Bachelor of Music, BM
Music Therapy
Degrees and Certificates
-
Music Therapy Major, -
Music Therapy Equivalency Program, Equivalency Program
Courses
CTW 100: CREATIVITY THAT WORKS I
Class Program
This “arts foundations” course is an introduction to the common elements that all the arts, including art and design, music, and theater and dance share. The course introduces and explores critical topics including creative process, collaboration, and performance, as well as professional aspects of the arts including presentation of self and networking; it concludes with an exploration of each student’s personal path from training to a successful career in the arts.
Notes
Major, Minor credit. Prerequisite for CTW 200 and all SOA courses at the 300-level or above.
CTW 200: CREATIVITY THAT WORKS II
Class Program
Prerequisite for all SOA Capstone experiences. To be taken in the second year of study in the School of the Arts, this course builds on the ideas introduced in CTW 100 and looks more deeply at the creative process, collaboration, and artistic creation in all three arts areas. This course will also explore the varied paths artists follow in developing their own career paths, both within the Converse community and beyond.
Prerequisite Courses
Notes
- A continuation of CTW 100.
- Major, Minor credit. Prerequisite for all SOA courses at the 400-level or above.
MTY 151: INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
This course introduces the student to the field of music therapy including a description of professional practice, and history of the profession, and surveys music therapy applications with a variety of clinical populations. The course also presents the student with experiential learning opportunities that are critical to developing clinical/self-reflective skills in the profession.
Prerequisites
No prerequisite; open to non-majors.
MTY 152: GUITAR CLASS I
Class Program
No prerequisite; open to non-majors if space is available. A course designed to address and expand upon guitar competencies delineated in the American Music Therapy Association Professional Competencies document. Those competencies include:
- Accompany self and ensembles proficiently.
- Employ simple strumming and fingerpicking techniques.
- Tune guitar using standard and other tunings (Open E, Drop D, Double Drop D)
- Perform a basic repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular songs with or without printed music.
- Harmonize and transpose simple compositions in several keys.
MTY 154: ACCOMPANIMENT AND REPERTOIRE FOR MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
An introduction to the use of music in therapeutic settings. Students will learn about the clinical use of instrumental and vocal accompaniment, sight-singing and sight-reading, and popular music repertoire to begin their development of therapeutic leadership and performance skills.
Notes
Major, Elective credit
MTY 250: CLINICAL PROCESSES I
Class Program
This course is an introduction to the music therapy clinical process with cases that illustrate clinical competencies contained in the AMTA Professional Competencies document. Assessment, treatment planning, clinical observation, data collection, session design, evaluation and documentation will be covered. Case examples and video clips with diverse clients will serve as a driving force for this course, illustrating a client-centered approach to treatment. Students will be asked to reflect on their values, beliefs and attitudes toward client groups and begin to examine the relationship between self and therapist role.
MTY 251: CLINICAL PROCESSES II
Class Program
This course is an extension of learning about the music therapy clinical process with on-site observations that illustrate clinical competencies contained in the AMTA Professional Competencies document. Assessment, treatment planning, clinical observations, data collection, session design, evaluation and documentation will be reviewed as applicable to professional music therapy practice in different sites. Analysis and synthesis of these observations will serve as a primary focus for this course, illustrating a client-centered approach to treatment. Students will be asked to reflect on their personal values, beliefs and attitudes toward client groups and begin to examine the relationship between self and therapist role.
MTY 252: GUITAR CLASS II
Class Program
A continuation of the development of guitar competencies including finger- picking, blues styles, open tunings and development of more advanced clinical repertoire.
Prerequisites
MTY 152 or permission of instructor; open to non-majors if space is available.
MTY 253: MUSIC THERAPY METHODS AND MATERIALS
Class Program
Develop theoretical and applied competencies necessary for the implementation of therapeutic/recreational music interventions to prepare for the practicum experiences in community facilities. One major emphasis of this course is directed towards the student’s initial development of applied skills through exercises requiring the presentation of specific musical competencies. Course objectives relate to the rationale, planning, development and implementation of therapeutic musical activities and interventions for individuals with physical disabilities. The Functional Music Skills Examination I is administered after this course is completed.
