Music Therapy

Music therapy is an established health care and human service profession using music to improve quality of life by optimizing health and wellness and addressing the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Highly trained and nationally certified music therapists use music and music activities in a focused and concentrated manner for healing and change, building on the inherent qualities of music to influence physical, emotional, cognitive, and social responses.

A Unique Career Opportunity

Music Therapy is one of the fasted growing health professions, (listed in “100 Best Careers for the Year 2000”). Job growth exceeds the numbers of new music therapists entering the profession. The University of the Pacific is seeking students who have the qualities for success in this field:

• Do you love making music and feel life would be less than satisfying without it?
• Do you value your musicianship and musical skills?
• Would you like a steady job where you can make music EVERY day, as an integral part of your work?
• Would you like to do something to make a positive difference in the lives of other people?

If you answered YES to these questions, music therapy may be the perfect career for you. But you still have questions: What do music therapists do? Where are the jobs? Answers to these and other Frequently Asked Questions are available from the American Music Therapy Association.

Music Therapy's Record of Excellence

Initiated in 1939, the music therapy program at the University of the Pacific is one of the oldest in the United States. During the ensuing years, the Music Therapy Department has maintained accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that have produced outstanding music therapy practitioners and attracted distinguished faculty to the Conservatory. At Pacific, advanced faculty skills, specializations, and small class sizes support high quality learning, individualized mentoring, and development of student's abilities to enjoy successful and rewarding professional careers. In addition to its college-level music therapy degree, Pacific currently offers the only master's degree in music therapy west of the Rockies. Thanks to a supportive and collaborative faculty, and our proximity to community human service agencies and to the Health Sciences Clinics, the Pacific environment supports our students in developing the understanding and skills for collaborating with other health professionals.

4 different ways to enter Music Therapy:

Bachelor’s Degree For first-year college or undergraduate transfer students.
Certification (Equivalency) Program For those with bachelor’s degrees in music or other areas.
Certification (Equivalency) Program Plus Master’s Degree Work toward a graduate degree after completing the Certification requirements.
Master’s Degree in Music Therapy For Board-Certified Music Therapists seeking career advancement opportunities in private practice, clinical specialization, administration, or research/teaching.