Master of Music Therapy

The Master of Music Therapy curriculum is designed to give opportunities for advanced clinical education and the learning of contemporary clinical theories which will lead to the development of music therapy knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The program helps students gain an understanding of the major clinical theories and philosophies of practice and of current Canadian and international music therapy trends; the program also illuminates and emphasizes the balance between music and therapy.

Specifically, the Master of Music Therapy program aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  • Aesthetic music therapy: connections between musicology, aesthetics and music therapy
  • Group-analytic music therapy: connections between music therapy, psychotherapy and group therapy theories
  • Clinical supervision: observation of experienced music therapy supervisors in practica settings; the study of models and theories of music therapy supervision
  • Musical resources: advanced clinical improvisation and related music skills
  • Analysis and evaluation: critical examination of advanced music therapy texts and case studies; the study of developing models of musical and verbal countertransference
  • Clinical practice: observation of experienced music therapists' work and assessment of students' own clinical practica techniques
  • Counselling: verbal processing, group/individual dynamics and the professional interface with social work
  • Inquiry and research: the acquisition of qualitative music therapy research skills and their application to students' practica

Music Therapy Clinics
The music therapy program at Laurier has three on-site clinics. These facilities accommodate individual and group sessions. Audio, video and editing facilities enable students to conduct in-depth assessments and to prepare professional case-study material.

Professional Affiliations
The Music Therapy program maintains an active involvement with the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT). The CAMT is a federally incorporated, self-regulated, non-profit professional association dedicated to the fostering of music therapy in clinical, educational and community settings throughout Canada. Many music therapy students become members and practice at both the local and national levels. It is expected that most students will join the CAMT and complete their internship upon graduation.

Additional Information
 
Admission Requirements

One-Year Program

  1. A completed four-year honours undergraduate degree in music therapy, with a minimum of a B (73-76 percent) standing in the final academic year.
  2. Evidence of advanced clinical experience.
  3. Piano performance abilities at a minimum Grade 6 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level.
  4. Evidence of advanced musical qualifications, including ability to perform (at a minimum Grade 10 RCM level) and improvise on their primary instrument.
  5. Successful completion of the following psychology courses: Introduction, Developmental, Abnormal Psychology.

Two-Year Program

  1. A completed four-year honours undergraduate degree in an allied area (e.g., music, psychology), with at least a B (73-76 percent) standing in the final academic year.
  2. Evidence of relevant paid and/or voluntary experience in human service organizations.
  3. Students who do not hold a degree in music must take music theory and history tests (equivalent in level to a second-year honours undergraduate music course).
  4. Piano performance abilities at a minimum Grade 6 RCM level.
  5. Evidence of advanced musical qualifications, including ability to perform (at a minimum Grade 10 RCM level) and improvise on their primary instrument.
  6. Successful completion of the following psychology courses: Introduction, Developmental, Abnormal Psychology.

All applicants are required to complete the CASPerTM online screening assessment (a fee applies). Students considered for admission upon the assessment of the application submitted and the CASPerTM online screening will be contacted to establish a date and time for an on-campus visit, which will include the following: 

  • a personal interview
  • an audition on their main instrument
  • an improvisation
  • the performance of a song (either composed or arranged by them)
  • a piano proficiency test
  • music theory and history tests (equivalent in level to a second-year honours undergraduate music course) (only required for those applying to the two-year program who do not have an undergraduate music degree)

 
Program Requirements

Two-year program (full time)

Fall term Winter term Spring term
Year 1 MU501
MU502
MU503
SK522
MU504
MU505
MU506
MU507
MU508
Year 2 MU601
MU603
MU606
SK621
MU602
MU604
MU607
MU609
MU610

One-year program (full-time)

Fall term Winter term Spring term
MU601
MU603
MU606
SK621
MU602
MU604
MU607
MU609
MU610

The Practicum

The Master of Music Therapy requires one practicum in year one for students in the two-year program and one continuous one-day-per-week practicum for students in their final year. In year one, practicum will take place at the on-site clinic at Laurier and in the community. In the final year of the two-year program (and in the one-year program), students will be assigned to a facility off-campus. All practicum experiences will be supervised by a qualified and experienced music therapist. To complete practica, students will be required to write and present a case study based on their clinical experience.

Requirements for Continuing in the Program

In addition to successfully completing the academic courses, students must be judged to be capable of assuming the professional and clinical responsibilities of the practicum. Any students not meeting these requirements may be required by the Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies to withdraw from the program.