Hakeem Leonard, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
Ruebush Hall, Room 218, 540-678-4478, hleonard@su.edu

The Bachelor of Music Therapy curriculum prepares students for careers in which music is used to accomplish therapeutic aims, working with children and adults who require special services because of behavioral, learning, physical or psychological disabilities. Following the awarding of the degree, which includes a culminating internship at a site affiliated with Shenandoah University or approved by the American Music Therapy Association, students are eligible to take the national examination in music therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon passing the examination, the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) is granted.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Music Therapy will be able to:

• demonstrate music foundations central to the practice of music therapy;
• use a variety of music therapy methods for clinical settings;
• implement music therapy services across distinct population groups; and
• document music therapy services according to assessment, implementation, and evaluation.

Sophomore Screening

The Sophomore Screening is conducted at the end of the fourth semester of study in the Bachelor of Music Therapy curriculum. Faculty will examine each student’s progress in music therapy coursework and progress toward the Professional Competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association at the end of the sophomore year, leading to decisions regarding the student’s continuation in the program.

Students must complete the following requirements:

• demonstrate a consistent level of academic success in all coursework, and particularly music therapy coursework, during semesters one through three;
• demonstrate current musicianship skills consistent with successful completion of MUTH 106 Music Therapy Musicianship , in voice, guitar, percussion and piano;
• complete a criminal background check with no disqualifying offenses;
• submit three professional recommendations for continuation in the program; and
• submit a professional resume of educational and pre-professional activities to date.

Additional requirements for the Sophomore Screening are detailed in the Bachelor of Music Therapy Handbook.

Students who do not satisfy the Sophomore Screening requirements will not be admitted into 300- or 400-level music therapy (MUTH) coursework.

A student who has failed any three field placement courses, including failure in the repeat(s) of any one field placement course, will be dismissed from the Music Therapy Program.