MUSIC THERAPY

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Wartburg College is an accredited, institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the American Music Therapy Association.

Students can complete a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy (BM-MT) in the state of Iowa, which includes coursework in psychology, anatomy & physiology, and opportunities for minor concentrations, or a Bachelor of Music Education/Music Therapy (BME-MT) degree, which leads to licensure in K-12 music education and becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist, which requires students to come in with seven transferable credits and demonstrate musical proficiency. Board Certified Music Therapists accompany all student music therapists in their clinical work. Wartburg students conduct original research and can present at regional and national conferences.

THERAPY SERVICES

ENSEMBLES & TOURS

Degree Options

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree is offered for those who wish to complete the coursework aligned with the requirements set by the American Music Therapy Association to qualify for becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist. A six month internship post coursework is required before sitting for the board certification exam.

The Bachelor of Music Education/Music Therapy degree is offered for those who wish to qualify for K-12 licensure through the state department of education and as a Board-Certified Music Therapists through the Certification Board for Music Therapy. Students must come in with seven transferrable credits and demonstrate musical proficiency. Coursework meets the requirements of the Iowa Department of Education for K-12 music licensure to include a semester of student teaching in fulfillment of the education license. Those in the degree program then also complete a six-month music therapy internship as a requirement established by the American Music Therapy Association prior to sitting for the board certification exam.

Music Therapy Fast Facts

100 percent of Wartburg music therapy graduates find jobs.

Wartburg is the only private college in Iowa with a music therapy degree.

Wartburg’s music therapy faculty and staff have a combined 30+ years of experience in the field and continue to be practitioners. They hold local, regional, and national elected positions within the American Music Therapy Association.

The Wartburg program offers 5-6 practicum experiences across 15 sites in the community.

Music therapy students start the curriculum, along with clinical experience, in their first year.

Bachman Fine Arts Center offers a music therapy facility that includes an observation laboratory with a large selection of instruments and clinical supplies for student use.