C06082v4 Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy provides the opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop specialist skills and gain required basic experience in preparation for a career as a music therapist.

In addition to lectures and workshops, which take place at Kuring-gai campus, students observe and practise music therapy during ongoing clinical placements in a variety of settings.

This course is designed to cater for a wide variety of music therapy styles. Students are encouraged to develop their special interests within the field. Individual Skill Development programs build on students' existing strengths and work to enhance both musical and interpersonal skills. Emphasis is placed on self care and personal development resources that are essential to support the qualities of a good therapist. Integrated arts therapies make students comfortable with other modes of art including drawing, poetry and dance movement, for both self development and enrichment of music therapy practice.

Course aims

This course aims to introduce students to the diversity of music therapy models and methods, support their inquiry into areas of interest, and assist them to situate themselves, in both theory and practice, within the field. Through play-centred experiential learning, students extend their growing edges into both music (voicework, new instruments, playing by ear) and other arts modalities (through exposure to the field of expressive arts therapy).

Additional admission requirements

Applicants must have a degree or equivalent in music, music education, nursing or another relevant field from a recognised tertiary institution. Applicants with degrees in areas other than music must have competencies in music at an advanced standard.

In a 20-minute audition/interview, held at the end of November/early December and in early February at Kuring-gai campus, applicants are required to demonstrate their musical skills including performance of two brief contrasting examples of music on their major instrument/voice, performance on any minor instrument, singing a song (with own accompaniment), sight singing/reading a simple melody, finding a basic chordal accompaniment to a melody, transposing a simple melody, and improvisation on a given theme or scenario with their own choice of instrument. Applicants are also required to demonstrate their understanding of, and aptitude for, the role of the music therapist.

Course duration and attendance

The course duration is two years of part-time study. There is also a two-year, full-time course for international students (two years being required for completion of practicum).

Attendance at lectures for a minimum of three hours per week is required, with one Saturday workshop for each subject. Clinical practicum in institutions under supervision runs for two days per week. Times for clinical practicum can be negotiated.

Course structure

The Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy totals 48 credit points of study, made up of eight compulsory 6-credit-point subjects.

Some subjects in this course are provided by the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The following example program is for a student commencing in Autumn semester and studying on a part-time basis.

Professional recognition

Australian Music Therapy Association

Other information

For further information, contact the Faculty on: