C04230v1 Master of Arts in Music Therapy

Note(s)

There is an intake of international students for this course in alternate years only, commencing in 2007.

Overview

This course 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. Emphasis is placed on self-care and personal development resources that are essential to support the qualities of a good therapist.

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. 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).

Career options

Career options include a music therapist working in a variety of settings including: nursing homes, disability centres, special education schools, children's hospitals, research or private practice.

Additional admission requirements

Students must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

A 20 minute interview/audition is also required in which students must demonstrate their musical skills including performance of two brief contrasting examples of music on their major instrument/voice, performance on any minor instrument(s), singing a song (own accompaniment), sight reading/sight singing a simple melody, finding a basic chordal accompaniment to a melody, transposing a simple melody, and an improvisation (choice of instrument) on a given theme or scenario. During the course of the interview students are required to demonstrate their understanding of an aptitude for the role of music therapist.

Additional recognition of prior learning

Students who have completed a UTS Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy are eligible for 48 credit points recognition of prior learning.

Course duration and attendance

The course can be completed in a minimum of two years of part-time study if students enrol in 18 credit points per semester. The recommended credit point load is 12 credit points (two subjects) per semester.

Course structure

The course totals 72 credit points, made up of eight compulsory subjects and four electives.

Course completion requirements

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty's website: