Undergraduate
The undergraduate music therapy program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ is a 126 credit hour Bachelor of Music in music therapy that stresses clinical application of music therapy procedures through structured observation and experiences beginning during the first year. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥'s music therapy program was established in 1958, and is one of only a select group of universities that incorporate principles of Neurologic Music Therapy in the students academic and clinical work. Class size for music therapy specific courses is approximately 25 students, though it varies among course level in the program.
To be admitted into Western's music therapy program, you must successfully complete the school's audition and testing program, held each November, January, February, and March.
First year experience:
- Learn about different settings music therapists work in professionally
- Learn about typical goals and interventions that are implemented
- Observe board-certified music therapists
- Learn how to observe client behavior and take data without disrupting sessions
Second year experience:
- Learn music therapy techniques for child and adolescent populations
- Learn music therapy techniques for adult and older adult populations
- Practice implementing music therapy techniques with clients within the community
- apply and audition for admission into the upper level practicum courses at the end of the year
Third year experience:
- Provide music therapy services (assess, treat, and evaluate) under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist to two different clinical placements
- Apply research to clinical practice
- Learn and experience the therapeutic process
- Learn and experience clinical improvisation
Fourth year experience:
- Provide music therapy services (assess, treat, and evaluate) under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist to two different clinical placements
- Apply research to clinical practice
- Learn theoretical foundations of music therapy practice
- Learn about counseling theories
- Develop marketing materials
Internship – 6 month full-time clinical field experience students must complete for the degree and to be eligible for board-certification.
Faculty areas of expertise include:
- Behavioral health
- Clinical musicianship
- Developmental disabilities
- Hospice
- Improvisation
- Inpatient psychiatric (developmental disabilities, general, and forensic)
- Pediatric medical
- Older adults
- Oncology
Program highlights:
- On-site Music Therapy Clinic located within the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ Unified Clinics
- Practicum placements within 30 medical and educational facilities within the greater Kalamazoo community for many different areas of clinical specialization
Graduates of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ Music Therapy program:
- Enjoy a very high success rate in securing professional employment in music therapy
- Typically score above the national average on the board certification exam that is administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists
Undergraduate Curriculum Guide