Are you interested in using music as a tool to improve the lives of clients of all ages? You can learn to apply your musicianship to use music to help people. Join us today, as your first step toward a successful career in music therapy.
The BMus program in music therapy prepares students for a career in health care, community-based and special education settings. Music therapy majors learn to use carefully planned music interventions to achieve desired changes in a client's individualized behavior and functioning.
Music therapy is a profession in which engagement and receptive or active music-making help a client achieve individual therapeutic goals. Music therapy students develop a wide range of musical, verbal and nonverbal skills through the programs' many opportunities to work in clinical settings. Students also study:
- human anatomy
- musical improvisation
- popular music styles
- psychology
- songwriting
- special education
- world music
At A Glance
Music Therapy, BMUS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Admission requirements
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for details. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year. Applicants may review audition information at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-auditions.
Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major is changed to music. In the event a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student remains as a music audition major and will need to successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.
Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-deadlines-fees for complete music deadlines.
Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Career outlook
Graduates are eligible to sit for the music therapy certification examination given by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. They should visit the ASU professional licensure website for information about licensure in Arizona and other states. https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure
Positions are available regionally and nationally in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and other health care facilities. Graduates are prepared to work in the fields of community music therapy and wellness, geriatric care, mental health, physical rehabilitation, special education, or within veteran and military populations.
A music therapy career may also provide an opportunity for private practice with flexible hours.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | -1.8% | $97,270 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 20.5% | $99,090 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 3.8% | $62,870 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 3.6% | $60,810 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 1.7% | $52,250 |
| Music Therapists | 14.6% | $57,310 |
| Musicians and Singers | 0.9% | * |
| Recreational Therapists | 8.3% | $47,710 |
| Therapists, All Other | 14.6% | $57,310 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation