Music Therapy

Program Overview

The music therapy program was the first music therapy program established in New England. It is approved by the American Music Therapy Association, and its graduates are qualified to sit for the Certification Board in order to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist. The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree program prepares students for clinical practice as generalists immediately after graduation. In the first two years of the music therapy track, students acquire basic music core skills, learn clinical musicianship through hands-on class work and begin clinical placements in community settings.

Junior and senior music therapy majors focus upon learning skills and knowledge-based clinical competencies in the areas of techniques, theory and research. Concurrently, students complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practice and internships in the community, working with children, adult and elderly clients with psychiatric illnesses, cognitive and physical disabilities, and medical conditions. Note that some students choose a 9th semester internship option.

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Course of Study

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Course Of Study

Minor

The chief goal of music study at Anna Maria College is the development of sensitivity, intellectual background, and technical dexterity in order to realize to the greatest extent possible each student’s potential for self-expression and communication through music.

The psychology minor is built in to the major in music therapy, therefore every music therapy major can graduate with a minor in psychology without taking extra coursework. A second minor, with extra coursework may also be added.

Psychology Minor Curriculum Requirements (18 credits total)

PSY 101 General Psychology (3 credits)
One Developmental Psychology Course (3 credits)
- PSY 207 Child Development
- PSY 215 Adolescent Development
- PSY 217 Human Development Across the Lifespan
One Clinical Psychology Course (3 credits)
- PSY 306 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 313 Personality Theory
One Sociocultural Psychology Course (3 credits)
- PSY 322 Social Psychology
- PSY 324 Cultural Psychology
Two Upper-Level Elective Courses (6 credits total)

Curriculum Map

Click here to download the Music Therapy Curriculum Map.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Music Therapy Program aligns its learning outcomes with the competencies set forth by the American Music Therapy Association and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Upon completion of the BM in Music Therapy, student will be able to:

Create a therapeutic process (assessment, treatment planning, termination, documentation, and evaluation) that utilizes clinical music skills and music therapy techniques to effectively treat various client populations including clients of all ages with medical conditions, psychiatric illnesses, neurodevelopmental disabilities, hospice, and wellness.
Examine information in the historical, quantitative, and qualitative research literature and apply it to clinical practice
Demonstrate basic knowledge of philosophical, psychological, physiological, sociological, and spiritual bases for the use of music as therapy
Interpret and apply ethical standards regarding human rights and standards of the music therapy profession
Employ critical self-awareness in regard clinical practice with clients, with consideration for the symbolic and cultural uses of music

Music Audition Guidelines

Due to the recent public health crisis with COVID-19, Anna Maria College has decided to move all auditions to an online format through Zoom Meeting.

A music audition is required as a part of the admission process. A campus tour can be arranged by appointment on the day of your audition.

For additional questions regarding auditions, please contact Dr. Melissa Martiros, Director of Music, at mmartiros@annamaria.edu.

Instrumentalists and Vocalists
Instrumentalists are expected to perform a classical solo; singers are expected to perform a song from the classical repertoire. You should prepare two or three selections that demonstrate the range of your technical and musical ability. Prepare music that you know well, preferably two contrasting styles; i.e., slow, lyrical and fast, articulated. Vocalists must provide their own accompanist or recording. For pianists: memorization is preferred. For percussionists: prepare one solo on snare drum, the other on timpani or a mallet/keyboard instrument.

Sight Reading/Sight Singing
You will be asked to demonstrate your music reading abilities on your principal instrument and voice. Instrumentalists should be prepared to demonstrate major scales in their accomplished range. Your ability to match pitches, rhythms and to sing a familiar melody will be assessed.

Interview
You will be asked to discuss your desire to major in music and your eventual career goals.

Long distance auditions
If you live four or more hours from the campus, you have the option to submit your resume and the instrumental/vocal audition requirements on a DVD or YouTube video. In addition, you will be asked to participate in a long-distance aural demonstration and interview. Please note, given the limitations of video auditions, the College reserves the right to require you to verify your skills upon arrival.

Music Resume Guidelines
Please attach your music resume below as a Word file or PDF and include the following information: name, address, phone, e-mail, name of high school, high school music director, number of years of private study on instrument/voice, names of private teachers, and all performing experience (solos, ensembles, etc.) on your major instrument or voice, music courses from high school, private lessons, summer camps or special programs in music theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, etc. *Music therapy applicants: Please include work, volunteer, or personal experiences with persons with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities. *Music education applicants: Please list volunteer or supervisory experiences that involved children or adolescents

Checklist

Name, address, phone, e-mail, name of high school, and high school music director
Number of years of private study on instrument/voice, names of private teachers
All performing experience (solos, ensembles, etc.) on your major instrument or voice
Music courses from high school, private lessons, summer camps or special programs in music theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, etc.
Music therapy applicants: list work, volunteer, or personal experiences with persons with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities
Music education applicants: list volunteer or supervisory experiences that involved children or adolescence

Click here for a digital copy of the guidelines.