The Master of Music Therapy program is music-centred, humanistic and integrated: theoretical aspects are incorporated into the development of clinical techniques, both musical and humanistic. In addition to academic course requirements, each program involves clinical practica, experiential music therapy group sessions, and a major graduation paper.

Students learn advanced clinical and musical skills as well as different modes of inquiry for qualitative music therapy research. The program provides a forum for students' self-exploration and personal development as clinicians. Connections are made between the interpretive analysis of therapeutic and musical processes, and musical and verbal countertransference. The program includes a range of clinical topics in order to support students' developing research questions and enhance their clinical work. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter doctoral studies or clinical practice.

The MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Aesthetic Music Therapy: connections between musicology, aesthetics, and music therapy.

Group-Analytic Music Therapy: connections between music therapy, psychotherapy, and group therapy theories.

Clinical Supervision: observation of experienced music therapy supervisors in practica settings; the study of models and theories of music therapy supervision.

Musical Resources: advanced clinical improvisation and related music skills.

Analysis and Evaluation: critical examination of advanced music therapy texts and case-studies; the study of developing models of musical and verbal countertransference.

Clinical Practice: observation of experienced music therapists' work and assessment of students' own clinical practica techniques.

Counselling: verbal processing, group/individual dynamics and the professional interface with Social Work.

Inquiry and Research: the acquisition of qualitative music therapy research skills and their application to students' practica.

MUSIC THERAPY CLINICS:
The music therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier has three on-site clinics. These facilities accommodate individual and group sessions. Audio, video and editing facilities enable students to conduct in-depth assessments and to prepare professional case-study material.

The Master of Music Therapy Program is offered in two streams:

A one-year full-time program for students holding an undergraduate degree in music therapy (commencing fall, 2002);

A two-year full-time program for students holding an undergraduate degree in an allied field and who also meet the music and psychology admission requirements (commencing fall, 2003).

PROGRAMS:
For more information on the one- and two-year programs, please click here to go to our Graduate Calendar. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
For information on applying to the program, please click here to go to our Admission page.

FACULTY:
Dr. Colin Lee

Dr. Heidi Ahonen

Dr. Carolyn L.R. Arnason