Music therapy uses different aspects of music to therapeutically address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs of individuals and groups. Those who graduate with a Bachelor of Music Therapy can work with the mentally ill, developmentally disables, those with substance abuse problems, neurological impairments, physical disabilities, chronic illness, or those seeking stress or pain management. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers a comprehensive major in Music Therapy.
What will I learn from studying Music Therapy?
Knowledge:
Because of the variety of fields that make use of music therapy, a graduate with a degree in music therapy must draw on knowledge from different disciplines including psychology, sociology and biology. Music therapy students must also have a minimum proficiency on many different instruments such as voice, piano, guitar, percussive instruments, and a variety of instruments from the brass and woodwind families. In addition, UW – Eau Claire requires its music therapy students to have thorough knowledge of music theory and music history.
Skills:
- Training and instructing
- Assisting others
- Coordinating work with others
- Supervising, directing and assessing
- Explaining and answering questions
- Writing and preparing reports
- Analyzing, interpreting and evaluating
- Effectively managing time and resources
- Performing on at least one instrument
What are some of the interests and values related to Music Therapy?
- Attention to detail and organization
- Compassion
- Leadership
- Patience
- Desire to help others in need
- Confidentiality
- Understanding different cultures and backgrounds
- Music
What are related student and professional organizations?
Student:
- Best Buddies
- American Music Therapy Association - Students
- UW – Eau Claire Music Ensembles
- Gospel Choir
- West African Music Society
Professional:
- American Music Therapy Association
- Certification Board for Music Therapists
- Association of Professional Music Therapists
What career fields are related to a Music Therapy Degree?
Potential Employers:
Music therapy graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Some employers of music therapy graduates can include hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics, home health agencies, correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, pain/stress management clinics and schools. Music therapy graduates can also be self-employed in their own private practices.
Potential Job Titles:
- Expressive Arts Therapist
- Activities Therapist/Director
- Professor of Music Therapy
- Director of Music Therapy
- Creative Arts Therapist
- Adjunctive Therapy Coordinator
- Music Therapist
What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Music Therapy graduates?
- Early Childhood Arts Faculty, MacPhail Center for Music, Champlin, MN
- Music Therapist, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI
- Music Therapist, Fairview University Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
- Alzheimer’s Activity Assistant, Manor Care Nursing Center, Boulder, CO
- Community Living Specialist, Lutheran Social Services, Eau Claire, WI
- Assistant Facility Manager, Productive Living System, Boyceville, WI
- Director of Therapeutic Activities, Grace Lutheran Foundation, Eau Claire, WI
How can I learn more about Music Therapy?
Department
- Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Music Therapy Program
- Haas Fine Arts 146, 836-4260
Career Services:
- Meet with a career counselor
- Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
- Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing
Career Discovery Center:
- The Helping Professions: A Careers Sourcebook, William R. Burger & Merrill Youkeles
- Careers for Caring People & Other Sensitive Types, Adrian Paradis
- Opportunities in Health & Medical Careers, Leo Paul D'Orazio & I. Donald Snook, Jr.
- Great Jobs for Music Majors, Jan Goldberg
Internet:
What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Music Therapy?
Internship
Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Music Therapy that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Music Therapy program chair about enrolling in MUTX 449 to obtain academic credit for your internship.
Directed Studies or Independent Study Class
By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in MUTX 395.
Join a Music Ensemble
Students who participate in a music ensemble gain real world performance skills. AT UW – Eau Claire, there are several ensembles available, depending upon the students interest – large-group band and choral ensembles, orchestra, jazz ensembles and student chamber ensembles.