Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Therapy (B.M.T.)


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Anthony Meadows, Associate Professor of Music 
Ruebush Hall, Room 216, 540-665-4583, ameadows2@su.edu

The Bachelor of Music Therapy degree is an approved program of the American Music Therapy Association that provides students with the musical, theoretical and clinical preparation for a career as a music therapist. The degree program culminates in a six-month clinical internship. Students who successfully complete the curriculum, including internship, are eligible to take the Music Therapy Board Certification exam and earn the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).

Admission and Matriculation

Students are admitted to the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree program based on the entrance criteria established by the university and Conservatory. Students follow the course of study published in the Shenandoah University Undergraduate Catalog for the year of entrance to the university.

Clinical Training is a core component of the degree program and students must complete all initial clinical clearance requirements (background check without disqualifying offenses, clear drug screens, current immunization records, annual TB tests, COVID-19 vaccinations, attendance at orientation and other site-specific requirements) prior to starting clinical training (practicum and internship) courses. Students who are unable or unwilling to complete clinical clearance requirements will not be admitted to practicum and/or internship placements.

Program Outcomes

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

  • design, develop and complete collaborative projects appropriate to their discipline and career goals
  • apply knowledge of music therapy theories, methods and techniques to clinical practice
  • assess and interpret clients’ history, needs and behaviors to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan
  • access, interpret and utilize current research in ways that inform clinical practice decisions
  • demonstrate integrated music skills that meet the diverse needs of clients; and
  • practice clinical and cultural reflexivity in ways that inform ethically competent clinical practice

Sophomore Screening

The Sophomore Screening is conducted at the end of the fourth semester of study in the Bachelor of Music Therapy curriculum.  All undergraduate students in the Music Therapy program are required to complete the screening in order to continue as a music therapy major. Faculty will conduct screening interviews and musical evaluations for each student at the end of the sophomore year to assess whether the student’s academic, personal and professional progress qualifies them for continuation in the program.

Students must complete the following requirements:

  • demonstrate a consistent level of academic success in all coursework, with a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in music therapy academic and music skills course
  • pass a music skills evaluation (see Undergraduate Music Therapy Handbook for requirements)
  • pass a Professionalism Assessment  (see Undergraduate Music Therapy Handbook for requirements)
  • pass an interview with music therapy faculty

Additional requirements for the Sophomore Screening are detailed in the Undergraduate 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 fails two practicum courses, including repeats of any one practicum course, will be dismissed from the Music Therapy Program.

 

Course and Credit Requirements


1st Year – Fall


Total: 16 credits


1st Year – Spring


Total: 14.5 credits


Total: 17.5 credits


2nd Year – Spring


Total: 14.5 credits


Total: 15.5 credits


Total: 15.5 credits


4th Year – Fall


Total: 13.5 credits


Clinical Foundation Elective


Select from:

Total: 12 credits


Total: 6 credits


Degree Total: 125 credits


*Minimum grade of “C” required.

^Piano Proficiency Examination offered.

(ALT) Offered on alternating schedule; consult with advisor.

 

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