Accreditation |
Databases & Archives
Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses all aspects of music to help clients to improve or maintain their emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. In some clinical applications, the client’s needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist or among clients in a group. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including general hospitals, psychiatric facilities, schools, prisons, rehabilitation centers, geriatric facilities, hospice programs, training institutes, private practices, and universities. Courses in applied music, theory, history, psychology, music therapy and related clinical areas emphasize the importance of musicianship, self-understanding and interpersonal skills.
Degree Programs:
B.M. Music Therapy | M.M.T. Music Therapy/Equivalency | M.M.T. Music Therapy | Ph.D. Music Therapy
B.M. Music Therapy
The undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare students to work as music therapists in a variety of clinical settings. The program provides an integrated sequence of academic coursework and supervised field training in clinical institutions. Two types of courses are offered. The academic courses give basic information and provide laboratory training in using different methods of music therapy. The field experience courses provide opportunities to work directly with clients. Great care is taken to help the student apply what is learned in the classroom to clinical situations. Successful completion of the program and internship qualifies individuals to apply for professional certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapy, Inc. and hold the professional designation MT-BC.
To see music therapy degree requirements, click here.
Dr. Kenneth Aigen
Coordinator, B.M. Music Therapy
215-204-8311 | kaigen@temple.edu
M.M.T.: Music Therapy/Combined Master’s Equivalency Program
Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in another area of music (e.g., performance, music education, etc.) but who are not certified in music therapy are eligible to apply for the combined master's equivalency program. This program integrates undergraduate core courses in music therapy (27 credits) required for entry-level certification with the master's program. Entry-level and advanced courses are taken concurrently. Applicants who hold undergraduate degrees outside of music, or applicants who do not have at least 60 undergraduate credits in music or the equivalence are not eligible for admission to this combined program, but must instead apply for the bachelor's degree. Please note: The Combined Master’s Equivalency Program is not offered through distance learning; students must reside in the Philadelphia area.
To see music therapy core requirements, click here.
M.M.T. Music Therapy
The master's degree program is designed to provide professional music therapists with advanced clinical training, supported by studies in research, theory and ethics. The master's program provides two areas of advanced clinical study, with a variety of course offerings in each area. The medical music therapy area provides didactic and experiential training in how music and the client-therapist relationship are used to facilitate mind-body communication and health. The music psychotherapy area provides didactic and experiential training in how music and the client-therapist relationship are used to promote emotional and interpersonal growth. Electives are offered for: 1) clinical specialization in hospice care, 2) clinical specialization in music psychotherapy, 3) state licensure, and 4) PhD preparation.
For admissions information, click here.
To see degree requirements, click here.
For information regarding diagnostic examinations for current students, click here.
Dr. Darlene Brooks
Coordinator, M.M.T. Music Therapy
215-204-8340 |
dmbrooks@temple.edu
Ph.D. Music Therapy
This degree is the first true Ph.D. in music therapy to be offered in the United States. The Ph.D. program has music therapy as the major area of study with its own core curriculum, supported by studies in research, music and related health disciplines. Objectives of the Ph.D. are to prepare individuals to conduct research and develop theory, in quantitative and qualitative research paradigms; provide opportunities for further development of clinical expertise in two areas: Music Medicine and Music Psychotherapy; provide opportunities to gain expertise in areas of specialization within the above two areas of practice (e.g., particular client population, methodology, or research paradigm); provide opportunities to develop expertise and skill in college-teaching and clinical supervision.
Individuals applying for the PhD must: Have a bachelor's degree in any music-related area or its equivalent; Have earned a master's degree in music therapy or related area; Have professional certification in music therapy; Have at least five years of full-time clinical experience as a professional music therapist.
For admissions information, click here.
To see
music therapy degree requirements, click here.
Intensive Retreats/Online Learning
Courses in the M.M.T. and Ph.D. programs are offered through various combinations of intensive learning retreats and online instruction via the "Blackboard" program. The amount of time spent in class and online varies according to the content and objectives of each course. Two intensive retreats are offered each semester. Each retreat lasts from 8-10 days, but you will only attend those days on which your classes meet.
Click here for Accomodations | Click here for Campus Map and Directions
Dr. Cheryl Dileo
Coordinator, Ph.D. Music Therapy
215-204-8542 |
cdileo@temple.edu
Accreditation
Temple's music therapy programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Upon successful completion of the bachelor's degree program or its equivalence, graduates are eligible to take the national examination of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and thereby earn the professional credential, "Music Therapist-Board Certified" or "MT-BC." This credential is required to practice music therapy in many areas of practice.
Music Therapy Databases: Databases of Journals and Books in English
Archives of Helen Bonny: Click here to view the GIM
Archives of Mary Priestley: Click here to view Priestley Archives
