Music Therapy
The Master of Music in Music Therapy is a comprehensive two-year, full-time program that prepares students to use music as a powerful clinical and therapeutic tool across diverse populations. The curriculum integrates advanced musical training with rigorous coursework in psychology, neuroscience, counseling, and clinical methods, equipping students to address a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and physical needs through music-based interventions. Students explore how rhythm, melody, and harmony can support healing processes, improve communication, and enhance quality of life in individuals with developmental disorders, mental health conditions, chronic illness, or trauma histories. Through both academic learning and supervised clinical training, they gain the skills to design, implement, and evaluate effective therapy plans grounded in research and ethical practice.
The program emphasizes both clinical competence and artistic excellence. Students engage in applied training across varied settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and mental health clinics, allowing them to work with clients of different age groups and needs. They also refine their musicianship through ensemble participation, applied lessons, and improvisation techniques, which are essential for effective therapeutic delivery. Faculty members with experience in both clinical practice and musical performance guide students through case-based learning, reflective supervision, and real-world practicum placements. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to meet national certification requirements and contribute meaningfully to the field of music therapy through evidence-informed care and client-centered practice.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Music Therapy
- Degree Type: Master of Music
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: University of Miami, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Music Therapy
• Introduction to Music Therapy Theory and Practice
• Psychology of Music
• Functional Music Skills for Therapy
• Clinical Practicum I
Semester 2 – Intermediate Clinical Applications
• Improvisation and Creative Techniques
• Research Methods in Music Therapy
• Music in Developmental and Educational Contexts
• Clinical Practicum II
Semester 3 – Specialized Practice Areas
• Music Therapy and Mental Health
• Ethics and Professional Issues
• Advanced Counseling Skills
• Clinical Practicum III
Semester 4 – Capstone and Advanced Integration
• Medical and Neurological Applications of Music Therapy
• Graduate Seminar in Music Therapy
• Thesis or Final Project
• Clinical Practicum IV
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Music in Music Therapy program are well-positioned for rewarding careers in hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, elder care homes, and private practices. They may serve as board-certified music therapists, clinical supervisors, or program directors, designing and delivering therapy sessions that foster emotional expression, reduce anxiety, support physical rehabilitation, or enhance social functioning. The interdisciplinary training received in this program opens doors to work collaboratively with psychologists, physicians, educators, and social workers. Additionally, those interested in academia or research may continue into doctoral studies, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting the clinical value of music therapy. The profession continues to expand as healthcare systems increasingly recognize the therapeutic potential of music in integrative care.
Why Choose This Program
This program is designed for individuals who are equally passionate about music, mental health, and human connection, and who want to use their creative abilities to foster healing. Its immersive and interdisciplinary structure offers a rare blend of artistic expression and clinical training, ensuring graduates are both musically adept and clinically competent. Students benefit from direct access to diverse practicum settings, experienced faculty mentors, and a community that values the transformative power of music. With a strong focus on ethical practice, evidence-based techniques, and real-world application, this program enables students to make a tangible difference in the lives of others through music. For those seeking a meaningful, expressive, and impactful career in a growing field, this degree offers a path to both personal fulfillment and professional excellence.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 305 284 2000
Email: admissions@miami.edu
Address: University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
