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Music Therapy (MMT)

Music Therapy (MMT)

Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Faculty of Music

waterloo

Our Master of Music Therapy (MMT) is the longest-running graduate music therapy degree in Canada. The philosophy of our program centres around music psychotherapy, clinical musicianship and psychotherapeutic techniques, which are developed through clinical, theoretical and experiential practices.

The MMT is offered full time as a two-year program with a one-year option for individuals who hold a Bachelor of Music Therapy.

CAMT Accreditation

Students in the two-year program are given the opportunity to complete a supervised (unpaid) 1000-hour internship (organized by Laurier) approved by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). Upon graduation they may be eligible to complete the CBMT examination and begin the certification process through the CAMT.

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Graduates of the two-year-program and graduates of the one-year program (in the music psychotherapy field) may also apply to become qualifying members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). While not a recognized program, the CRPO has registered many Laurier MMT graduates and they have successfully completed the CRPO’s entry-level examination.

Program Details

About Music Therapy

Within the philosophy of music psychotherapy, our Master of Music Therapy provides a creative learning environment for you to develop your clinical musicianship and music therapy/psychotherapy skills along with the safe and effective use of self through reflexive practices and clinical work. You will learn to conduct both evidence-based and practice-based research.

The Master of Music Therapy curriculum is designed to give opportunities for advanced clinical education and the learning of contemporary clinical theories which will lead to the development of music therapy knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The program helps students gain an understanding of the major clinical theories and philosophies of practice and of current Canadian and international music therapy trends. The program also illuminates and emphasizes the balance between music and therapy.

Program Structure

Placements

Placement courses are linked with classroom courses so that you can make connections between music therapy/music psychotherapy theories and practices. You will be able to work with a variety of client populations throughout your various placements.

The two-year Master of Music Therapy requires five music psychotherapy placements. The first placement takes place at Laurier’s on-site clinic and in the community. The second placement is a full-time, three-month internship (spring term) at an off-campus setting. In the final year of the two-year program, there are two one-day-per-week placements (fall and winter terms), and a full-time, three-month internship (spring term) at an off-campus setting.

Students in the one-year Master of Music Therapy (music psychotherapy field) will take MU610.

Qualified and experienced music therapists supervise all placements. Audio, video and editing facilities at Laurier enable you to conduct music therapy assessments and analyze clinical improvisation within psychotherapeutic processes.

Courses and Skills

Our Master of Music Therapy courses will develop your knowledge and skills in the following areas.

Research

Research Options

Based on your research interests, you will conduct a Major Research Paper (MRP) with the option of doing an original research study or clinical case study.

We teach both evidence-based and practice-based research and offer supervision expertise in qualitative, clinical, arts-based and music medicine research.

Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research

The Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research (CIMTR) offers Research Assistantship opportunities for several students every year. We also offer Teaching Assistantship opportunities for our students.

Improvisation Analysis and Low Frequency Sound Lab

If you are interested, you can conduct your study at the Improvisation Analysis and Low Frequency Sound Laboratory. We have the only clinical improvisation analysis and low frequency lab in Canada, established in 2013 for improvisation and low frequency sound research. The clinic is funded through the CIMTR.

Our cutting-edge equipment includes Matlab, Logic Software, Music Therapy Toolbox, Sound Beam, Mallet Kat-studio, Digital keyboard, drum sets, Physioacoustic chairs, neurofeedback equipment and more.

"Immerse yourself in all Laurier has to offer while completing your graduate education. Enjoy the journey – remember to have fun too!"

Paula C. Fletcher, associate dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

Start: Fall (September)
Format: Full-time
Application deadline: Jan. 15 (international and domestic applicants)

The Master of Music Therapy Admission Committee will review all applications that are received in full by the Jan. 15 deadline. Applications with items received after Jan. 15 will only be reviewed if space allows.

Based on the strength of your application, you may be asked to audition and interview in early February. You may be contacted to establish a date and time. Applicants chosen to audition must submit an audition fee.

Applicants’ level of performance and musicianship is assessed in the audition. Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) formal training and exams are not required.

You will be asked to perform:

Two contrasting pieces (on your major instrument) that highlight your ability to perform at an advanced level. The pieces can be from any historical period or any genre. If a sonata is chosen only one movement is required. Memory is optional. Please provide sheet music.
A song to demonstrate your singing voice with self-accompaniment on either piano or guitar. Ukulele is not accepted. The song can be from any genre including (e.g., popular, folk or jazz) and could be your own composition or a song with personal meaning. If the song is not in English, provide a translation.
A short (two to three minutes) improvisation on your primary instrument. Musical elements and referential ideas will be provided at the audition. Vocalists may choose to use an accompanying instrument to support their voice improvisation.
If piano is not your primary instrument, you must perform a piano piece equivalent to Grade 6 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) repertoire.