MTY 254: MUSIC THERAPY ENSEMBLE
Class Program
This course was designed to 1) increase competencies in performance skills, specifically in the areas of accompanying, solo work, arranging and group performance and to enhance the acquisition of selected functional music skills considered essential to the practicing music therapist; 2) to develop a personal performance style; 3) to increase leadership skills through planning and implementing performances, and 4) to create public awareness of the music therapy profession.
Prerequisites
MTY 253 or by permission of the instructor.
MTY 261: PIANO APPLICATIONS IN MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
The focus of these weekly lessons will consist of addressing AMTA piano competencies expected of the practicing music therapist. These lessons do not prepare the student for jury/recital requirements in piano. They do prepare the student for the piano requirement of the Level I and Level II Functional Music Examinations, a graduation requirement for the Music Therapy degree. Course content adheres to the keyboard requirements articulated in the AMTA Professional Competencies, 4.1-4.5.
Prerequisites
MUA 101-103, MUA 201-203.
MTY 341: PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC
Class Program
This course surveys the research literature and principles of the psychological foundations of music behavior including psychoacoustics, music perception, affective and physiological responses to music, music learning and measurement. Class evaluations will be based on reviews of journal articles, oral presentations, and chapter tests.
Prerequisites
Basic Statistics recommended; open to non-majors.
MTY 353: RESEARCH IN MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
This course is designed to address competencies in music therapy research as defined in the AMTA Professional Competencies document (24.1-24.5). Student enrolled in this course will 1) become familiar with the purpose and methodology of historical, quantitative, and qualitative research, 2) develop the ability to analyze and critique both qualitative and quantitative research; 3) develop specific techniques in the qualitative and quantitative study of music and non-musical behaviors; 4) continue to develop scholarly writing skills; 5) apply selected research findings to clinical practice. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisites
MTY 351 or permission of the instructor.
MTY 361: MUSIC THERAPY IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS
Class Program
This course will cover approaches to music therapy with children and adolescents ages 0-22 in educational settings. Federal law governing special education services will be reviewed, as well as music therapy assessment and treatment planning as part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP).
Prerequisites
or by permission of the instructor
Prerequisite Courses
Notes
Major
MTY 363: MUSIC THERAPY IN MEDICAL SETTINGS
Class Program
This junior level course is designed to develop AMTA professional competencies in clinical foundations relevant to working with all ages in medical settings (e.g. acute care hospitalization, rehabilitation centers, skilled and intermediate nursing care, hospice and palliative care, inpatient mental health treatment). The course addresses the relationship between developmental/psychological theories and music therapy practice to address the psychological and physiological aims of treatment for persons receiving inpatient medical care. Outpatient treatment will be explored in MTY 461 MT in Community Settings. Ethical issues, assessment, devising appropriate treatment strategies with age appropriate methods and materials across the life span will be covered.
Prerequisites
or by permission of the instructor
Prerequisite Courses
Notes
Major
MTY 371: Special Topics in Music Therapy
A special topics course might be a combination lecture, discussion, and experiential exercises that will center around a selected topic in music therapy. Since the content will vary, this course may be taken more than once for credit. Offered periodically.
Notes
Elective
MTY 381: MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICUM I
Class Program
The music therapy practicum provides opportunities for the music therapy student to apply theories, principles, concepts, and skills acquired through other aspects of the music therapy curriculum in actual clinical settings. Practicum helps the student develop greater knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of clients, develops greater self-awareness, strengthens necessary clinical and musical competencies, and cultivates a student’s unique style of working. The continued development of clinical competencies (delineated in the AMTA Professional Competencies document) prepares the student for the required six-month clinical internship. Four semesters of practicum are required in four different health care settings supervised by a Board Certified Music Therapist.
Prerequisites
MTY 253 and passing the Functional Music Examination I.
MTY 383 II: MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICUM
Class Program
The music therapy practicum provides opportunities for the music therapy student to apply theories, principles, concepts, and skills acquired through other aspects of the music therapy curriculum in actual clinical settings. Practicum helps the student develop greater knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of clients, develops greater self-awareness, strengthens necessary clinical and musical competencies, and cultivates a student’s unique style of working. The continued development of clinical competencies (delineated in the AMTA Professional Competencies document) prepares the student for the required six-month clinical internship. Four semesters of practicum are required in four different health care settings supervised by a Board Certified Music Therapist.
Prerequisites
MTY 253 and passing the Functional Music Examination I.
