Emphasizing Clinical Practice and Practice Related Research
Music Therapy is the systematic application of music and other treatment methodologies by a trained music therapist to restore, maintain, or enhance the cognitive, socio-emotional, and/or physical functioning of disabled persons of all ages. The Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) is a skilled musician and therapist who generally serves as a member of a team of trained medical or educational professionals, participating in the assessment, treatment, and progress evaluation of the clients served.
For more information about Music Therapy:
American Music Therapy Association
American Music Therapy Association - Great Lake Region
Association of Ohio Music Therapists
Ohio University’s Music Therapy Department was among the first institutions of higher learning to offer a bachelor’s degree and is the only school in Ohio to offer a master’s degree with a major in music therapy. Music therapy students are among the most academically and musically talented in the School of Music. Students accepted into the program receive a comprehensive education in music and music therapy skills through classroom study and ten quarters of supervised community placements.
OU Music Therapy Practicum Sites
Graduate Study
The Ohio University graduate programs in music therapy are the only advanced degrees in music therapy offered in the state of Ohio. Graduate studies in the field of music therapy impart further breadth and depth to clinical competencies while providing advanced instruction in clinical specialization, documentation and research with particular emphasis given to program design, development and administration. Programs leading to the Master of Music degree require a minimum of 45 credit hours of graduate work. A thesis or its equivalent is required.
Graduate Seminar in Music Therapy
Master of Music in Music Therapy
Students with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy may pursue the Master of Music in Music Therapy. This curriculum provides advanced specialization tracks to include research and teaching, management and program development, and advanced clinical specialization with a counseling component. The program consists of between 40 and 60 credit hours divided between music, music therapy and free electives in the student’s area of specialization.
Master/Equivalency Program
Students may earn the Master equivalency in Music Therapy by completing coursework equivalent to the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree. Concurrently, students take master’s level courses in music therapy according to their area of specialization. (See the Master of Music in Music Therapy.) Once the undergraduate courses are completed, the student must take the six-month internship placement in a facility approved by the AMTA and successfully complete the Board Certification Examination. The student then finishes the graduate requirements, a thesis or special project, prior to the granting of the degree.
OU Music Therapy Undergraduate Progam of Study
Application Procedures
Students must first apply to the University for acceptance into Graduate Studies. This application process may be found online. An audition, a paper, and a personal interview are required for acceptance into the Music Therapy graduate program. Further information may be obtained from the Chair of the Music Therapy Department.
Graduate Assistantships
Students holding an undergraduate degree in music therapy may apply for limited graduate assistantships in the School of Music. Applicants should contact the Director of Music Therapy and the office of the School of Music for further information.
Opportunities For Research, Creative Activity, and Training
The 20 community sites affiliated with the Music Therapy Department to provide practical placements and the Athens Community Music School compose a rich field for study and creative activity. These and other unique opportunities are available to both undergraduate and graduate students under the direction and guidance of the music therapy faculty. Students may also participate in research conducted by faculty members.
The University Music Therapy Clinic housed in the School of Music provides opportunities for research in the areas of autism and community-based music therapy. Affiliations with O’Bleness Memorial Hospital and other health related facilities, Ohio University’s Kids on Campus summer program for reading-delayed young children, and a strong relationship with the School of Speech and Language Sciences provide graduate students with continuing research opportunities.
OU Music Therapy Graduates Accept Positions
OU Music Therapy Highlights of 06/07
For further program information, please contact:
Graduate Program:
Graduate Chair
Ohio University School of Music
Robert Glidden Hall
Email: gradmusic@ohio.eduMusic Therapy:
Professor Anita Louise Steele
Program Director
Ohio University School of Music
Robert Glidden Hall
steelea@ohio.edu