Music Therapy
The Music Therapy sequence provides academic content and clinical experiences related to competencies outlined by the American Music Therapy Association. Students who complete this degree are eligible to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists, Inc. exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is music therapy?
“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music
interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” (Music Therapy Makes a Difference, American Music Therapy Association)
What career options are available to music therapists?
Music therapists are hired to work with children with disabilities, adolescents and adults with mental health problems, senior citizens, and other populations. Institutions which hire music therapists include, among others, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
What qualifies a person to become a music therapist?
A qualified music therapist has a degree in music from an approved program with specified studies in music, psychology, music therapy, and clinical experiences which include a six-month music therapy internship. Individuals who complete these requirements are eligible to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam, in order to receive the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified).
What are some strengths of Illinois State University’s music therapy program?
Illinois State University has both an undergraduate and graduate degree program in music therapy. Students may take the introductory musictherapy course in their first Fall semester, allowing them to explore music therapy as a career option early in college life. Four semesters of clinical experience provide students with hands-on experience providing music to special populations in community facilities. Graduate students with an undergraduate degree in music, may simultaneously take undergraduate deficiency courses in music therapy while pursuing a Master's degree.
For more information, please contact Cindy Ropp - Director of Music Therapy
