Music Therapy

Healing through MUSIC

When it comes to therapies that promote wellness, alleviate pain, manage stress, and more, music is one of the best. And when it comes to music therapy programs, Loyola’s was one of the first. Founded in 1957, it’s an endorsed education program of the American Music Therapy Association, Inc.

Get your Bachelor of Music Therapy

  • Designed for students who would like to work with clients with developmental disablities and autism, as well as older adults and those with psychiatric issues or needing physical rehabilitation.
  • Requires a post-coursework 6-month internship and allows for field studies in a variety of  area facilities including adult psychiatric, New Orleans Public Schools, HIV/AIDS, Older Adults, Medical, and more.
  • 124 credit hours to complete your degree.
    See Degree Program Course Listing »

Undergraduate Admissions

Get your Master of Music Therapy 

Graduate Admissions Requirements:

  • A completed application for graduate admission
  • Undergraduate baccalaureate degree in music, or a closely related field with a music minor
  • Résumé: Provide a current resume, including relevant work experience
  • 2 Recommendation Forms - Recommendation forms should be completed by your college professors or employer (someone in a supervisory capacity)
  • Audition: Please be aware that admission to the master's degrees in the College of Music requires that applicants complete a successful audition. The audition/interview application can be found at the following website: Audition Requirements. The College of Music must receive audition/interview applications at least four weeks prior to the selected date.
  • Statement of Educational goals (500-word essay) addressing the questions:
    • How do you think a Masters of Music Therapy will enhance your academic and/or professional career?
    • What do you hope to gain by being part of Loyola's graduate program?
    • What do you bring to the Masters of Music Therapy program?

The above Graduate Music Application Requirements must be submitted through online application portal.

Official Transcripts

Official Transcripts are required from every college and university attended since high school, including any schools attended through dual enrollment programs or summer session.  Official transcripts may be sent directly to Loyola’s Admissions Office or you can have them sent to yourself in the school’s envelope.  Do not break the seal of the envelope.

International Students

In addition to the documents listed above, international students must submit the following: TOEFL score report; we require a score of 580 (paper-based), 237 (computer-based), 92 (Internet-based), or higher. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Score reports must be sent by ETS to the mailing address listed above. Candidate copies are not acceptable. International students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit an Affidavit of Support showing sufficient funds to finance the course of studies and living expenses.

Application deadlines

The Masters of Music Therapy Program will consider applications on a rolling basis upon availability. It is strongly recommended that Masters of Music Therapy candidates plan that matriculation begin in the fall semester due to program structure.

We put you to work

You’ll not only learn about theory and research, you’ll have hands-on time as a therapist-in-training through fieldwork placements that will expose you to a wide range of patients. You’ll not only observe, but you’ll lead music therapy sessions.

Your study culminates with a six month internship. Once you’ve completed that and all coursework, you are eligable to take your Certification Board for Music Therapy Exam. With a Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) designation, you can take on the world. Or graduate school–51 percent of Loyola’s music therapy graduates continue their education.

national recognition

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) collaborate on the State Recognition Operational Plan, a joint national initiative to achieve official state recognition of the music therapy profession and the MT-BC credential required for competent preactice. Desired outcomes include improving consumer access to music therapy services and establishing a state-based public protection program to ensure that music therapy is provided by individuals who meet established training qualifications. Inclusion within state health and education regulations can also have a positive impact on employment opportunities and funding options, while meeting requirements of treatment facilities and accrediting organizations.

Current Recognition

Upon successful completion of their Loyola degree program and certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapist, graduates are eligible to apply for a music therapy license in these states:

Connecticut
Georgia
Nevada
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah
Wisconsin

Faculty

You will be taught by music therapists who are engaged in clinical practice, research, writing, and advocacy.

Full list of Music Therapy Professors HERE

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition can be found on Loyola's Admissions Page. This office is available to help you with FAFSA forms, private loans, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.

Scholarships

The College of Music and Media administers talent-based music scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. These awards vary according to the student’s potential for continued musical and academic progress, and the performance needs of the college. Retention of a music scholarship depends on satisfactory musical and academic progress and the student’s fulfillment of performance requirements as stipulated in the scholarship contract.

Contact Information

If you would like more information about the Music Therapy program, contact Interim Director Dr. Meg Frazier at mfrazier@loyno.edu