Music Therapy (GrDip)

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Degree

Graduate Diploma (GrDip)

Department

Creative Arts Therapies

Faculty

Faculty of Fine Arts

Program type

Course-based

Primary campus

Sir George Williams (SGW)

Duration

1 year

Credits

28 credits

Start term

Fall

Experiential learning

Internship

Program overview

The Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy is unique in Canada and the United States. It prepares students with strong backgrounds in music and psychology for careers in music therapy and leads to certification by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (US). The music therapist guides clients towards health and wellness goals by fostering personal resources and potentials through expressive and receptive music experiences. The 28-credit program is the only one of its kind in Canada to be offered within a Creative Arts Therapies department. Students have the opportunity to draw upon numerous theoretical and applied approaches to music therapy practice.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 28 credits.

Please see the Creative Arts Therapies Courses page for course descriptions.

Music Therapy Graduate Diploma (28 credits)

credits of Core Courses:

• MTHY 501 Music Therapy Skills (3.00)

• MTHY 502 Psychology of Music (2.00)

• MTHY 503 Music Therapy with Adults (1.00)

• MTHY 504 Music Therapy with Children and Adolescents (1.00)

• MTHY 510 Music Therapy Practicum I (3.00)

• MTHY 511 Music Therapy Practicum II (3.00)

• MTHY 512 Music Therapy Practicum III (9.00)

• MTHY 521 Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy (3.00)

• CATS 611 Counselling Skills for Creative Arts Therapists (3.00)

As part of course requirements in MTHY 510, MTHY 511, and MTHY 512, each student must successfully complete a minimum of 1,200 hours in the practice of music therapy, under faculty supervision, in approved practicum settings. Practicum experiences include individual and group formats with children, adolescents and adults and with a minimum of three different client groups.

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

Visit the department for a sample course sequence

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with courses in Music (24 credits, which must include 6 credits in Musicology and 12 credits in Music Theory, or equivalents); Psychology (24 credits, which must include courses in Introductory, Developmental, and Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Research Methodology, or equivalents); and Introduction to Music Therapy (3 credits), or equivalent.
Evidence of primary instrument/voice performance abilities at the level of completion of a bachelor’s degree in Music; piano performance abilities at Grade 6 Royal Conservatory of Music level, and fundamental guitar and voice skills.
Overall grade average of B- or better is expected.
Previous experience in a clinical, rehabilitative or educational setting.
Direct experience with the therapeutic process is highly desirable.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Review the steps before applying and program specific requirements

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Use the tuition & fee estimator

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. Course-based students may be eligible for a number of donor awards, and may consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.

Consult awards and funding opportunities

Out-of-province students

Get $2,000 in special funding for graduate diploma programs. Learn more

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Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)

Advance your professional training, specialization, and research as a music therapist through the only advanced professional training program in the field in the province.

Department

Department of Creative Arts Therapies

Faculty

Faculty of Fine Arts

View program details

Music Therapy (GrDip)

Program overview