Music Therapy Master's Program

Who to contact

School of Music

graduate.admissions@fredonia.edu

716-673-3251

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Requirements

Graduate Virtual Open House Dates:

Tuesday, June 17 at 7 PM - Register Here
Monday, June 30 at 10 AM - Register Here

Heal Through Harmony: Your Future in Music Therapy Starts Here

The Master of Music in Music Therapy at SUNY Fredonia is more than a degree—it’s a bold, life-changing commitment to the healing power of music. Whether you're continuing your path as a board-certified music therapist or transitioning from a music background into this high-demand, people-centered field, Fredonia equips you to transform lives through sound. With hands-on training, advanced clinical techniques, and preparation for New York State licensure and national board certification, this program positions you for meaningful, sustainable work. It’s a smart move for your future—and a powerful investment in others’ wellbeing.

This comprehensive curriculum is meticulously designed to deepen your skills and expand your knowledge, aligning seamlessly with the Advanced Competencies set forth by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). By pursuing this degree, you are not only meeting the educational requirements for the New York State License in Creative Arts Therapy but also embarking on a path that will inspire both you and your future clients.

Two Program Options

The Master of Music in Music Therapy program offers two tracks: the Advanced Standing Track for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Music Therapy, and the Comprehensive Track for those with an undergraduate degree in music but not Music Therapy.

Advanced Track (48 credits)
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent
- 48 Credits
- Two-year program
- Meet the education requirements for the New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License
Comprehensive Track (60 credits) - Pending AMTA Approval
- For students with a Bachelor’s degree in music, but not in music therapy
- 60 Credits
- Three-year program
- Meet the education requirements for both the national Board-Certification in Music Therapy and the New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License

What You’ll Gain

Clinical Readiness – Meet educational requirements for New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License and national board certification.
Specialized Skills – Train in advanced models like Guided Imagery and Music, Vocal Psychotherapy, clinical improvisation, and more.
Professional Mentorship – Work closely with expert faculty who are active practitioners and leaders in the field.
Flexible Learning – Balance life and learning with a class schedule designed to support working professionals.
Research Experience – Participate in original research that advances the field and enhances your resume.
Creative Expression – Use your musical talents to build therapeutic relationships and effect real change.
Job Market Advantage – Graduate into a thriving, growing field with excellent employment prospects.
Community Impact – Help clients manage trauma, illness, and developmental challenges through music.
Confidence & Purpose – Develop the expertise and self-assurance to lead in clinical and community settings.

Career Opportunities for Music Therapy

Day Care Facilities
General Hospitals
Mental Health Agencies
Private Practice in Music Therapy
Substance Abuse Programs

Forensic Facilities
Hospice Programs
Physical Rehabilitation Centers
Psychiatric Hospitals
Public & Private Schools

What do Music Therapists Do?

What does a Graduate Degree in Music Therapy look like?

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 505	Foundations of Advanced Music Therapy	3
MUTY 530	Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music I	2
MUTY 630	Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music II	2
MUS 521	Music Bibliography	3
	TOTAL	10

J-Term

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 560	Lifespan Human Development	3
	TOTAL	3

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 605	Foundations of Advanced Music Therapy II	3
MUTY 510	Advanced Guitar Skills for Music Therapists	2
MUTY 518	Foundations of Clinical Piano Improvisation	2
MUS 624	Analytic Techniques	3
MUED 514	Psychology of Music	3
	TOTAL	13

Summer

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 570	Psychopathology	3
	TOTAL	3

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUED 522	Psychological Research in Music	3
MUTY 520	Theory of Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUTY 620	Vocal Psychotherapy Practice	2
MUTY 550	Internship in Music Therapy	4
	TOTAL	11

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 650	Advanced Practicum in Music Therapy	2
MUED 695	Thesis/Final Project	3
MUTY 590	Special Studies in Music Therapy	3
	TOTAL	8

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 500	Foundations of Professional Music Therapy	3
MUS 521	Music Bibliography	3
MUTY 590	Special Studies in Music Therapy	3
	TOTAL	9

J-Term

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 560	Lifespan Human Development	3
	TOTAL	3