The interview will discuss your interest in graduate music therapy studies at Laurier and knowledge of relevant music therapy topics (e.g., case studies, models, theories, research).

Applicants are encouraged to visit Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy to explore these music therapy topics. For a music therapy/music psychotherapy reading list, contact choosemusic@wlu.ca.

It is recommended that you audition in person. Alternative audition accommodations may be considered for long-distance applicants.

The courses listed below are accepted as part of the admission requirements in our application checklist. If you do not see your completed or intended course below, email choosemusic@wlu.ca.

Acceptable Introduction to Psychology Examples

PSYC290: General Psychology, Athabasca University
PSYC 1F90: Foundations of Psychology, Brock University
PSYC 1001: Introduction to Psychology, Carleton University
GNED-129: Principles of Psychology, Centennial College
OLRN1057: Introduction to Psychology, Conestoga College
SOCI 36: Introduction to Psychology, Fleming College
PSYL 1001: Introduction to Psychology, Georgian College
PSYC 1000: Introduction to Psychology, Humber College
PSYC1100P: Introduction to Psychology, Niagara College
PSE103 Introduction to Human Psychology, Royal Military College of Canada
PSY 102: Introduction to Psychology I, Ryerson University
LSO260: Principles of Psychology, Seneca College
PSYC-1020H: Introduction to Psychology I, Trent University
PSYC1000: Introduction to Psychology, University of Guelph
46-115. Introduction to Psychology as a Behavioural Science, University of Windsor
Psychology 1000-001: Introduction to Psychology, Western University
PS101: Introduction to Psychology I, Wilfrid Laurier University

Acceptable Developmental Psychology Examples

PSYC323: Developmental Psychology, Athabasca University
PSYC2P12: Lifespan Development Brock University
PSYC2500: Foundations of Developmental Psychology, Carleton University
OLRN1220: Developmental Psychology, Conestoga College
SSWK 1000: Human Dev Across The Lifespan, Georgian College
PSYC 210: Psychology: Developmental, Humber College
PSYC 2011: Child Development, Lakehead University
PSYC1323P: Developmental Psychology, Niagara College
PSYC 2010U: Developmental Psychology, Ontario Tech University
PSYC 251: Developmental Psychology, Queen’s University
PSY 302: Child Development, Ryerson University
CSCG45: Developmental Psychology, St. Lawrence College
PSYC 2550H: Theories of Human Development, Trent University
PSYC 3500H: Child Development, Trent University
PSYC 3510H: Development of Adolescents and Young Adults, Trent University
PSYC 2450: Developmental Psychology, University of Guelph
PSYCH211: Developmental Psychology, University of Waterloo
Psychology 2040A/B: Child Development, Western University
PS275: Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Childhood, Wilfrid Laurier University
PS276: Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Wilfrid Laurier University
PS377: Developmental Psychology: Adults and Elders, Wilfrid Laurier University
HH/PSYC 2110: Developmental Psychology, York University

Acceptable Abnormal Psychology Examples

PSYC435: Abnormal Psychology, Athabasca University
OLRN1970: Abnormal Psychology, Conestoga College
PSYC230: Abnormal Psychology, Humber College
PSYC 2030U: Abnormal Psychology, Ontario Tech University
PSYCH 257: Psychopathology, University of Waterloo
PS280: Abnormal Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University

Your Next Steps

Tuition and Funding Apply Now Faculty Members

Questions? Contact Emily Carruthers at ecarruthers@wlu.ca or 548.889.3614.

Clinical Practice and Research

Explore the Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research

Clinical Practice and Research

Explore the Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food, and various campus amenities.

Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Careers

Our graduates have gone on to work in health care, education and private practice. Examples of jobs held by our graduates include:

music therapist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Kensington Hospice
music therapist/music psychotherapist, Grand River Hospital
music therapy supervisor/ music psychotherapy supervisor
professional orchestral player
music therapy community practice owner
music therapy university professor and researcher

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.

Heidi Ahonen
Professor, Music Therapy
Coordinator, Master of Music Therapy
Director, Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research

Demian Kogutek
Assistant Professor, Music Therapy

Elizabeth Mitchell
Assistant Professor, Music Therapy
Coordinator, Bachelor of Music Therapy

Music Therapy (MMT)

CAMT Accreditation

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario