The bachelor's degree is designed to prepare students to work as music therapists in a variety of clinical settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for board-certification and hold the professional designation MT-BC.

OPTIONS

The undergraduate program provides two options: the "Traditional Concentration" for students with a background in classical music, and the "Jazz" Concentration for students with a background in jazz, rock or popular music. Each concentration has its own audition requirements and curriculum.

ADMISSION

All applicants must be talented musicians who have the motivation, sensitivity, and maturity needed to become music therapists. Specific requirements include: a good academic record, acceptable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude or American College Test, proficiency on a musical instrument or voice (as demonstrated by an audition), and an understanding of the fundamentals of music. To obtain an application, please call 215-204-8301 or fax 215-204-4957.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

An audition in the major performing medium and a series of music tests must be completed before an applicant can be accepted into the Esther Boyer College of Music. It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule a date for the audition and tests. For further information on admission or audition requirements, or to schedule an audition, contact Mr. James Short, Director of Music Admissions (215-204-8598). For audition requirements, click here.

FINANCIAL AID

The College offers two types of financial aid: performance-based and need-based. Performance-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of the student's audition, and upon recommendation by the Admissions Committee. A separate application is not necessary for these scholarships, as all students are considered upon application. Need-based assistance includes state-grants, federal student aid, and Temple University grants. These types of aid require separate applications by May 1st. For instructions, contact the University Financial Aid Office.

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.

Functional Voice (3631,3632) 1 credit each: Two semester course for music therapy majors only. Students will learn: how to use their voices appropriately and safely in clinical situations; how to elicit singing responses from various client populations based on vocal characteristics; and how to sing standard clinical repertoire by memory.

Functional Piano (3633,3634) 1 credit each: Two-semester course. Students learn how to use the piano for leading sessions and how to play various accompanying styles suitable for different client groups in music therapy.

Functional Guitar (3635,3636) 1 credit each: Two-semester course. Students will learn: different accompanying styles, and various chord changes used for work with the various populations encountered in music therapy settings.

Music Therapy Experience I: Creative Methods (4641) 1 credit, A course where students experience creative methods of Music Therapy and explore their therapeutic potential.

Music Therapy Experience II: Recreative Methods (4642) 1 credit. A course where students experience recreative methods of Music Therapy and explore their therapeutic potential.

Music Therapy Experience III: Receptive Methods (4643) 1 credit.  A course where students experience receptive methods of Music Therapy and explore their therapeutic potential.

MT Overview (4611) 3 credits: An introduction to music therapy theory and practice. Clinical case studies will be used to illustrate general principles of assessment, goal planning, treatment, and evaluation.

Music Therapy Foundations (4613) 3 credits: An examination of philosophical, psychological, musicological, biological and sociological foundations for the use of music as therapy.

Psychiatric Music Therapy (4614) 3 credits: An examination of music therapy practice with psychiatric populations (e.g., schizophrenia, affective disorders, PTSD), with laboratory training in how to design and implement music experiences to meet therapeutic goals.

Medical/Rehabilitative Music Therapy (4619) 3 credits: An examination of music therapy treatment in physical rehabilitation treatment ( e.g, brain injury, stroke, crebral palsy, neuromotor disease) and medical issues (surgery, diabetes, cancer, AIDS) with laboratory training in how to design and implement music experiences to meet therapeutic goals.

Developmental Music Therapy (4616) 3 credits: An examination of music therapy methods used with children who have developmental problems (e.g., mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, behavior problems, sensory disorders) with laboratory training in how to design and implement music experiences to meet therapeutic needs.

Music Therapy Ethics (4618) 2 credits: An examination of ethical issues in music therapy practice, research, education, and supervision.

Music Therapy Clinical Training (4687) 1-6 credits: Students work as apprentice music therapists under joint supervision of an on-site professional music therapist and academic faculty. A weekly seminar is required. This course includes both pre-internship and internship experiences.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Kenneth Aigen is the Coordinator of the undergraduate program. His email is kaigen@temple.edu and his telephone number is 215-204-8311. Contact him if you have any questions regarding the undergraduate curriculum, graduate equivalency program, pre-professional clinical training, advisement, and registration. To see his curriculum vitae go to the Faculty Information Page.