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.
One-Year Program
- 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.
- Evidence of advanced clinical experience.
- Piano performance abilities at a minimum Grade 6 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level.
- Evidence of ability to perform at an advanced level and to improvise on a primary instrument.
- Completion of the following psychology courses with at least a B- (70-72 percent) in each course: Introduction, Developmental, Abnormal Psychology.
Two-Year Program
- A completed four-year honours undergraduate degree in music or an allied area (e.g., psychology), with at least a B (73-76 percent) standing in the final academic year.
- Evidence of relevant paid and/or voluntary experience in human service organizations.
- Piano performance abilities at a minimum Grade 6 RCM level.
- Evidence of ability to perform at an advanced level and to improvise on a primary instrument.
- Completion of the following psychology courses with at least a B- (70-72 percent) in each course: 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 (sung and self-accompanied)
- a piano proficiency test.
Spring: MU508
The Master of Music Therapy requires five music psychotherapy placements for students in the two-year program. In year one, the first placement takes place at the on-site clinic at Laurier and in the community. The second placement is a full-time, 3-month internship (Spring term) at an off-campus setting. In the final year of the two-year program, there are two one-day-per-week placements (Fall and Winter terms), and a full-time, 3-month internship (Spring term) at an off-campus setting. Students in the 1-year (music psychotherapy field) may take MU610 as an optional elective. All placements are supervised by a qualified and experienced music therapist (MTA) who is also a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (RP).
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 AVP/Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies to withdraw from the program.
