The Master of Music Therapy provides a course of study for those wishing to practice as music therapists in settings such as hospitals, special schools, aged care facilities, community health programs and private practice.

The two-year program provides advanced knowledge of the theory, practice and research of music therapy. You learn traditional and ground-breaking theoretical approaches to practice with people across the life span, from preschool aged children through to older adults, with Music Therapy Methods classes covering voice and guitar skills, improvisation, songs and performances with dyads and groups, as well as receptive music therapy. A major component of the course consists of four clinical training placements supervised by qualified music therapists in settings such as hospitals, schools, residential care and the community.

The Master of Music Therapy is available in two modes:

On-Campus Mode

Taught in the traditional mode of lectures and tutorials for students who live in the Melbourne area. Theoretical and music therapy skills subjects are taught via weekly lectures and intensive teaching periods. You will also participate regularly in clinical placements, amounting to a minimum of 80 days across the two years.

Blended Learning Mode

The Blended Learning option is delivered online and through intensive learning periods for students living interstate and in rural areas, where approved clinical training arrangements are available. It covers all subjects offered in the traditional on-campus mode. Theoretical subjects are taught online weekly, music therapy skills subjects are via intensive mode twice each semester, your clinical training will be carried out in your home state where suitable supervision from a qualified Music Therapist is available, and tutorials are incorporated into the intensive learning periods. Music therapy skills subjects and tutorials are workshop based, and so attendance at the intensive learning days is essential.

You will be required to come to Melbourne twice each semester (4 times per year) for 4-5 days each visit. The intensives are scheduled at the start and middle of each semester, with exact dates confirmed by December of the preceding year.

The Blended Learning mode has been approved by the University of Melbourne, and the Education Committee of AMTA.

The course is approved and validated by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA), leading to registration as a Music Therapist upon completion.

Learning Outcomes

• Become a registered Music Therapist and understand relevant clinical conditions and the application of music as a treatment/special education modality
• Use and evaluate concepts and principles of music therapy and theories that underpin the practice of music therapy
• Acquire skills in the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of music therapy programs in a diverse range of clinical/special education settings
• Ability to carry out independent research and analysis into music therapy
• Develop a lifelong commitment to enhancing the well-being of clients