Program Overview

Program Coordinator Kathleen Murphy, (845) 257-2708, murphyk@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 285 (48 Credit program); 285C (55 credit concentration); 285P (61 credit concentration)
Credits 48 credits (music therapy majors and/or MTBC); 55 credits (SUNY New Paltz Clinical Musicianship majors); 61 credits (music majors)
Program Length MS can be completed in 2 years if enrolled full-time, 3 years if part time, but students must complete degree within 7 years
Modality In-person
Full-time/Part-time Full-time or Part-time
Transfer Credits 9
Capstone Thesis & Internship
Licensure/Certification NYS Creative Arts Therapist Licensure

Program Description

The Master of Science degree in Music Therapy comprises 48-61 credits and provides students with a baccalaureate degree in music or closely related field with the opportunity to study music therapy at an advanced level. In this program, students acquire musical, clinical, and research skills essential for advanced professional practice. The program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), registered by the New York State Department of Education, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.  

Students who enter the program with an undergraduate degree in music therapy or with music therapy board certification complete the required 48 credit curriculum and a minimum of 500 hours advanced internship as required by Article 163 of the Mental Health Practitioner's Law.  Upon successful completion of all coursework and clinical hours, students are eligible to apply for licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist in the State of New York.  

Students who do not enter the program with a bachelor's degree in music therapy will be required to complete extra coursework, and an additional 700 hours of clinical training and 550 hours of internship for a total of 1250 clinical hours. Upon completion of all required coursework and clinical hours, students are eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, Inc, and apply for licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist in the State of New York. 

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programAdmission Requirements

  1. One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree in music therapy, music: clinical musicianship from SUNY New Paltz, or music* (60 credits in music) from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0, which includes the following courses: music therapy, methods and materials, psychology of music, practicum and a statistics course.
    * Interested non-music majors should contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Murphy, before applying. Students without a degree in music, music therapy, or related discipline and a music minor may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, but they should expect to take additional coursework.
  2. Admissions essay in response to the following prompts:
    • Describe what has influenced your decision to study music therapy. Consider the impact of your life experiences and challenges and how you handled them.
    • Describe your relationship to music.
  3. Contact information for three references
  4. Applicants should submit two videos (or links to 2 videos) demonstrating musical skills. 
     
    • The first video should contain the following: Two musical compositions demonstrating your musicality. These can be on any instrument of the applicants choosing. They can be vocal or instrumental. Applicants may submit their original compositions. Each example should be no longer than 5 minutes.
    • In the second video you should demonstrate the ability to sing and accompany yourself on piano (2 songs), the ability to sing and accompany yourself on guitar (2 songs) and the ability to sing and accompany yourself on percussion (2 songs). Percussion includes hand held instruments (such as a hand drum, shaker, or tambourine), or a body percussion pattern (a combination of clapping, stomping, tapping or snapping). Each song should be from a different genre. Song list is available in your applicant portal.
  5. Interview with music therapy faculty.
  6. Music Theory Placement Test (sent to applicants after their interview; if applicable)
  7. Evidence of Music Therapy Board Certification (if applicable)

Application Deadlines

May 30 Fall Admission
November 30 Spring Admission
April 30 Summer Admission
 

NOTE: Musician Track (285P) is a SUMMER ONLY start. 

Sample 48-credit Degree Plan - Major 285

For students entering the program who majored in Music Therapy or are board-certified. 

1st Year

Fall (12 Credits)
MTX535Advanced Clinical Musicianship3
MTX540Music Therapy Foundations3
MTX550Advanced Receptive Methods3
COU575Human Growth and Development (Spring)3
Spring (11 Credits)
MTX555Music Therapy in Mental Health3
MTX742Music Therapy Research3
MTX750Cultural Humility in Mus Ther2
COU540Psychopathology3
Summer (4 Credits)
MTX747Music Therapy Thesis Topic Proposal1
Elective3
Total Credits27

2nd Year 

Fall (12 Credits)
MTX546Advanced Clinical Improvisation3
MTX553Contemporary Ethical Issues in Music Therapy2
MTX746Music Therapy Internship II3
MTX749Thesis1
MTX754Music Therapy Across the Lifespan3
Spring (9 Credits)
MTX544Medical Music Therapy3
MTX752Music Therapy Program Development and Evaluation2
MTX756Music Therapy Group Work3
MTX749 Thesis1
Total Credits21

Sample 55-credit Degree Plan - Code 285C

For students majoring in the SUNY New Paltz Music: Clinical Musicianship program.

1st Year

Fall (11 Credits)
MTX502Music Therapy Practicum I2
MTX535Advanced Clinical Musicianship3
MTX540Music Therapy Foundations3
MTX550Advanced Receptive Methods3
Spring (13 Credits)
MTX503Music Therapy Practicum II2
MTX555Music Therapy in Mental Health3
MTX742Music Therapy Research3
MTX750Cultural Humility in Mus Ther2
COU540Psychopathology3
Summer (7 Credits)
MTX747Music Therapy Thesis Topic Proposal1
COU575Human Growth and Development3
Elective3
Total Credits31

2nd Year 

Fall (12 Credits)
MTX546Advanced Clinical Improvisation3
MTX553Contemporary Ethical Issues in Music Therapy2
MTX747Music Therapy Thesis Topic Proposal1
MTX745Music Therapy Internship I3
MTX754Music Therapy Across the Lifespan3
Spring (12 Credits)
MTX544Medical Music Therapy3
MTX749Thesis1
MTX756Music Therapy Group Work3
MTX752Music Therapy Program Development and Evaluation2
MTX746Music Therapy Internship II3
Total Credits24

Sample 61-credit Degree Plan - Code 285P 

For students entering the program who majored in music or related discipline.

Depending upon the results of the Music proficiency assessment, students may be required to take additional voice, piano, or guitar lessons. The need for prerequisite courses will be determined after a review of undergraduate transcripts. Depending upon deficiencies in undergraduate preparation, students may be required to enroll in any or all of the following courses:

  • Music Theory I & II, Sight Singing I & II, Ensemble, Music History, Psychology of Music, Inclusive Arranging & Conducting, Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Statistics 

1st Year

Summer (6 Credits)
MTX500Music Therapy Practice & Methods3
MTX501Music Therapy Assessment & Treatment Plan3
Fall (11 Credits)
MTX502Music Therapy Practicum I2
MTX535Advanced Clinical Musicianship3
MTX540Music Therapy Foundations3
MTX550Advanced Receptive Methods3
Spring (13 Credits)
MTX503Music Therapy Practicum II2
MTX555Music Therapy in Mental Health3
MTX742Music Therapy Research3
MTX750Cultural Humility in Mus Ther2
COU540Psychopathology3
Total Credits30

2nd Year 

Summer (7 Credits)
MTX747Music Therapy Thesis Topic Proposal1
COU575Human Growth and Development3
Elective3
Fall (12 Credits)
MTX546Advanced Clinical Improvisation3
MTX553Contemporary Ethical Issues in Music Therapy2
MTX749Thesis1
MTX754Music Therapy Across the Lifespan3
MTX745Music Therapy Internship I3
Spring (12 Credits)
MTX544Medical Music Therapy3
MTX749 Thesis1
MTX756Music Therapy Group Work3
MTX752Music Therapy Program Development and Evaluation2
MTX746Music Therapy Internship II3
Total Credits31

Graduate Checklist

  • Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.   

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable. 

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.  

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process a transfer credit. 

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher and that you are making satisfactory academic progress towards your degree completion. 

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment. 

  • Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview. 

Program Learning Objectives

  • Build a foundation of musicianship based on performing, composing, interpreting, and improvising.  

  • Engage in a diverse range of multi-ethnic musical styles through study and participation that gives students a broad understanding of cultural, historical, political, and health-wellness contexts. 

  • Work effectively as a contributing member of a small team and larger group.

  • Cultivate organizational and team-building skills to create and serve future communities.

  • Synthesize foundational skills and knowledge to empower creative risk-taking in developing artistic career paths.