Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Faculty of Fine Arts
Why pursue a Master's in Music Therapy?
Music therapy facilitates the process of personal growth and change through the provision of expressive and receptive musical experiences. The music therapist guides clients towards developmental, rehabilitative, psychotherapeutic, and wellness goals by fostering personal expression, and creating musical experiences.
The MA in Creative Arts Therapies, Music Therapy is the only full professional training program in Québec. The program, approved by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT), is designed according to the current philosophy and standards of education with the discipline of music therapy.
Students demonstrate their mastery in a particular area of music therapy through completion of either a thesis (Research with Thesis Option) or a capstone project (Advanced Music Therapy Practice Option).
Option 1: Research with Thesis
This option is available for students interested in pursuing research, along with the academic rigor of completing a master’s thesis. The option also prepares students who might be interested in later pursuing a doctoral program.
Option 2: Advanced Music Therapy Practice
This option is available for students interested in preparing themselves for advanced music therapy practice and to better position themselves for future licensure. This option allows students to focus on acquiring more direct music therapy clinical experience, with a final practical capstone project rather than a research thesis.
Program details
Entry into the program requires either: 1) a bachelor's/baccalaureate degree in Music Therapy with a 1,000-hour internship (or equivalent); OR 2) a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Music Therapy (or equivalent). Applicants are selected on the basis of a past academic record of no less than a B average (3.00 on a 4.30 scale), or equivalent, a 500-word letter of intent, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation.
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.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete 45 credits.
- Courses. All students are required to take the following core courses (with a 3-credit value, unless otherwise specified): MTHY 600, MTHY 601, MTHY 602 (1.5 credits), MTHY 603 (1.5 credits), MTHY 693, CATS 610, CATS 611, CATS 639 (1 credit), CATS 641 (1 credit), CATS 643 (1 credit), and CATS 691. Additionally, students choose to enter one of the following two options:
Research with thesis option:
MTHY 623 and MTHY 699 (Thesis, 15 credits).
Three additional elective credits, to be chosen in consultation with an academic faculty advisor, from: MTHY 624 and MTHY 625.
Advanced music therapy practice option:
MTHY 633 (6 credits), MTHY 634 (6 credits).
Plus nine additional elective credits, to be chosen in consultation with an academic faculty advisor. With the approval of the Chair of Creative Arts Therapies and of the cooperating department, some or all of the elective credits may be chosen from the Department of Creative Arts Therapies, other departments in the University, or other universities.
- French Language Requirements. While there are no formal French proficiency requirements, students intending to work in Québec are strongly encouraged to develop a working knowledge of French.
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 |
Our department hosts a semi-annual workshop for prospective Music Therapy students. Meet Music Therapy faculty and explore the field of music therapy. Learn more about the many educational and career opportunities in music therapy.
Sample classes
- Music Therapy Advanced Literature
- Music Therapy Supervision, Teaching, and Learning
- Advanced Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy
- Advanced Music Therapy Practicum
- Guided Imagery and Music
See the graduate calendar for course curriculum and descriptions.
Please also take note of the sample course sequence.
The practicum component of our creative arts therapies training programs provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that they are acquiring in their coursework. It is the vehicle for integrating theory with clinical experience – a critical element in the development of the professional competence of an art therapist, drama therapist or music therapist. Practicum includes both clinical experience and supervision.
Clinical experience is acquired in a variety of agencies in the greater Montreal area, providing the student with practical application of art therapy, drama therapy or music therapy. Supervision is provided at both the agency and at the University.
In the Music Therapy MA, students have the opportunity for advanced specialization in the clinical area of their choice in either one or two terms.
Creative Arts Therapies classes are held in the Visual Arts Building on the downtown campus.
Music Therapy classes are held in acoustically-designed studios equipped with superb sound and technological capabilities. Both of our music therapy studios house new acoustic pianos, one of them being a baby grand. A collection of diverse musical instruments (e.g., world drums, Orff, and other improvisational instruments) is available for classroom instruction as well as for student use in individual practice and at their practicum agencies.
Lecture-based classes can be held in the seminar room, recently updated with new tables and chairs. All Creative Arts Therapies students can use the seminar for quiet study outside of class time and during business hours. Music Therapy students can use the studios for individual and group rehearsals.
Career opportunities for music therapists exist in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. These include psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving persons with developmental disabilities, community mental health and wellness centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice. Read about our alumni career stories.
For more information about career and employment opportunities:
