The Master of Music Therapy provides opportunities...

• For applicants with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy to expand their knowledge and skills
• For applicants with a Bachelor’s in Music to combine equivalency coursework with a masters in music therapy
• To learn with faculty who have extensive clinical experience and diverse research backgrounds
• To engage in collaborative clinical projects on-campus and through community partnerships in a variety of settings
• To pursue your interests and ideas through electives and independent research
• To prepare yourself for your future as a music therapist

Curriculum Faculty Costs Contact Us

Western Illinois University

"Best Midwestern University" — U.S. News & World Report

"Best Midwestern College" — Princeton Review

"Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern School — 2018 Washington Monthly College Guide

Offering a degree in music therapy for over 40 years

How to Apply

To apply for the Master of Music Therapy program, applicants should complete the following:

1. Admission to WIU through School of Graduate Studies (Apply Here)
2. Students seeking the Master of Music Therapy must have earned either a bachelor’s degree or an equivalency in Music Therapy or a bachelor’s degree with a major in music from an accredited institution. The undergraduate degree is subject to approval. Students without prior music therapy certification will complete required coursework for eligibility for board certification along with graduate courses.
3. Submit the following supporting materials via this School of Music Graduate Application Form (email Dr. Jennifer D. Jones at JD-Jones2@wiu.edu with any questions)
   1. Resume outlining relevant education and experience
      1. MT-BC or MT-BC eligible - please include practicum, internship, and professional work experiences on your resume
      2. Equivalency combined with Masters students - please include music, healthcare, and other relevant experiences on your resume
   2. Personal written statement explaining why you are interested in seeking a degree in music therapy, along with descriptions of your musical skills, personal qualifications, and career aspirations.
   3. Two letters of recommendation from professional or educational sources
   4. Music Skills Demonstration Video with examples of your relevant musicianship for clinical practice.
      1. Clinical musicianship skills include but are not limited to unaccompanied singing; self-accompanied singing on guitar, piano, or another instrument; improvised music; percussion playing with or without singing; electronic music and music production/editing; and others. For more information see AMTA Professional Competencies - Musical Foundations and AMTA Advanced Competencies
         1. Singing is strongly encouraged for at least one example.
         2. Repertoire choices should come from a variety of musical genres, times periods, and cultures
         3. At least 50% of your performance should be among these skills.
      2. If desired, you may include performance on your applied instrument/voice. This performance should be representative of your musicianship and inform music therapy faculty about your potential as a music therapist.
      3. Not to exceed 15 minutes.
4. Interview with WIU music therapy faculty. Contact Dr. Jones to set up an appointment at JD-Jones2@wiu.edu