Master of Music Degree in Music Therapy with Undergraduate Equivalency

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High Five

The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy with Undergraduate Equivalency is the ideal option for the individual who has already completed a bachelor’s degree in some area of music (i.e., music performance, music education, etc.) and seeks training as a music therapist. Ultimately, this degree program at the Frost School of Music is designed to prepare students for either advanced-level clinical practice, or additional opportunities in research or college teaching.

The Curriculum

Students in this specialized degree program complete one year of undergraduate prerequisite courses in music, music therapy, psychology, and biology. These courses provide the student with entry-level clinical competency. In years two and three, students complete graduate-level coursework as required for the Master of Music degree in Music Therapy.

The entire curriculum is built upon the clinical and research paradigm known as Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). This model utilizes scientific evidence regarding the influence of music on the human brain and behavior function to treat neurological, developmental, and medical needs. The NMT approach is becoming increasingly recognized and accepted by the medical community, which helps increase employment for our graduates.

Graduate teaching assistantships are available to highly qualified candidates in the second and third years of the degree. These prestigious awards provide tuition coverage (full or partial) as well as a monthly stipend. Recipients gain valuable professional experience by assisting with teaching, research, and program administration.

The curriculum for the Master of Music degree in Music Therapy with Undergraduate Equivalency meets the standards set forth by the National Association for Schools of Music, the American Music Therapy Association, and the University of Miami. 

Course Goals

The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy with Undergraduate Equivalency is designed to help students achieve the following three goals:

  • To acquire specialized musicianship as needed for advanced performance and for clinical practice.  Within the diverse and comprehensive Frost School of Music, students have the opportunity to study with faculty who perform and compose regularly in local, national, and international venues.  Consequently, the musical preparation of students here is unparalleled.
  • To achieve advanced clinical competencies by examining the scientific evidence that supports the use of music in a therapeutic context.  Through this examination, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and further refine their clinical interaction skills.  Students will then translate this knowledge into therapeutic interventions which are then applied to clinical populations. Clinical work and research can be conducted at multiple hospitals and agencies in the greater Miami area, including the world-famous Miller School of Medicine.
  • To develop independent research skills. Students have the opportunity to exercise their critical thinking skills and increase their knowledge of research topics, methodology, and analysis. Students who pursue the thesis track will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an independent research project. Students who pursue the clinical track will apply research findings as they develop a clinically focused project within a specific clinical setting.

Learn More

For more information on this degree program, please contact:

Teresa Lesiuk, Ph.D., MT-BC
Program Director, Music Therapy
tlesiuk@miami.edu
305.284.3650

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