Music Therapy

Music Therapy majors at New Paltz are part of a professional program which integrates academic knowledge and practical skills. A broad-based music competence is necessary to allow the music therapist freedom to focus on treatment related to the special needs of each client.

A personal interview with a member of the Music Therapy staff is required of all applicants. This can be done on the same day as the music audition. Applicants must possess good emotional and physical health, as well as an abundance of patience and ingenuity. Students must complete three major fieldwork experiences while taking the music therapy core.

Music Therapy offers a viable career option for persons interested in both human services and music. As a member of a health care team in both assessment and treatment of individual client needs, the therapist aids the client in acquiring social, self-help, leisure time and/or academic skills. Music therapists work in varied settings with the developmentally and/or physically disabled, special education, psychiatric and geriatric populations.

A post-graduate internship (6 months) at an American Music Therapy Association-approved clinical training site is required before the candidate can apply to sit for the Certification Board for Music Therapists examination. The post-internship certification exam must be passed before the candidate can become a Board-Certified Music Therapist.

Philosophy of Music Therapy
As music therapists, we believe in the human potential for change and growth throughout the lifespan and embody the power of music in its facilitation. We respect core values indicative of the therapeutic process: the autonomy of those seeking services, the diversity of cultures, and the confidentiality of treatment. We serve to advocate for those in need, consult and collaborate with other professionals to enhance services, and to provide exemplary direct services to our clients. We embrace research endeavors as they ultimately protect clients, guide music therapists to best practices, offer new and innovative ways of treatment, and assist in the advocacy for the provision of music therapy.

Curriculum
The Music Therapy curriculum is currently undergoing revision in order to comply with new State mandates that will require Music Therapists practicing in New York State to have a Master's degree. The new program will consist of a 3-year undergraduate degree and a 2-year Master's degree. A detailed graduate curriculum plan will be available in Fall 2006; for further information call the Music Department at 845-257-2700. The following is the degree plan for the currently-offered B. S. in Music Therapy. This plan will be modified to meet the new State requirements.

MAJOR PLAN

Requirements for the B.S. in Music Therapy

Core Courses (30 credits, required for all Music Majors):

66141-66145 Participation in Music Ensemble (6 semesters or every semester in attendance for transfer students)

66150 Concert Series Attendance (6 semesters or every semester in attendance for transfer students)

66201 Piano 1

66202 Piano 2

66301 Piano 3

66231 Sight Singing & Ear Training 1

66232 Sight Singing & Ear Training 2

66203 Theory 1

66204 Theory 2

66211-66213 Applied Jazz
or
66221-66223 Applied Music Classical (2 semesters)

66331 Music to 1750

66333 Music since 1750

Requirements for the B.S. in Music Therapy (18-24 credits)

66205 Voice 1 or Voice Class

66217 Guitar 1

66218 Guitar 2

66303 Theory 3
or
66310 Jazz Theory 1

66320 Keyboard Harmony

66346 Conducting

66364 Form & Analysis

66365 Instrumentation

66411-66413 Applied Jazz
or
66421-66423 Applied Music (2 semesters)

Electives in Music (6 credits)

Music Therapy Courses (24 credits):

66240 Introduction to Music Therapy

66340 Music Therapy Methods and Materials

66345 Psychology of Music

66440 Music in Therapy

66441 Problems and Issues in Music Therapy

66442 Experimental Research in Music and Music Therapy

66480 Music Therapy Practicum 1

66481 Music Therapy Practicum 2

66482 Music Therapy Practicum 3

Behavioral/Health/Special Education/Natural Sciences (18 credits):

80272 General Psychology

80412 Abnormal Psychology

_____ a Natural Science course

15170 Human Biology

39310 Psychology of Learners with Disabilities

_____ an Anthropology course, choose one: 07304 Ancient Mesoamerica; 07378 Cultures of India; 07481 Transcultural Health

Requirements for the Master’s Degree in Music Therapy

Music Therapy Core Courses (30 credits):

66540 Music Therapy Foundations

66542 Music in Counseling

66543 Therapy for the Elderly

66544 Medical Music Therapy Assessment and Treatment

66545 Music Therapy in Special Education

66742 Music Therapy Research and Program Evaluation

66745 Music Therapy Internship I

66746 Music Therapy Internship II

66748 Thesis Seminar

66749 Thesis

Music Core (10 credits):

66541 Repertoire for Therapy

66546 Improvisation for Music Therapy

66547 Advanced Guitar

66548 Music Therapy Ensemble

665xx Elective – substitution possible, if student receives a passing score on the Exam for Advanced Guitar for Therapists and Educators

Psychology Core (6 credits):

80552 Psychopathology

Choice of one:

80528 Developmental Psychology

80556 Contemporary Social Psychology

80560 Cognitive Processes

Electives (2 credits from areas below):

Music

Music Therapy

Psychology

Sociology

Special Education

Music Therapy Faculty
The music therapy faculty are active in professional music therapy organizations, conduct on-going research, and have a wide variety of clinical experiences and expertise.
Mary E. Boyle, Ed.D, LCAT, MT-BC
Dr. Russell E. Hilliard, Ph.D, LCAT, LCSW, MT-BC
Eleanor Dennis, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Additional Resources:
Certification Board for Music Therapists
American Music Therapy Association