MTY 453: CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
This is the pre-internship capstone music therapy course, leading to acceptance to the six-month internship. In addition to lectures and peer group assignments, individualized sessions will be arranged with the instructor to assist in internship placement, and to develop the intern contract and Individualized Training Plan in cooperation with the internship supervisor. Self-monitored peer groups will continue from MTY 451, (or groups facilitated by a Board Certified Music Therapist not affiliated with the University) with assignments complementing lectures by the instructor.
Prerequisites
MTY 451 or permission of the instructor.
MTY 461: MUSIC THERAPY IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS
Class Program
This senior level music therapy course is designed to develop AMTA professional competencies relevant to working with clients of all ages in community settings. The course addresses music therapy clinical approaches and perspectives as well as the person of the therapist. Music therapy methods requiring clinical experience or education beyond the entry-level competencies will also be introduced. Working with clients from historically marginalized cultures and disability models will also be covered.
Prerequisites
or by permission of the instructor
Prerequisite Courses
Notes
Major
MTY 470: DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY
Projects of independent study approved by the faculty and the Music Curriculum Committee. May be repeated for different DIS topics.
Prerequisites
Approval of the Music Curriculum Committee.
MTY 481 III: MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICUM
Class Program
The music therapy practicum provides opportunities for the music therapy student to apply theories, principles, concepts, and skills acquired through other aspects of the music therapy curriculum in actual clinical settings. Practicum helps the student develop greater knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of clients, develops greater self-awareness, strengthens necessary clinical and musical competencies, and cultivates a student’s unique style of working. The continued development of clinical competencies (delineated in the AMTA Professional Competencies document) prepares the student for the required six-month clinical internship. Four semesters of practicum are required in four different health care settings supervised by a Board Certified Music Therapist.
Prerequisites
MTY 253 and passing the Functional Music Examination I.
MTY 483 IV: MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICUM
Class Program
The music therapy practicum provides opportunities for the music therapy student to apply theories, principles, concepts, and skills acquired through other aspects of the music therapy curriculum in actual clinical settings. Practicum helps the student develop greater knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of clients, develops greater self-awareness, strengthens necessary clinical and musical competencies, and cultivates a student’s unique style of working. The continued development of clinical competencies (delineated in the AMTA Professional Competencies document) prepares the student for the required six-month clinical internship. Four semesters of practicum are required in four different health care settings supervised by a Board Certified Music Therapist.
Prerequisites
MTY 253 and passing the Functional Music Examination I.
MTY 485: MUSIC THERAPY INTERNSHIP
Class Program
The music therapy clinical internship is considered the capstone course for music therapy majors and is the culmination of the professional degree program in music therapy. The course constitutes a six-month (900 hours or the equivalent) resident internship at a clinical site approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Prerequisites for the internship include successful completion of all other curriculum requirements for the music therapy degree, including the Functional Skills Examinations I, II. Learning is achieved on-site under the collaborative supervision of a Board Certified Music Therapist and the Director of the Music Therapy Program at Converse University. Pass/fail grading.
Prerequisites
Completion of all Music Therapy coursework, passing the Functional Music Skills Examination.
MTY 493: HONORS THESIS IN MUSIC THERAPY
Class Program
This course is an elective senior thesis for music therapy majors who wish to pursue Honors in Music Therapy. The Senior Honors Thesis in Music Therapy demonstrates the student’s ability to do sustained work, conduct systematic research, to organize materials effectively, and to write in a technical style consistent with submission requirements to a professional music journal.
Prerequisites
Admission into the Nisbet or Music Honors Program. Minimal GPA of 3.0. Permission of the student’s major professor, approval of the Curriculum Committee of the Petrie School of Music; other prerequisites as outlined in the Nisbet Honors Guidelines.
MTY 495: MUSIC THERAPY INTERNSHIP Continued
Class Program
The music therapy clinical internship is considered the capstone course for music therapy majors and is the culmination of the professional degree program in music therapy. The course constitutes a six-month (900 hours or the equivalent) resident internship at a clinical site approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Prerequisites for the internship include successful completion of all other curriculum requirements for the music therapy degree, including the Functional Skills Examinations I, II. Learning is achieved on-site under the collaborative supervision of a Board Certified Music Therapist and the Director of the Music Therapy Program at Converse University. Pass/fail grading.
Prerequisites
Completion of all Music Therapy coursework, passing the Functional Music Skills Examination.