Performing Arts: Pre-Music Therapy, BFA Degree Plan
“Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas, such as overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings” (American Music Therapy Association, 2024).
This 120 credit hour undergraduate program is a collaboration between the Department of Performing Arts and the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department. This program serves as a preparatory program for those seeking admittance to a master’s program in Music Therapy as determined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) or alternately, a masters in counseling or related fields with an emphasis in music therapy.