Music Therapy (GrDip)
Graduate Diploma (GrDip)
Offered by:Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Faculty of Fine Arts
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 details
- 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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Proficiency in French. While there are no formal French proficiency requirements, students intending to work in Québec are strongly encouraged to develop a working knowledge of French.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 28 credits.
28 credits – Core Courses
MTHY 501 - Music Therapy Skills (3 credits)
MTHY 502 - Psychology of Music (2 credits)
MTHY 503 - Music Therapy with Adults (1 credit)
MTHY 504 - Music Therapy with Children and Adolescents (1 credit)
MTHY 510 - Music Therapy Practicum I (3 credits)
MTHY 511 - Music Therapy Practicum II (3 credits)
MTHY 512 - Music Therapy Practicum III (9 credits)
MTHY 521 - Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy (3 credits)
CATS 611 - Counselling for Creative Arts Therapists (3 credits)
Please review the department application requirements before applying online. Read the how-to-guide for general application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Music Therapy | MA / Diploma | Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Please note: The Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy (21 credits) has been upgraded to a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy (28 credits). This change is effective August 1, 2015.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
