The Best Colleges for Music Therapy

According to the College Board, "If you choose this major, you'll study assessment, the art and science of determining a patient's needs. You'll also learn how to design a program of music therapy treatment that meets those needs. These programs might include learning to play an instrument or simply listening to music." The need for music therapists is growing for all age levels. The American Music Therapy Association, Inc. recommends a number of colleges around the country that offer both baccalaureate and graduate degrees in Music Therapy.

Features

Music therapy continues to be used to reach new groups of people. Students learn how to develop programs that reach a myriad of therapeutic needs. Music therapy is used to reach out to autistic children, help business people de-stress, enhance senior citizens' memory and much more. Students will study how to evaluate their patients and determine their needs. Then they will create a music therapy program to meet those needs.

Types

There are numerous colleges and universities around the country that provide music therapy degrees and accreditation. The American Music Therapy Association lists those that they approve on the bachelor's and master's levels.

Schools with reputations for their music promise to have solid music therapy programs, such as Berklee College of Music.

Different colleges will be best for different students. Those looking for the most prestigious programs should choose a university that includes a music school. Some examples are Arizona State University, Western Illinois University, University of Louisville, and New York University.

Those looking for a more personalized program should select a smaller college. Some of these include: Molloy College, Elizabethtown College, Alverno College, and Wartburg College.

Benefits

The colleges and universities listed on the American Music Therapy Association webpage are approved by the association. The Association provides each of those programs their approval, making them the top tier of colleges and universities for music therapy.

Geography

The colleges and universities listed are located in a variety of geographic areas. They include institutions on both coasts and throughout the middle of the country. In fact more than 30 states and Canada have colleges on the list. Some states have several different colleges and universities with programs including Indiana, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Expert Insight

Campus Explorer lists the following as their Top Ten schools for Music Therapy programs:

Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Majors offered related to Music Therapy/Therapist

Nazareth College of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's

Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Majors offered related to Music Therapy/Therapist

University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's

Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Majors offered related to Music Therapy/Therapist

Shenandoah University
Winchester, Virginia
Degrees Offered: Certificate Programs, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Majors offered related to Music Therapy/Therapist

Wartburg College
Waverly, Iowa
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's
Majors offered related to Music Therapy/Therapist

Texas Woman's University

References

• American Music Therapy Association
• College Board Music Therapy Major

Resources

• campus explorer