Bachelor of Music Therapy | Undergraduate Studies

Music that supports. Science that informs. Relationships that make an impact.

At CMU, studying Music Therapy trains you to use music in hospitals, schools, care homes, and community settings to support mental health, development, and quality of life.

You’ll graduate ready for professional certification, with real clinical experience and the skills employers are looking for.

Student playing guitar

Music Therapy at CMU combines music, psychology, and hands-on clinical training.

You’ll study human development, mental health, neuroscience, and counselling, then apply what you learn in supervised placements. This isn’t just classroom learning. You’ll lead sessions, work with real clients, and receive structured feedback from certified music therapists.

Why Study Music Therapy at CMU?

Learn by doing.

You’ll complete three practicum placements plus a 1,000=hour internship before graduating.

Graduate career-ready.

The CMU Music Therapy Program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) and prepares you for board certification.

Build real clinical skills.

In the program you’ll lead sessions, conduct assessments, write treatment plans, and evaluate outcomes.

Strengthen your musicianship.

Develop practical skills in voice, guitar, piano, percussion, improvisation, and songwriting for therapeutic use.

Work with diverse populations.

You may work with children or older adults, and may be in mental health settings, medical environments, or developmental programs.

Think beyond discipline.

Take courses in psychology, counselling, and ethics so you understand the whole person, not just the intervention.

“I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The challenges that once felt overwhelming have become the most rewarding parts of my journey.”

– Jessi Lopez, third-year Bachelor of Music Therapy student

What Makes the Music Therapy Program at CMU Different?

Clinical training is central.

You won't wait until then end of your degree to step into practice. Clinical learning is built into the program from the start.

Clear professional standards.

Training aligns with national competencies and prepares you for certification as a Music Therapist Accredited (MTA).

Small cohort model.

You'll receive direct feedback and consistent mentorship.

Interdisciplinary by design.

Music Therapy intersects with psychology, healthcare, education, and ethics. Your degree reflects that reality.

Two entry pathways.

Complete the four-year Bachelor of Music Therapy or enter through the after-degree stream if you already hold a music degree.

“I can only do so much in my clinical work, so one thing that gives me hope is sending our students out into the field and seeing them touch other people's lives with their gifts, skills, and passion for helping.”

– Lee-Anne Dowsett, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy

Careers in Music Therapy

Music Therapy is a growing profession across healthcare, education, and community service. CMU graduates become Certified Music Therapists (MTA) and work as part of interdisciplinary teams in settings that require both clinical skill and creative flexibility.

Here are just some of the ways CMU Music Therapy grads put their learning to work:

Support mental health.

Work in clinics, hospitals, or community programs helping individuals develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and coping strategies.

Bring music into healthcare teams.

Serve in hospitals, palliative care units, or rehabilitation settings as part of interdisciplinary care teams.

Work with children and youth.

Support developmental goals, communication, and social skills in schools, early childhood programs, and specialized services.

Engage older adults and meaningful connection.

Facilitate music-based programming in long-term care and dementia settings to support cognitive and social engagement.

Serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

Design and lead music therapy sessions that build communication, motor skills, and relational capacity.

Develop community-based programs.

Partner with community organizations to expand access to music therapy in underserved populations.

Build a private practice.

Work independently with clients and families, offering specialized therapeutic services.

Continue your studies.

Pursue graduate education in music therapy, counselling, psychotherapy, or health-related disciplines.

Note: Certification as a Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) through the Canadian Association of Music Therapists is required for professional practice. Some roles may require additional credentials.

“CMU taught me to sit with people, to listen well, and to build real connections, whether with patients, coworkers, or families. I think being part of the CMU community helped me develop those skills: good conversations, good listening, and a sense of connection. That is something I carry with me into my work every day.”

– Tania Mulki, Bachelor of Music Therapy ’23

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Every CMU student completes at least one work placement as part of their degree. In Music Therapy, every student completes three supervised practicum placements, and one full-time 1,000-hour internship.

These experiences mean that you won’t just graduate with knowledge. You’ll graduate with documented clinical experience.

Purpose

The Music Therapy program prepares students to become clinically grounded, musically skilled, and professionally competent therapists who use music intentionally to support individuals across diverse settings.

Commitments

To professional excellence.

Training that meets national standards and prepares students for certification.

To interdisciplinary learning.

Because real life doesn’t happen in silos.

To reflective practice.

Students learn to assess, adapt, and respond thoughtfully in complex situations.

To meaningful work.

Music therapy is evidence-informed clinical practice — grounded in relationship and accountability.