Master of Music Degree in Music Therapy

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The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy consists of 30 credit hours of graduate study beyond the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy (or its equivalent). This degree program at the Frost School of Music is designed for the individual who already holds an undergraduate degree in music therapy. It is designed to prepare students for either advanced-level clinical practice, or additional opportunities in research or college teaching. Although all master's music therapy students are prepared for advanced clinical practice they also specialize in either a clinical or a thesis track.

The Curriculum

The curriculum is built upon the clinical and research paradigm known as Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). This model utilizes scientific evidence regarding the influence of music on the human brain and behavior function to treat neurological, developmental, and medical needs. The NMT approach is becoming increasingly recognized and accepted by the medical community, which helps increase employment for our graduates.

Masters students work closely with music therapy faculty for the duration of this rigorous program, thus they gain experience in all aspects of music therapy clinical practice, education, and research.  The music therapy faculty are experienced researchers and distinguished educators who are known internationally for their research and service to the profession. 

The Master of Music degree in Music Therapy is designed to help students achieve the following three goals:

  • To acquire specialized musicianship as needed for advanced performance and for clinical practice.  Within the diverse and comprehensive Frost School of Music, students have the opportunity to study with faculty who perform and compose regularly in local, national, and international venues.  Consequently, the musical preparation of students here is unparalleled.
  • To achieve advanced clinical competencies by examining the scientific evidence that supports the use of music in a therapeutic context.  Through this examination, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and further refine their clinical interaction skills.  Students will then translate this knowledge into therapeutic interventions which are then applied to clinical populations. Clinical work and research can be conducted at multiple hospitals and agencies in the greater Miami area, including the world-famous Miller School of Medicine.
  • To develop independent research skills. Students have the opportunity to exercise their critical thinking skills and increase their knowledge of research topics, methodology, and analysis. Students who pursue the thesis track will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an independent research project. Students who pursue the clinical track will apply research findings as they develop a clinically focused project within a specific clinical setting.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate teaching assistantships are available to highly qualified candidates. These prestigious awards provide tuition coverage (full or partial) as well as a monthly stipend. Recipients gain valuable professional experience by assisting with teaching, clinical supervision, research, and program administration.

The curriculum for the Master of Music degree in Music Therapy meets the standards set forth by the National Association for Schools of Music, the American Music Therapy Association, and the University of Miami. 

Learn More

For more information on this degree program, please contact:

Teresa Lesiuk, Ph.D., MT-BC
Program Director, Music Therapy

tlesiuk@miami.edu
305.284.3650

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