Master of Music in Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the application of music for rehabilitation of brain function and development and maintenance of mental and physical health. The qualified music therapist creates therapeutic music exercises to facilitate functional non-musical outcomes, training and retraining abilities in cognition, speech and language, motor control, academic performance, emotional growth, and social skills. There is strong scientific evidence that music is a powerful tool in therapy, engaging and changing the brain, and promoting behavioral learning and change.

Colorado State University has a long tradition in clinical education, research, and scholarship in music therapy. With an outstanding music program and an academic focus on evidence-based practice, graduates from Colorado State University learn necessary tools to be an integral member of a treatment team or pursue a career in private practice. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience on a biomedical or clinical research team.

In addition to the clinical core, music therapy majors take a wide variety of courses in music theory, music history, music performance, and coursework emphasizing the research aspects of music therapy. In addition, the program requires courses in psychology, neuroscience, and medical terminology. A total of 120 credits are required for the degree. Successful completion of all curricular requirements, plus a six month clinical internship, qualifies a graduate to sit for the National Board Certification Examination.

A bachelor's degree in music (i.e., music education, Bachelor of Arts, etc..) or a related area (i.e.,psychology, occupational therapy) with a minimum average of 3.25 (A = 4.0).
• If you are a non‐native speaker of English, a TOEFL score of 550 (paper based), 85 (internet based) or an IELTS score of 6.0 required for admission to the music therapy program.
a. All prior transcripts (sent directly to CSU)
b. Current resume
c. A statement of purpose and career goals for graduate study at Colorado State University (limit 3 pages)
d. Contact information for three individuals submitting a letter of reference (Name, address, and email for all individuals who will submit letters on your behalf).
There is no required format for the letters of reference.
e. Video Audition. Music therapy students must show excellent piano, guitar, and vocal skills. In order for the faculty to assess these skills, please submit the following:
• Primary Facilitating Instrument: Demonstrate musicianship by playing five pieces from different genres (i.e., American Folk, popular music, country music, world music, etc...) on piano or guitar, and voice.
Please accompany yourself singing on all songs. We will be looking for technical skills required for artistic self-expression on at least one instrument (guitar or piano, and voice). All applicants must have highlevel skills on either the guitar or piano (along with quality vocal skills) in order to be admitted to the program.
• Secondary Facilitating Instrument: Please show your skill level on the instrument not used in the above section with two additional songs. For example, if your primary facilitating instrument was piano and voice, please include two additional songs with guitar and voice. We will be looking for functional musicianship on the secondary instrument. If you do not play the secondary instrument, please clearly state so in your materials.
• Optional: You may also elect to submit a video (no more than 5 minutes) of another instrument (i.e., flute, trumpet), to further illustrate your musicianship.