Master of Music Therapy

On satisfactory completion of the MMusThrp, graduates will be eligible for Registration as Music Therapists (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (Inc.).

The Master of Music Therapy is 2 years full-time. Part-time study may be undertaken with the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.

On completion of the Master of Music Therapy, students should:

• Be able to understand and identify, use and evaluate concepts and principles of music therapy and the various theories that underpin the practice of music therapy;
• Have acquired the skills in musicianship and the advanced knowledge of music styles and idioms, including improvisation, which will enable them to direct creative music activities for clients within the music therapy context;
• Have acquired skills in the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of music therapy programs in a diverse range of clinical/special education settings;
• Understand relevant clinical conditions and the application of music as a treatment/special education modality;
• Be able to carry out independent research and analysis into music therapy and to think creatively about issues arising in their practice;
• Appreciate the ethical responsibilities of music therapists in health and special education facilities and to the individuals within those facilities;
• Be committed to enhancing the well being of clients.

Total points for Course = 200.0

• A Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree (or equivalent), of at least three years duration, OR
• A Bachelor degree in an allied field (e.g. teaching, occupational therapy, nursing etc.) plus a high standard of achievement in music performance (equivalent to 8th grade A.M.E.B), music history (equivalent to at least one-year study at tertiary level), and in music theory (equivalent to at least 5th grade A.M.E.B.).
• All applicants must have successfully completed at least two Psychology units at tertiary level.
• It is strongly recommended that applicants have some experience of working with people with special needs and have observed music therapy in practice. This experience will enhance the applicant's presentation at interview.

Application Procedure

There is no quota but numbers are limited by the availability of clinical training sites. Approximately six to eight places are offered each year. Certified transcripts of previous study must be attached to the application form together with an explanation of the results codes and returned to the Degree Programs Office by the last working day of October of the year preceding entry.

Applications must also include: an audition tape/CD; an example of academic writing; and 3 written references (details below).

An audition tape/CD will be required for all applicants. The purpose of an audition CD is to enable assessment of the applicant's music performance ability and the level of musicianship.

• The audition tape/CD must comprise three pieces of contrasting styles. These may be a combination of classical pieces, jazz, improvisatory work etc. or a range of classical pieces representative of different periods: e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Contemporary.

In addition, evidence of vocal skill must be provided by singing three songs (composed song, popular song or folk song) accompanied by the applicant on guitar (including first position chords; bar chords; bass runs; various accompanying styles such as strumming and picking techniques, and tonal improvisation techniques).

• The audition tape/CD must carry a label with the statement 'I certify that this is a bona fide tape/CD of my performance' with the name of the applicant, and duly signed. In the case of any doubt as to the authenticity of the audition tape/CD, the Faculty of Music reserves the right to audition applicants further before final admission to the course.

Three references are required on the appropriate reference form: one character reference, one academic reference, and one from a person who can attest to the applicant's musical ability. These forms should be completed by persons who have known the applicant for at least one year.

An interview will be required for all applicants as part of the selection procedure. At the interview the applicant will be asked to play one piece from the three presented on the audition CD and to sing one of three songs with their own accompaniment. Instrumentalists must provide their own accompanists. Applicants should bring their own guitar, tuned, in order to sing one of the songs. Applicants will be asked to discuss their interest in the study of music therapy and any relevant experience. Interviews will usually be held in mid-November.

Changes have been made to the procedures under which many of the external organisations host clinical placements and students are required to have obtained a police check as to their suitability to undertake such placements. Students are required to undergo, at their own expense and arrangement, a police check prior to the commencement of their course.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability