Music Therapy Master's Program

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Master of Music in Music Therapy

At SUNY Fredonia, our Master of Music in Music Therapy degree is more than just a program; it is a journey to empowerment, connection, and profound impact in the lives of those you serve. This comprehensive curriculum is meticulously designed to deepen your skills and expand your knowledge, aligning seamlessly with the Advanced Competencies set forth by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). By pursuing this degree, you are not only meeting the educational requirements for the New York State License in Creative Arts Therapy but also embarking on a path that will inspire both you and your future clients.

Two Program Options

The Master of Music in Music Therapy program offers two tracks: the Advanced Standing Track for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Music Therapy, and the Comprehensive Track for those with an undergraduate degree in music but not Music Therapy.

Advanced Track (48 credits)
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent
- 48 Credits
- Two-year program
- Meet the education requirements for the New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License
Comprehensive Track (60 credits) - Pending AMTA Approval
- For students with a Bachelor’s degree in music, but not in music therapy
- 60 Credits
- Three-year program
- Meet the education requirements for both the national Board-Certification in Music Therapy and the New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License

Our distinguished program offers specialized training in areas like Guided Imagery and Music, Vocal Psychotherapy, advanced guitar skills, and clinical piano improvisation. You’ll gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals, learning to use music as a tool for healing and wellness.

Career Opportunities for Music Therapy

Day care Facilities
General hospitals
Mental health agencies
Private practice in music therapy
Substance abuse programs

Forensic facilities
Hospice programs
Physical rehabilitation centers
Psychiatric hospitals
Public and private schools

What does a Graduate Degree in Music Therapy look like?

View Curriculum

MUTY 530 Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music

Designed to help music therapists to advance their skills using the guitar. The focus of the course centers on the fundamentals of guitar technique in music therapy. Course material will be implemented by the use of literature from varying styles and will cover melodic harmonization, chord voicing, strumming techniques, plectrum techniques, as well as reading various guitar notations.

MUTY 620 Vocal Psychotherapy Practice

Students will be trained in vocal psychotherapy, a model of in-depth (reconstructive) music therapy that utilizes sounds, vocal improvisation, songs and dialogue within a therapeutic relationship to promote intrapsychic and interpersonal change. Students will have opportunities to observe, participate in and conduct voice-centered therapeutic experiences and interventions.

MUTY 518 Advanced Clinical Piano Improvisations

The training will develop the concept of clinical improvisation and provide specific strategies for developing and applying clinical improvisation skills within a therapeutic relationship. Piano is the primary medium and use of the voice will also be addressed.

Fredonia's Music Therapy Degree program is ideal for students who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Flexible Class Schedule

A flexible class schedule at SUNY Fredonia helps students balance academics with personal and professional commitments, enabling them to thrive and engage fully in their studies and life experiences.

What can you do with a master's degree in music therapy? With massive growth in the field, the possibilities are practically endless.

Comprehensive Track (60 credits) - Pending AMTA Approval

Music Therapy graduate students at SUNY Fredonia participate in dynamic research and hands-on experiences that enhance their skills and enable them to make a meaningful impact in the field of music therapy.

Fredonia students earning a masters degree in music therapy have excellent job prospects

Great Jobs

Graduates of the Music Therapy program at SUNY Fredonia are well-prepared for a thriving job market, consistently landing rewarding positions.

Careers

Mason Hall at Sunset, one of the main buildings Masters in Music Therapy Degree students spend their time at SUNY Fredonia.

Welcoming Community

With over 40 years of excellence, SUNY Fredonia is an AMTA-accredited institution fostering a supportive community. You’ll engage in innovative coursework, collaborate with passionate peers, and prepare for a rewarding career in music therapy.

I'm Ready to Apply

Completion of AMTA’s Advanced Competencies
Preparation toward New York State License in Creative Arts Therapy
Real-life opportunities to become trained in advanced models of music therapy from experts in the field

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Music Therapy program at SUNY Fredonia is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that SUNY Fredonia's M.M. program in Music Therapy meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the following U.S. States; however, it is important to note that SUNY Fredonia is not the licensure/certification authority in these U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in these U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.