Music Therapy (Graduate Diploma)
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 |
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
- Counselling Skills for Creative Arts Therapies
- Music Therapy Skills
- Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy
- Music Therapy Practicum
- Psychology of 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 Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy, each student is placed in one major placement per term, with a total of three different client populations over the course of the 12-month program. A student may be placed in one major and one minor placement concurrently where appropriate.
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:
