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After careful review, the College has decided to phase out the Music Therapy major over the next few years. No new students will be admitted into this program. The College will continue to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Requirements
In addition to a liberal arts core curriculum, Music Therapy majors prepare for careers in their field by completing a rigorous course load.
Major
Requirements for a major in Music Therapy.
Student Success
100%
of Marietta College’s Music Therapy graduates since 2020 were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduating
$51K
is the average salary for Music Therapists in the U.S.
93%
of alumni state they are pleased with their decision to attend Marietta College and would make the same choice again
A Marietta College Music Therapy major plays guitar during a coffee house event hosted by the Marietta College Music Therapy Program.
A Marietta College Music Therapy student holding a clarinet.
A Marietta College Music Therapy major playing piano.
A Marietta College Music Therapy major playing a standup bass.

What You'll Learn as a Music Therapy Major

At its core, the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree focuses on developing competent music therapists. Students will receive high-quality academic and clinical training experiences designed to prepare them for professional practice within institutions or in their own private practice.

In Demand Job

Music therapists are in high demand and usually work in general hospitals, schools, prisons, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers, geriatric facilities, hospice programs, training institutes, private practices, schools, and universities, as well as in social-community settings. 

Make a Difference

Marietta College's Music Therapy Program prepares students to make a difference in the lives of their clients by providing an in-depth core curriculum, numerous experiential learning opportunities, and a top-notch space to hone their talentsvarious.

More Info

Marietta's program is accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Honor Societies and Student Organizations

Music-related majors and non-majors who excel in various areas are inducted to Mu Psi Kappa, a national music honorary. Candidates are evaluated by full-time Music faculty on a set of 10 criteria, including grade point average, scholarship, dependability, ability to take guidance and corrections well, being a strong member of a music ensemble, setting a proper example for fellow students, leadership skills, good decision-making skills, going beyond the expected, and acceptable musical growth in both ensembles and applied lessons.

Instrumental Ensembles
  • Symphonic Band
  • Wind Ensemble
  • Jazz Combo
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Chamber Ensembles
  • New Music Ensemble
  • Pep Band
Vocal Ensembles
  • Concert Choir (mixed)
  • Women’s Choir
  • Men’s Choir
  • Oratorio Chorus
  • Floodstage (Contemporary A Cappella)
  • Opera Scenes
Department Faculty & Staff
What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based profession in which board-certified therapists use music and the therapeutic relationship that develops through shared musical experiences, to address goals in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, communication, and spiritual domains. 

Music therapists are musicians, using vocal and instrumental skills to connect with their clients through singing, playing, and moving to music. Music experiences include listening, composing, recreating, and improvising music in collaboration with clients. Music therapists are also clinicians, basing their treatment practice on individual assessment, therapeutic intention, attainable goals, progress evaluation, and documented results. Music therapy is the integration of art, science, and humanity in action to help clients heal and grow.

What is the difference between Music Therapy and Music Education?

Music educators teach people about music and how to perform it. A music education degree prepares people to teach choral and instrumental music to children and young adults, from pre-school through high school. 

Music therapists use collaborative music and the therapeutic relationship to address health, life, and education goals. Music therapy students prepare to work with people of all ages, from premature infants to elders in residential care.

What is an internship in Music Therapy?

To become board certified in music therapy, students must first complete all coursework requirements for a bachelor's degree program (or its equivalent) at a school approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Coursework is followed by a 6-9 month full-time internship. Internships are at clinical or educational sites approved by AMTA and are located nationwide. 

The music therapy faculty work with students to identify and apply to their preferred internship based on their clinical interests. During the internship period, Marietta students are classified as full-time students and advised by the faculty and their internship director, though there is no tuition obligation during this time even though it counts toward six credit hours. Following completion of their internship, music therapist must pass a national board certification exam, the CBMT in order to receive their credentials for professional practice.

Where do music therapists work?

Music therapists work in many settings as they help a variety people with life, health, and educational goals. Settings where music therapists work include: NICU (neonatal intensive care units), pediatric and adult hospitals/clinics, pre-school and school settings, alternative school settings, juvenile justice facilities, addictions programs, adolescent and adult mental health facilities, adult day centers, assisted living and nursing homes, as well as hospice facilities. In addition to these types of facilities, many music therapists establish their own private clinical practices focusing on varied clinical needs in their communities.

Are you ready to become a Pioneer? 

It's time to Blaze a New Trail!

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