Creative Arts Therapy - Music Therapy Program

Graduate study in music therapy, as a specialization in the Creative Arts Therapy program at Nazareth, encompasses several paths to professional practice. The 48-hour M.S. in Creative Arts Therapy/Music Therapy Specialization is for board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) who are seeking advanced study; it also is a New York State licensure-qualifying program, fulfilling the masters-level educational component required to become a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist.  Music therapy graduate students study alongside Art Therapy graduate students in a psychotherapy-focused curriculum that prepares them to be effective and ethical mental health professionals who are capable of applying intellectual strength, ethics, and aesthetic values in the treatment of individuals, groups, and families. Masters-level music therapy students also have the opportunity to focus on other aspects of advanced music therapy practice, including interprofessional work, neurorehabilitation, and treating children with developmental challenges.

The music therapy specialization has two other tracks for students who want to become board-certified music therapists but have not completed an undergraduate program in music therapy: (1) a 23-hour equivalency certificate for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in music, other than music therapy, and who want to become a board-certified music therapist without another degree*, and (2) a 60 credit hour program which combines equivalency study in music therapy with the 48-hour graduate curriculum.  

*Successful completion of the equivalency coursework, including internship, qualifies students to take the music therapy certification exam from the Certification Board for Music Therapy (cbmt.org).

Program Coordinator, Music Therapy
Laurie Keough, MSEd, LCAT, MT-BC
(585) 389-2991
lkeough7@naz.edu

Applications/Auditions
naz.edu/academics/grad/music-therapy-degree-program/
naz.edu/admissions/grad/how-apply/music-therapy

Entry Requirements for Music Therapy Equivalency/60 hour track

1. Completed Online Application
2. Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
3. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Applicant must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree in music or music therapy from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term. Prior coursework must include an Introduction to Psychology course and an Anatomy and Physiology course (no lab required). 
     • Applicants who do not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in their professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Resume
6. A live audition demonstrating the student’s best musicianship on their preferred instrument as well as basic, functional demonstration in guitar, piano, voice, and music theory.
7. An interview with Music Therapy faculty.
8. Applicants who are selected for an interview and audition will be contacted by the Music Therapy Program Director.

Application Deadlines for the Creative Arts Therapy Program: Music Therapy Specializations: March 15 for summer start; June 15 for fall start

Entry Requirements for the 48 hour Creative Arts Therapy/Music Therapy degree

1. Completed Online Application
2. Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
3. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Applicant must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree in music therapy from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term.
     • Applicants who do not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in their professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Resume
6. A live audition demonstrating the student’s best musicianship on their preferred instrument as well as basic, functional demonstration in guitar, piano, voice, and music theory.
7. An interview with Music Therapy faculty.
8. Applicants who are selected for an interview and audition will be contacted by the Music Therapy Program Director.

Application Deadlines for the Creative Arts Therapy Program: Music Therapy Specializations: March 15 for summer start; June 15 for fall start