Alverno College music therapy and music therapy equivalency

Alverno Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency

If you enjoy working with people and have a strong belief in the power of music to affect human behavior, Alverno's Music Therapy or Music Therapy Equivalency programs may be for you. Students in both programs are prepared for careers in health care using the art of music as therapeutic treatment. The Equivalency program is designed for students who already have a college degree and are interested in becoming board certified music therapists.

As a professional music therapist, you will participate in the assessment, treatment and evaluation of clients in a variety of clinical facilities. This involves using music to promote positive changes in the psychological, social, physiological and physical functioning of the clients. Music therapy makes a difference for people with diagnosed mental health needs, cognitive and physical disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, substance abuse problems, brain injuries and chronic illnesses.

Experience the Alverno Difference
Perhaps the most unique aspect of working for your Music Therapy degree or equivalency at Alverno is the opportunity to receive your education within the framework of the college's highly regarded ability-based curriculum. This liberal arts emphasis enables you to integrate your musical and therapeutic skills across the four year curriculum. Alverno's location in a large urban setting gives you the advantage of daily access to a variety of clinical settings. Throughout your four years, you will work under the direct supervision of board certified music therapists in a variety of clinical settings.

The exposure to many disability groups and health-care systems will aid you in securing a top internship position that can be listed as a clinical experience on your resume. Your professional preparation begins the very first day you attend classes and continues throughout your time at Alverno.

Alverno's Music Department is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is approved by the American Music Therapy Association, Inc. (AMTA). The curriculum of both programs is structured to fully prepare students to take the Board Certification Exam to attain the professional credential MT-BC.

Testimonials
Here's what one of our graduates has to say about Alverno's music therapy program!

Shana Rebilas Bousard '04
Music Therapy equivalency
Board Certified
Phoenix, AZ

Shana works with autistic children, elders in day care, and emotionally disturbed children.

"On a weekly basis, I incorporate songs that my fellow Alverno classmates and I composed, and I, almost constantly, refer to specific clinical music therapy projects I completed. I was fortunate to receive the best and most comprehensive music therapy education in the country during my years at Alverno. 'Bravo' to the music faculty!"

Would you like to know more about Alverno's Music Therapy program? Click here. This site has been created and maintained by the music department faculty.

Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for board certified music therapists continue to grow. 100% of Alverno graduates are employed as music therapists within three months after graduation. Whether you are interested in working with children or seniors, terminally ill or rehabilitation clients, in a large clinic or in your own practice, there is a job for you. For further information see www.musictherapy.org.

Sample Curriculum

Music Therapy:

Orientation to Music Therapy
Music Therapy Clinicals
Psychology of Music
Creative Music
Design and Application of Music Therapy
Theoretical Foundations of Music Therapy
Clinical Internship in Music Therapy

Music:

Music Theory
Music Technology
Contemporary/Music
Music History
Improvisational Keyboard
Piano Proficiency
Private Lessons
Guitar Class
Instrumental and Vocal Techniques
Ensemble

Behavioral & Natural Sciences:

General Psychology
Life Span Development
Abnormal Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Social Science

General Education:

Integrated Learning Strategies
Communication
Expressive Arts Seminar
Humanities and Fine Arts Electives

Read Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, "Hearing a Call for Help," January 5, 2007.

Your Next Step
To find out more about Alverno's music therapy and music therapy equivalency program, contact the Alverno Admissions Office at 414-382-6100, toll free at 1-800-933-3401, or e-mail Admissions.

Academic Programs

Alverno's Diagnostic Digital Portfolio

Academic Support Services

Internships

Faculty & Staff Directory