Conservatory of Music
Certification (Equivalency) Program
Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese translations.
This program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in music (e.g., performance, music education, music management, etc.) or those with degrees in areas other than music (e.g., psychology, special education, English, etc.). .jpg)
This option does not include the usual coursework for a second bachelor’s degree. Instead, the Certification Program focuses on the completion of all necessary music/music therapy courses, competencies, and clinical internship, as required by the AMTA prerequisites to sit for the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination. Passing the Board Certification Examination certifies individuals to begin the professional practice of music therapy. (Learn more about CBMT and MT-BC requirements).
A popular and flexible learning option for mature individuals making a career change, the overall Certification program length may vary due to practical issues of balancing work or family commitments. The number of courses required for the completion of the certification program will vary according to the academic background and musical skills of those who apply. The music therapy faculty works closely with potential Certification students to design an individualized plan to enable individuals to complete the various requirements in a cost-effective and timely manner, to expedite their entry into the music therapy job market. An important first step in this supportive mentoring process is the interview and music skills assessment session with the music therapy faculty. (For details on the interview/assessment, see below.)
The following courses constitute the equivalency/certification program in music therapy at the University of the Pacific. Total units for course requirements are approximate and will vary according to the college or university where course(s) are completed.
Certification Curriculum
| Minimum Required Music Courses | |
| Music Theory | 16 units |
| Music History | 9 units |
| Traditional music history courses are acceptable. However, courses like Music of the World’s People and History of Jazz and/or Popular Music are also acceptable. | |
| Ensembles | 4 units |
| Percussion Methods | 1 unit |
| Conducting | 2 units |
| Applied Instruction | 2 units |
| Certification students must demonstrate proficiencies in piano, voice, and guitar. Course instruction is available in these areas if needed. | |
| Minimum Required Health/Behavioral/Natural Sciences Courses (minimum of 20 units required including the specific required courses listed below) | |
| Abnormal Psychology | 4 units |
| Exceptional Child | 3 units |
| Human Anatomy or Anatomy & Physiology | 4 units |
| Required Music Therapy Courses | |
| Music as Therapy: A Survey of Clinical Applications | 3 units |
| Basic Music Skills for Music Therapists and Allied Professionals | 3 units |
| Observation and Assessment in Music Therapy | 2 units |
| Music with Children in Inclusive Settings | 3 units |
| Psychology of Music | 3 units |
| Music Therapy in Mental Health and Social Sciences | 3 units |
| Music Therapy in Medicine and Health Care | 3 units |
| Fieldwork in Music Therapy | 4 units |
| Internship in Music Therapy | 2 units |
| Voice Class for Music Therapy and Music Education Majors | 1 unit |
Contact 
Dr. Hsiao to schedule a phone interview, request a visit, or to address specific questions.