The School of Music offers a BM in Music Therapy. The undergraduate music therapy program provides full preparation for entry into the profession. Graduates are prepared for general music therapy practice in a variety of settings. The KU music therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Individuals who complete the program are eligible to take the national music therapy certification board examination.
Music Therapy Department website
Possible Career Paths in Music Therapy
Clinical: Typically involves utilizing music therapy techniques in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, and pain and stress management facilities.
Special Education: Typically involves utilizing music therapy in a school setting.
Research: Involves researching the practice and methods of music therapy interventions.
Possible Employers in Music Therapy
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Correctional Facilities
- Day Treatment Centers
- Drug and Alcohol Programs
- General and State Hospitals
- Geriatric Care Programs
- Home Health Programs
- Hospice Programs
- Medical Clinics
- Pain and Stress Management Centers
- Physical Rehabilitation Centers
- Prevention and Wellness Programs
- Private Practices and Agencies
- Public and Private Schools
- Research Programs
- Residential Facilities
- Special Education Programs
- Universities and Colleges
Possible Job Titles in Music Therapy
- Activities Therapist/Director
- Adjunctive Therapy Coordinator
- Creative Arts Therapist
- Expressive Arts Therapist
- Music Therapist
- Professor of Music Therapy
- Recreational Therapist
Strategies for Finding Employment in Music Therapy
- Identify the social concerns and populations that interest you most and pursue courses such as psychology, social work, or education that allows you to explore these interests further
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e., Advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications, Master's degree along with coursework in music theory, voice studies, instrumental lessons, and/or physiology) for occupations you are considering
- Develop relevant skills to your profession, such as broad range of musical talents and the ability to work well with different types of people
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering
- Set up email alerts through KU Career Connections and join the Internship Listserv to receive automated weekly emails (see sample) with industry specific industry information
- Join professional associations such as the Kansas City Metro Music Therapists, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field of interest
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school
- Consider getting involved with a student organization such as: Music Therapy Student Association, Music Mentors, Community Resources Engaging in the Arts Through Education, and Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC)
The quick link for this page is: KUCareerHawk.com/MusicTherapy
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