Conservatory of Music

B.M. Music Therapy

  Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese translations.

Music Therapy Faculty

 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 fastest 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.

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.

The undergraduate program in music therapy is designed for students interested in a bachelor’s degree and professional certification as a Board-Certified Music Therapist (see requirements at  Certification Board for Music Therapists).  Degree requirements include not only core courses in music and music therapy, but also courses in general education and behavioral sciences. These courses provide a broad curriculum that prepare students as music therapy professionals, or graduate students in professional programs.

Experiential Learning and Internships

The music therapy program provides a unique integrated learning model where classroom and fieldwork learning are interwoven across the entire curriculum. Fieldwork within community settings provide students with direct hands-on experience with children, adults, and senior citizens. Following the completion of coursework, students are placed in full-time clinical internship programs.  To complete the internship and the Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy, students must demonstrate achievement of American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) competencies.  After the Board Certification examination is passed, students receive the designation of Music Therapist, Board Certified (MT-BC). Find out more information about fieldwork and internships.

Admission

Applicants are required to audition on their principal instrument.  Please visit the Conservatory Admissions page for further details. 

Contact  Dr. Hsiao with specific questions regarding the music therapy program.