Bachelor of Music Therapy
The Bachelor of Music Therapy degree program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the American Music Therapy Association, prepares students to use music as a therapeutic tool to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals.
The College of Wooster and the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music comprise the Cleveland Music Therapy Consortium. This association was the first music therapy degree offered in Northeastern Ohio and was the first in the nation involving a cooperative arrangement among educational institutions. Please note that students entering this major will take some coursework at Baldwin Wallace University.
Coursework consists of extensive training in music theory, history, and performance, as well as classes in statistics, psychology, and anatomy. Field experience work begins as early as the sophomore year. Students work with clients one-on-one and in group settings, culminating in a six-month full-time music therapy internship. Our Music Therapy majors graduate with a solid foundation of practical experience, giving them a competitive edge when entering the job market.
What is Music Therapy?
From the American Music Therapy Association: “Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.”
How often will I have class off campus? Am I responsible for getting myself to Baldwin Wallace?
Music Therapy courses take place on the Baldwin Wallace campus on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The need to travel on both days will vary from semester to semester depending on the student’s course schedule. Students may drive themselves, or may ride the shuttle provided by The College of Wooster.
Do Music Therapy majors complete an Independent Study (I.S.) project?
The Bachelor of Music Therapy degree culminates in a six-month internship, which is the capstone experience for this particular degree. Wooster’s Independent Study program may take on many forms, including experiential learning in music therapy.
How can I connect with other students in my major?
The Wooster Chapter of the Cleveland Student Music Therapists is a great place to start. Not only will you be able to network with your peers, you’ll also find opportunities to volunteer in the community, attend conferences, and perform on and off campus.
38.750 courses are required for graduation, subject to current restrictions on residency, fractional credit, fractional credit, and course load. 24 courses are taken in music.