Student-at-Piano

Music Therapy

Lift Spirits. Strengthen Minds. Empower Populations. Through a Degree in Music Therapy

This program adds yet another dimension to Valpo’s thriving music curricula, offering a professional degree in a field expected to see 12 percent growth over the next seven years.
The Music Therapy Bachelor’s degree prepares students for national Board Certification and is accredited through the American Music Therapy Association. The curriculum is built upon a strong music core, supplemented by 20-25 credits of music therapy-specific coursework, including supervised field experiences.

Foundations (64 credits in music therapy and 31 credits in music)

The general education requirements are listed in the University Catalog. The university-wide core curriculum strengthens students communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions. Professional courses develop students’ skills in therapeutic skills, clinical musicianship, treatment planning, cultural responsiveness and more.

MUSIC CORE — 31 credits
MUS 109 Musicianship I 2 credits
MUS 110 Musicianship II 2 credits
MUS 163 Music Theory I 3 credits
MUS 164 Music Theory II 3 credits
MUS 201 Development of Western Music 2 credits
MUS 209 Musicianship III 2 credits
MUS 210 Musicianship IV 2 credits
MUS 213 Basic Conducting 2 credits
MUS 263 Music Theory III 3 credits
MUS 264 Music Theory IV 3 credits
MUEN 350, 352, 354 Large ensemble 6 credits
MUEN 357, 358 Small ensemble or chamber music 1 credit
MUS 499 Music Colloquium (six semesters) 0 credit
      MUS 300 Keyboard Proficiency 0 credits
      MUS 400 Concert Attendance (75 events) 0 credits
MUSIC THERAPY CORE — 64 credits
Eight credits of studio instruction in the principal performing medium (completion of MUAP 303 is required) 8 credits
MUAP 375 Performance Level Proficiency III 0 credits
Five credits of studio instruction in the secondary instrument* 5 credits
MUTH 120 The History and Theory of Music Therapy 3 credits
MUTH 175 Performance Level Music Therapy Proficiency I 0 credit
MUS 232 Percussion Methods for Music Therapists 1 credit
MUS 236 Guitar Instructional Methods 1 credit
MUS 239 Voice Instructional Methods 1 credit
MUS 204 Popular Music in America 3 credits
MUTH 240 Music Therapy Foundations I: The Therapeutic Process 2 credits
MUTH 241 Music Therapy Foundations I Lab 1 credit
MUTH 250 Music Therapy Foundations II: Special Populations 2 credits
MUTH 251 Music Therapy Foundations II Lab 1 credit
MUTH 275 Performance Level Music Therapy Proficiency II 0 credit
MUS 312 Scoring and Arranging 2 credits
MUTH 330 Clinical Musicianship in Music Therapy 2 credits
MUS 304 World Music 3 credits
MUTH 373 Music Therapy Junior Seminar I 1 credit
MUTH 383 Music Therapy Practicum I 1 credit
MUTH 374 Music Therapy Junior Seminar II 1 credit
MUTH 384 Music Therapy Practicum II 1 credit
MUTH 390 Special Topics in Music Therapy 3 credits
MUTH 340 The Cultural Psychology of Music 3 credits
MUTH 476 Music Therapy Senior Seminar (2+2) 4 credits
MUTH 486 Music Therapy Internship (6+6) 12 credits
MUTH 493 Music Therapy Research Seminar 2 credits
MUTH 430 Music Therapy Advocacy and Entrepreneurship 1 credit
Other required courses:
PSY 110 General Psychology 3 credits
PSY 111 Laboratory in General Experimental Psychology 1 credit
PSY 215 Lifespan Development 3 credits
PSY 235 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
SOCW 260 Diverse Populations: Human Rights & Justice 3 credits
SOC 275 Systems of Social Stratification 3 credits
One of the following options:
      STAT 140 General Statistics 3 credits
      STAT 240 Statistical Analysis 3 credits
      PSY 201 Statistical Methods 3 credits
      POLS 210 Research Methods in Political Science 3 credits

*Studio piano (2 cr.) MUAP 003 or 103, studio guitar (1 Cr.) MUAP 003 or 103 and 2 additional credits in voice, piano, guitar or a world music instrument; if piano is primary, then studio guitar (2 Cr.) MUAP 003 or 103 and studio voice (1 Cr.) MUAP 003 or 103 and 2 additional credits in voice, piano, guitar or a world music instrument.

Why Study Music Therapy?

Music therapists bring hope, healing, recovery, support and beauty through music to the most vulnerable in society. Working in settings ranging from mental health clinics to religious institutions to prisons, music therapists draw from integrative and evidence-based approaches to address the physical, spiritual, psychological, cognitive and social needs of individuals.

Music Therapy is where compassion meets art and science. A degree in this allied health profession empowers you to change the lives of individuals and catapults you to serve as a global leader.

Graduates Will Be Able To:

  • Impact communities far and wide through work in a variety of settings, ranging from general and psychiatric hospitals to nursing homes to schools.
  • Use their musical talents in service of others, giving greater meaning to their passion and building a sense of purpose and integrity.
  • Contribute to the music therapy body of knowledge through creation and implementation of research

Contact Us

For more information about the music therapy program at Valparaiso University, please contact Prof. Jordy Novak at jordy.novak@valpo.edu or 219.464.5431.

Learn about Music Therapy

For more information about music therapy, visit the American Music Therapy Association website at MusicTherapy.org.