Music Therapy Master's Program at Fredonia
Fredonia’s Master of Music in Music Therapy degree assists current and future music therapists deepen their skills and knowledge in line with the Advanced Competencies of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and meet the education requirements for the New York State License in Creative Arts Therapy.
Fredonia’s music therapy curriculum includes training in Guided Imagery and Music, Vocal Psychotherapy, advanced guitar skills, and foundations of clinical piano improvisation. An AMTA-accredited university, Fredonia has been educating music therapists for over forty years. Our nurturing, inclusive environment supports individual passion and paths, allowing you to develop your professional vision and career path with the assistance of successful professionals in your field.
Program Options
- Advanced Track (48 credits)
- Ideal for students with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent
- Two-year program
- Meet the education requirements for the New York State’s Creative Arts Therapy License
- Comprehensive Track (60 credits) - Pending AMTA Approval
- Ideal for students with a Bachelor’s degree in music, but not in music therapy
- 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
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Successful completion of SUNY Fredonia’s M.M program in Music Therapy is sufficient for meeting the educational requirements for licensure or certification in New York as a licensed Music Therapist. Successful completion of the program may also be sufficient for meeting the educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states, but this has not been determined by SUNY Fredonia. Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their states’ certification entity to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by that state. As there are many state and other jurisdictions, each with its own requirements, students should consult the American Music Therapy Association, which is a centralized source for information about certification criteria.
The Fredonia Difference
Fredonia graduate programs foster scholarly inquiry, professional research, ethical practice, artistic performance, and practical innovation, encouraging students and faculty to discover lifelong connections between their intellectual and creative aspirations and civic and global opportunities for engagement.
What We Offer
- 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
Career Opportunities for Music Therapy
- Our graduates are emerging as leaders in expanding opportunities for music therapy services through private practice and music therapy departments.
- Work with agencies who serve older adults, adults, and children with disabilities, as well as mental health, medical centers, and clinics who serve those with mental and physical health challenges, spanning prenatal to end-of-life issues.
Why Music Therapy at Fredonia?
Sample Courses
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.
Program Additional Links
What does a Graduate Degree in Music Therapy look like?
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