Music Therapy

The Meadows Commitment

Southern Methodist University is located in the heart of Dallas, a vibrant city and major cultural center. As a result, you will not only have access to all the advantages of being a student in the Division of Music at this prominent university, but will be within easy reach of more than 500 cultural events a year. The faculty of the Meadows School of the Arts is committed to the highest standards of teaching and to active professional participation in music performance and research. Students benefit from the broad experience of our faculty, our rehearsal and performance facilities, the Hamon Arts Library, our visiting artists, the thriving culture of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and from the many practicing music therapists in the region. The quality of instruction at Meadows is superlative and is further augmented by world-renowned ensembles and exceptional opportunities.

Programs

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy 
Postgraduate: Music Therapy Equivalency

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy

Music therapy programs at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts have, since 1975, provided a breadth of expertise in the mentorship of student music therapists. Our program is fully accredited by the American Music Therapy Association and National Association of Schools of Music. SMU is a comprehensive university and therefore provides an interdisciplinary approach to music therapy training. Students in our program gain knowledge in music theory, history, and performance while being trained in music therapy, research, and psychology. SMU Music Therapy students may complete a Minor in Psychology. Six clinical practicum placements prepare students for a wide variety of internships, job settings, and client populations. An internship, taken off-site after senior level coursework, fulfills the comprehensive clinical training requirements. Graduates may then apply to sit for the exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon successful completion of the exam, the credential MT-BC may then be used. A special benefit of the music therapy program at SMU is its small size; students receive individual attention, mentoring, and personal supervision.

All undergraduate music degrees include a balanced curriculum of music theory, aural skills, music history, pedagogy, and interesting elective courses together with a well-rounded general college curriculum. These courses provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of continued learning, creativity, and artistic fulfillment.

Applicants for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education must apply for admission to Southern Methodist University, complete a music theory diagnostic exam, and audition on their principal instrument.

Music Therapy Equivalency 

The equivalency program is for those students who have an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent. The coursework is equivalent to undergraduate requirements for a BM in Music Therapy. Completion of the program, including internship work, entitles students to take the board certification exam in music therapy. Students do not earn a second degree.

Many incoming students have an undergraduate degree in some area of music other than music therapy, and aspire to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist. For admission to the equivalency program, it is required that such students have, at a minimum, a Bachelor's degree that includes 2 academic years of music theory, 1 year of music history, competency in both piano and a concentration instrument via private study, and ensemble experience. Students must take the music therapy coursework at SMU. Other coursework may be taken at SMU or at an approved institution. Students must provide transcripts for courses taken at other institutions. The average student takes 45 semester hours to complete all equivalency requirements. Note: Internship (l and ll) is required for completion of the equivalency and application to the Certification Board for Music Therapists to sit for the exam leading to the MT-BC.

Students who are working only on the non-degree equivalency program must enroll as non-degree students through the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. There is a simple demographic form to complete and a $75.00 application fee. Students must take the music therapy coursework at SMU. Applicants send a complete set of transcripts for evaluation by the SMU music therapy advisor before enrolling at SMU. International students can find out about SMU’s policies regarding application, visas, language requirements, etc. at the SMU International Center.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

If undergraduate need-based financial aid is desired, the FAFSA and CSS Profile must be completed. All applicants are considered for academic and music scholarships. We will do our best to provide a financial aid package that makes an education in the Meadows School of the Arts affordable. Financial assistance is not available for the Music Therapy Equivalency, as it is not a degree program.