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 501	Clinical Placement I: Older Adults	2
MUTY 510	Advanced Guitar Skills for Music Therapists	2
MUTY 518	Foundations of Clinical Piano Improvisation	2
MUS 624	Analytic Techniques	3
MUED 514	Psychology of Music	3
	TOTAL	12

Summer

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 504	Methods and Principles of Professional Music	3
MUTY 502	Clinical Placement II: Adults or Children	2
MUTY 570	Psychopathology	3
	TOTAL	8

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 520	Theory of Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUTY 620	Vocal Psychotherapy Practice	2
MUTY 505	Foundations of Advanced Music Therapy I	3
MUTY 503	Clinical Placement III: Adults or Children	2
	TOTAL	9

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 540	Internship in Music Therapy I	2
	TOTAL	2

Summer

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 541	Internship in Music Therapy II	2
	TOTAL	2

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 530	Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music I	2
MUTY 630	Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music II	2
MUTY 650	Advanced Practicum in Music Therapy	1
MUED 522	Psychological Research in Music	3
	TOTAL	8

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUTY 605	Foundations of Advanced Music Therapy II	3
MUTY 650	Advanced Practicum in Music Therapy	1
MUED 695	Thesis/Final Project	3
	TOTAL	7

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

MUTY 530 Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music

Designed to help music therapists to advance their skills using the guitar. The focus of the course centers on the fundamentals of guitar technique in music therapy. Course material will be implemented by the use of literature from varying styles and will cover melodic harmonization, chord voicing, strumming techniques, plectrum techniques, as well as reading various guitar notations.

MUTY 620 Vocal Psychotherapy Practice

Students will be trained in vocal psychotherapy, a model of in-depth (reconstructive) music therapy that utilizes sounds, vocal improvisation, songs and dialogue within a therapeutic relationship to promote intrapsychic and interpersonal change. Students will have opportunities to observe, participate in and conduct voice-centered therapeutic experiences and interventions.

MUTY 518 Advanced Clinical Piano Improvisations

The training will develop the concept of clinical improvisation and provide specific strategies for developing and applying clinical improvisation skills within a therapeutic relationship. Piano is the primary medium and use of the voice will also be addressed.

It's Different Here

Two Tailored Tracks

Choose from an Advanced (48-credit) or Comprehensive (60-credit) path based on your music background.

Licensure & Certification Ready

Program meets the requirements for NYS Creative Arts Therapy License and national board certification (CBMT).

Cutting-Edge Techniques

Gain advanced training in Guided Imagery and Music, Vocal Psychotherapy, and improvisational methods.

Fredonia's Music Therapy Degree program is ideal for students who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Flexible Class Schedule

A flexible class schedule at SUNY Fredonia helps students balance academics with personal and professional commitments, enabling them to thrive and engage fully in their studies and life experiences.

What can you do with a master's degree in music therapy? With massive growth in the field, the possibilities are practically endless.

Comprehensive Track (60 credits) - Pending AMTA Approval

Music Therapy graduate students at SUNY Fredonia participate in dynamic research and hands-on experiences that enhance their skills and enable them to make a meaningful impact in the field of music therapy.

Fredonia students earning a masters degree in music therapy have excellent job prospects

Great Jobs

Graduates of the Music Therapy program at SUNY Fredonia are well-prepared for a thriving job market, consistently landing rewarding positions.

Careers

Fredonia Music Therapy majors getting into the groove during class

Personal and Professional Growth

Built for Belonging. Powered by Practice.

At Fredonia, you’ll find more than just a classroom—you’ll find a community that sees you, supports you, and pushes you to become your best. Our inclusive, tight-knit campus is built on connection, creativity, and collaboration. And when it comes to clinical training, you won’t just learn theory—you’ll live it. From your first semester, you’ll gain hands-on experience in supervised placements, working directly with clients and building the skills and confidence that make a lasting impact. Here, you’re not just preparing for a career—you’re becoming a difference-maker.

Completion of AMTA’s Advanced Competencies
Preparation toward New York State License in Creative Arts Therapy
Real-life opportunities to become trained in advanced models of music therapy from experts in the field

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Music Therapy program at SUNY Fredonia is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that SUNY Fredonia's M.M. program in Music Therapy meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the following U.S. States; however, it is important to note that SUNY Fredonia is not the licensure/certification authority in these U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in these U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.