Our guide today will focus on music therapy degree online. We shall try our best to provide you with all the information needed to pursue this program online. Without much waste of time let’s get started…
What Is Music Therapy Degree Online?
Music therapy is an allied health profession and one of the expressive therapies, consisting of a process in which a music therapist uses music and all of its facets—physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual—to help clients improve their physical and mental health. In some instances, the client’s needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist.
Music therapy is used with individuals of all ages and with a variety of conditions including: psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical disabilities, sensory impairments (blindness), developmental disabilities (autism), substance abuse issues. The effects of music therapy are well recognized in helping people to cope with mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
There are four primary approaches to music therapy: receptive, improvisational, compositional and research
There are four primary approaches to music therapy: receptive, improvisational, compositional and research. Receptive therapies include listening to music and instruments in order to elicit a certain response from the client. Improvisational therapy uses songwriting, singing and playing instruments for communication. Composition focuses on creating original songs and other musical pieces. Research is the study of how music can affect pain levels, stress reduction and mood improvement in patients with neurological disorders or illnesses such as cancer or Parkinson’s disease.
Music therapists help clients through music to improve or maintain their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning
Music therapists help clients through music to improve or maintain their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Music therapists can help people with Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, dementia, developmental disabilities and mental health problems. They also work with the elderly and people who have physical disabilities.
Music therapists work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly
Music therapists work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They might work with:
- people who have learning disabilities or emotional problems
- people with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and head injuries
- people with mental health problems, such as depression or schizophrenia
- people with autism or dementia
Music therapy can be used to help with disorders that affect thinking, learning and memory
Music therapists use music to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication and express feelings. Music therapy can be used to help with disorders that affect thinking, learning and memory. It can also be beneficial in providing physical rehabilitation for injured individuals.
- Brain injuries: Music therapy has been shown to improve the communication skills of patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or strokes.
- Autism: Music therapy has been shown to improve the quality of life for people with autism by allowing them to communicate more effectively.
- Alzheimer’s disease: In some cases, music therapy has helped people with Alzheimer’s disease regain lost memories or develop new ways of communicating their basic needs through music and sound
Music therapy degree online
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
There are many degrees to get in music therapy. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for entry into the field as well as additional internships, training and board certification. In some settings you can start out with just an associate’s degree, but if you have plans on going into research or teaching you will need to have at least a master’s degree.
Schools Offering Music Therapy Degree Online
The following schools offer the best music therapy degree online:
University of Iowa
- The University of Iowa’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and students will be well-equipped for a career in the field after completing this program.
- Additionally, students must complete an internship and pass the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination to earn their degree.
- The state of Iowa is home to more than 200 music therapy professionals, so you’ll certainly have job prospects upon your graduation from this program!
Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private university located in Pittsburgh, PA. The school offers a fully online Master of Science in Music Therapy degree. This online music therapy degree program is a 48-credit program that prepares students for board certification in music therapy.
The curriculum covers topics such as research methods and statistics, music therapy clinical practices, musical skills, and professional issues. The program features three practicum experiences to help students gain hands-on experience working with clients in different settings. In addition to the core coursework, students can choose from eight specializations:
- Client Adaptation & Group Leadership
- Clinical Work with Older Adults
- Experiential Music Therapy Methods
- Guided Imagery & Music (GIM)
- Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) – Level 1 Certification Preparation Track
- Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) – Level 2 Training Track
- Songwriting for Children & Adolescents with Special Needs
Career opportunities potential graduates may pursue include positions as a music therapist at medical facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes or as an instructor at elementary schools or colleges.
Marylhurst University
Marylhurst University is a private, non-profit school located in Marylhurst, Oregon. It offers an online Master of Arts in Music Therapy degree program for students who want to help children and adults with mental or physical disabilities overcome their afflictions and reach their potential. The curriculum consists of 48 credits that can be completed in as little as two years. Most courses are offered online but students must attend three on-campus residency workshops.
The music therapy program at Marylhurst University involves coursework in applied music therapy, music assessment, music and the brain, the foundations of research methods, clinical training and internship fieldwork. Students learn how to conduct assessments for individual clients based on factors like age or health condition and then create rehabilitation plans that include therapeutic activities involving songwriting, improvisation or playing instruments. They also study theories about how music affects the mind and body while learning how to assess which products are appropriate for clinical settings through research reports and case studies.
Students must apply to the graduate program by submitting an application form, official transcripts from previous colleges they have attended, personal essays describing academic goals and professional ambitions plus a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with their work in the field. Some applicants may need to attend an interview before they are admitted into the program.
Appalachian State University
Players looking to apply their musical abilities in a health-related career field will find Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy a helpful option. The American Music Therapy Association accredits the program, which offers online classes that can be completed entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus courses and distance education. Students must complete 120 credits over four years to earn the degree after applying for entry into the music therapy program.
Mercy College of Ohio
Mercy College of Ohio offers a music therapy degree online. Students enrolled in the program can take classes on campus or online. Mercy College strives to offer students a well-rounded, quality education that incorporates faith into the curriculum. The school offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as certificate programs.
- History: Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College began offering classes in 1918 in Toledo, Ohio.
- Location: Located near downtown Toledo, the campus boasts an athletic center with indoor basketball and tennis facilities as well as an outdoor football stadium. The college has additional campuses in Bowling Green and Youngstown, Ohio.
- Notable Alumni: Alumni include U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur and former president of General Motors John DeLorean; graduates have also been accepted into dental school at Case Western Reserve University, OSU Medical School and other top medical schools across the country
Online music therapy degrees are available at the bachelor’s, masters, and doctoral levels
There are several reasons for earning an online degree in music therapy. Online programs tend to be more cost effective than campus-based programs. Also, students can typically complete their coursework at a self-selected pace and from the comfort of home. In many cases, online degrees are offered at the bachelor’s, masters, or doctoral levels.
In addition to these benefits, however, there are also some caveats to consider before enrolling in an online program. In some cases, employers may prefer candidates who have earned their degree on-site as opposed to through distance learning methods. Additionally, though flexibility is an appealing benefit of online learning, this may present challenges for students who struggle with self-discipline and motivation when not surrounded by other scholars in a face-to-face classroom setting.
