Music art department

Academics > Curriculum > Graduate

Music Therapy at New Paltz

The Music Therapy Program at SUNY at New Paltz offers students with baccalaureate degrees in Music the opportunity to study music therapy at the advanced level. Students learn essential skills in the clinical practice of music therapy and in the experimental basis for the profession. Goals of the program involve supporting students in development of both musical and clinical skills necessary for the practice of music therapy, as well as the analytic research skills necessary to promote the profession.

The M.S. in Music Therapy is approved by the New York State Office of the Professions as a program of study leading to candidacy for licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT). The program has received Plan Approval from the National Association of Schools of Music, the national accrediting body for schools of music.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MUSIC THERAPY

Professional Licensure Program in Creative Arts Therapy

Upon completion of the 48 credit degree in Music Therapy, students are eligible to sit for the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) examination which is presently accepted by the New York State Education Department for music therapy candidates for Licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT).

Admission to the Program

Requirements and Procedures

  1. Baccalaureate degree in music with 60 credits or more in music;
  2. Passing grade on placement audition for guitar and piano accompaniment;
  3. Passing grade on placement audition in vocal performance;
  4. Passing grade on placement audition in sight reading for guitar, piano, and voice;
  5. Artistry on major instrument demonstrated at live audition at SUNY New Paltz.
  6. 15 credits of undergraduate work including:

    • Introduction to Music Therapy (3)

    • Music Therapy Methods and Materials (3)

    • Psychology of Music (3)

    • Music Therapy Practicum (3)

    • and a statistics course (3)

You must submit:

  • A completed graduate school application

  • Two official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree in music (60 crs. in music) from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale

  • A typed statement that describes your educational aspirations, experiences in working with persons with health impairments or handicapping conditions, and how the training in the master's program in music therapy will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. The response should be 300-400 words in length. The Music faculty will examine the writing sample with respect to content, clarity and organization of ideas, grammar and style.

  • Three letters of professional recommendation written on professional letterhead. All letters must:

    1. be dated and current;

    2. address how long the writer has known you and in what capacity;

    3. address your suitability for graduate work in music therapy, referring to your academic abilities, ability to work with clients and others, and your professional commitment;

    4. be written by individuals who have a professional relationship with you. It is mandated that at least one letter of recommendation is written by a professor who has direct knowledge of your academic abilities.

You must complete:

  • An audition on your major instrument
  • Placement examinations on voice, piano accompaniment and guitar accompaniment
  • Placement examinations on theory and sight reading

Your audition:

  • Visit the Admissions & Auditions link to complete an application
  • Select an audition date
  • Provide contact and student status information (i.e. Graduate Applicant, intended concentration in Music Therapy)
  • Indicate primary instrument of study, and the titles and composers of two pieces to be performed on the primary instrument.
  • Prepare a list of fifteen songs which can be played on guitar and a list of fifteen songs which can be played on piano and both are to include singing.*
  • Complete sight reading and theory tests that will be administered during the audition.

*Templates are provided below this brief description. These two lists will be used to allow auditors to select a few pieces to be played by the applicant during the audition for guitar and piano placement tests as well as voice.

» Guitar Placement Template
» Piano Placement Template


» Deadlines for application to the Music Therapy master's program

Program Requirements

Students must complete the prescribed course work and other requirements within five years after matriculation. Additionally, they must maintain a cumulative average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.

The Music Therapy program consists of 48 credit hours for students with baccalaureate degrees in Music Therapy or the MT-BC. Students with other degrees in music must complete 15 credits of undergraduate work in Music Therapy. All applicants must meet competencies in sight reading and voice, as well as piano and guitar accompaniment.

Advisement

You will be informed of your academic advisor and his/her office hours when you are accepted into the Music Therapy program. You should make an appointment immediately with your advisor to develop a comprehensive plan of study.

The comprehensive plan of study developed by you and your advisor officially outlines your degree requirements and eligibility for licensure as a creative arts therapist. Any changes in this plan of study will require prior approval from your advisor. Your advisor is available to assist you throughout your study and will serve as your guide during the program. It is important to maintain continuous communication with your advisor in order to facilitate your progress in the program.

Transfer Credit

With the approval of your academic advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School, students can transfer up to 9 graduate credits. However, credits cannot be transferred after the Plan of Study is approved.

Please note: Courses taken prior to acceptance into the Music Therapy program may not be fully credited on your plan of study, even if taken at SUNY New Paltz.

Course work

Course work in music therapy is designed to offer sequential learning experiences that will develop advanced clinical competencies for work as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. You should take these courses in the sequence suggested by your academic advisor.

Core Courses in Music TherapyCredits
MUS540 Music Therapy Foundations 3
MUS541 Repertoire for Therapy 3
MUS542 Music in Counseling 3
MUS543 Music Therapy for the Elderly 3
MUS544 Medical Music Therapy Assessment and Treatment 3
MUS545 Music Therapy in Special Education 3
MUS546 Improvisation for Therapy 3
MUS547 Advanced Guitar for Therapists and Educators 1
MUS548 Music Therapy Ensemble 3
MUS742 Music Therapy Research and Program Evaluation 6
MUS745 Music Therapy Internship I  
MUS746 Music Therapy Internship II  
MUS748 Thesis Seminar  
MUS749 Thesis 3

Core Courses in PsychologyCredits
PSY552 Psychopathology Human Growth and Development Requirement 3
Choose ONE course from the following options:
PSY528 Developmental Psychology
PSY556 Contemporary Social Psychology
PSY560 Cognitive Processes		 3

Elective(s)
May be taken in music, music therapy, special education, sociology, or psychology