Why Study Music Therapy?
Train to be a professional music therapist and use music to help clients improve their physical and mental health.
Approved by the American Music Therapy Association, the bachelor of music therapy program at Pacific University prepares students to sit for music therapist national certification through a rigorous course of study, which includes a six-month internship with a board certified professional. Students in the music therapy major develop musical proficiency in voice, piano, guitar and percussion; build entry-level competencies in psychology, neuroscience, anatomy and health care practice; and gain experience alongside a professional music therapist. Unlike many other music therapy programs, Pacific University does not require a formal audition to declare a music therapy major.
As a music therapy major, you can:
- Receive individualized performance instruction with faculty members and adjunct instructors.
- Perform in a wide range of ensembles and enjoy award-winning facilities — including a 400-seat recital hall, a piano lab with Kawai electronic units, a Mac-based MIDI lab, practice rooms with pianos, a percussion studio and rehearsal space that replicates the recital hall.
- Gain real-world experience in four different clinical sites, including early childhood settings, mental health and psychiatric hospitals, adult day programs, dementia care, neurorehabilitation, and medical hospitals.
- Travel with performance groups to major cities in the U.S. and abroad.
- Work on independent research projects, or assist faculty members with their research.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Music Therapy?
Students who earn a degree in music therapy from Pacific complete the requirements to seek certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. As of 2022, Pacific music therapy students have an 88% first-time pass rate on the Certification Board for Music Therapists exam.
Music therapists are often part of an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, educators, social workers and other professionals. They work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, community mental health centers and a host of other settings.
Perform at Pacific
At Pacific University, students are creators and performers. Whether you’re majoring in a performance-focused subject or just love the arts, you have the opportunity to get involved in music, theatre, dance and cultural performance activities. Share your creativity with the community at our public performances as you practice your skills and display your love of the arts.
Pacific University’s music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
