The School of Music at University of the Pacific is an Excellent Choice for a Music Therapy Major
The School of Music at University of the Pacific is an ideal option for music therapy majors due to its diverse course offerings and close supervision by board-certified music therapists.
The university’s music therapy program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, making graduates eligible to sit for the Board Certification Examination in Music Therapy. Furthermore, graduates may pursue a master’s degree and progress their career within music therapy.
A bachelor’s degree in music therapy requires four years of coursework plus a six-month clinical internship to become licensed in Washington state. After the internship, students must pass a three-hour board exam to earn their license and certification as certified music therapists.
This degree program is highly competitive. Admission is limited to 10-12 students per year, and candidates are selected based on prior academic performance, an audition, essay submissions and interviews.
You must be able to play piano, guitar and sing with a powerful voice in order to be successful in music therapy. Start by taking private lessons on these instruments in order to hone these abilities.
If you want to pursue a career as a music therapist, make sure the college or university you select has an established music program and is located near plenty of clinical facilities. Doing this will guarantee the most out of your education and training, plus give you plenty of opportunities for employment once graduation occurs.
Music therapists can work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, they may work in school settings with both children and adults.
Music therapists can work in mental health facilities and other geriatric care settings. There are various job opportunities within this field, with salaries varying widely.
Most therapists work part-time and the starting salary is around $27,100 right out of school. On the other hand, the highest-earning graduates can make up to $104,700 annually.
A bachelor’s degree in music therapy can be earned at most colleges and universities, but it’s essential to know which ones produce quality graduates. A degree from a school with many high-paying grads will give you an edge when seeking employment opportunities.
At University of the Pacific, music therapy degrees are relatively affordable due to its location in a highly urbanized area and comprehensive college education.
For those aspiring to be music therapists but lacking the time or finances for a full undergraduate program, an accelerated master’s program or part-time attendance at the university while working full time can be an ideal alternative.
