Skip to main content

Graduate Virtual Open House Dates:

Heal Through Harmony: Your Future in Music Therapy Starts Here

The Master of Music in Music Therapy at SUNY Fredonia is more than a degree—it’s a bold, life-changing commitment to the healing power of music. Whether you're continuing your path as a board-certified music therapist or transitioning from a music background into this high-demand, people-centered field, Fredonia equips you to transform lives through sound. With hands-on training, advanced clinical techniques, and preparation for New York State licensure and national board certification, this program positions you for meaningful, sustainable work. It’s a smart move for your future—and a powerful investment in others’ wellbeing.

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

What You’ll Gain

  • Clinical Readiness – Meet educational requirements for New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License and national board certification.
  • Specialized Skills – Train in advanced models like Guided Imagery and Music, Vocal Psychotherapy, clinical improvisation, and more.
  • Professional Mentorship – Work closely with expert faculty who are active practitioners and leaders in the field.
  • Flexible Learning – Balance life and learning with a class schedule designed to support working professionals.
  • Research Experience – Participate in original research that advances the field and enhances your resume.
  • Creative Expression – Use your musical talents to build therapeutic relationships and effect real change.
  • Job Market Advantage – Graduate into a thriving, growing field with excellent employment prospects.
  • Community Impact – Help clients manage trauma, illness, and developmental challenges through music.
  • Confidence & Purpose – Develop the expertise and self-assurance to lead in clinical and community settings.

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 & Private Schools
Fredonia degree map icon

What does a Graduate Degree in Music Therapy look like?

Fredonia catalog seal icon

More questions about Fredonia's graduate programs?

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.

Great Jobs

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

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.

Latest Articles

Music Therapy in the News

School of Music

Music therapy faculty contributes to newly published book

Music Therapy Assistant Professor Heeyoun Cho provided information to the book “Music Therapy...

Honors Program

Marley named ‘Honors Student’ for September

Alyssa Marley, a senior Music Therapy and Psychology major, has been chosen as the Honors Student of...

Arts

A celebration of Bach to warm a February evening

SUNY Fredonia School of Music alumni, students, and faculty will perform with Baroque cellist...

Take the next step

Request Info Visit Apply