Graduates from the Department of Music will:
- Perform music from a wide range of stylistic periods, genres, and cultural traditions on a primary instrument as a soloist and in varied ensemble settings at a level appropriate to the student's needs, interests, and degree path, and demonstrate keyboard proficiency.
- Hear, identify, and work with the elements of music, which include melody, harmony, form, and rhythm.
- Approach and interpret varied musical traditions with fully integrated aural skills, theoretical analysis, and cultural and historical knowledge.
- Speak and write persuasively about music and its role in society in the 21st century.
- Utilize technology appropriate to the particular concentration in which they have studied.
Student Learning Outcomes for Music Therapy
- Demonstrate competencies in existing music therapy principles and methods of music therapy assessment, treatment, evaluation, and termination for the populations specified in the American Music Therapy Association Standards of Clinical Practice.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the causes, symptoms of, and basic terminology used in medical, mental health and educational classifications.
- Demonstrate functional abilities in voice, piano, guitar, and percussion in addition to the skills required of all music majors.
- Demonstrate skill in working with culturally diverse populations.
- Collaborate with practitioners from different disciplines in designing and implementing interdisciplinary treatment programs.
Additional Information About the Music Therapy Concentration
-
A Well-Balanced Learning Experience
The Music Therapy Concentration involves courses in music therapy, music, psychology, and the sciences. Small class sizes and individual attention help you develop your own clinical style and philosophy of the treatment process.
-
Educational and Clinical Preparation that Helps You Help Others
Make a difference in the lives of people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, gender identity or expression, and abilities, by developing your skills as a music therapist to assist in the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs of individuals through culturally-responsive methodologies and techniques.
-
A Connection to Health Professionals
Implement techniques and methodologies learned in the classroom through clinical practicum experiences with UAB's major international medical center and other health facilities in the City of Birmingham. Knowledge and understanding of clinical terminology will better prepare you to communicate and collaborate with health professionals to further the reach of how music can impact the health and wellbeing of patients.
-
A Connection to Culturally Diverse Populations
As an important principal in the field of Music Therapy as defined by the American Music Therapy Association, courses and clinical practicum experiences will prepare you to demonstrate knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and demonstrate skill in working with culturally diverse populations.
-
An Emphasis on Musicianship
The Department of Music is home to world-renowned performers, scholars, composers, and teachers. Faculty exhibit a strong emphasis on musicianship and have a multiplicity of instrument and vocal specializations and expertise. Through courses on improvisation, computer technology, and applied music studies you will explore ways to improve your musicianship to better help others as you embark on your music therapy career.
Program Requirements
To graduate with a major in music and a concentration in music therapy, you must earn 79 hours of academic credit in designated music and clinical foundations courses, and complete all core curriculum courses required by UAB’s College of Arts and Sciences.
All program requirements and courses are outlined in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog. They include 16 hours of music theory/aural skills, 9 hours of psychology, 5 hours of music history and literature, 4 hours of applied lessons, 3 hours of computer music, and 26 hours of music therapy foundations (including an internship requirement). Students must also satisfy the piano proficiency exam and performance attendance requirements.
Music Therapy students must also complete 6 hours of ensembles (one hour per semester). At least five of the six terms of the required ensemble participation must include involvement in one of the following major ensembles: Concert Choir, Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Orchestra. Other ensembles may be considered major ensembles, but only for students whose major instrument is listed here: Jazz Ensemble (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, and Piano), Guitar Ensemble (Guitar or Bass Guitar), and Piano Ensemble (Piano). The seventh ensemble must be Music Therapy Ensemble. Students may take more than one ensemble, and minor ensembles count as music electives. See The Majors page for descriptions of Major and Minor Ensembles.
Students will also take clinical foundations courses outside of the Department of Music, which are required before completing the internship requirement.
Additional Information for Music Therapy Applicants
All applicants to the UAB Music Therapy degree program must apply for academic admission to UAB as an incoming freshman or transfer student. Once admitted, they should arrange an audition for Department of Music faculty on their major instrument or voice. View audition requirements and the audition application form. Prospective students should also complete and submit a position questionnaire prior to being considered. The position questionnaire, the interview with the Director of Music Therapy, and the audition will be used to determine final acceptance into the program.
Course Catalog
A complete list of requirements, courses, and a proposed four-year program of study for music majors are available in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog.
Ready to Apply?
All of the information you need to apply to UAB for academic admission can be found on UAB’s Undergraduate Admissions Hub.
After College
After matriculating through the degree program and completing all clinical training requirements, you will be eligible to sit for the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) Board Certification Exam which can earn you the Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential. Music therapists are in demand at rehabilitation centers, day care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, nursing homes, hospice facilities, schools, and private practice to provide services for adults and children with psychiatric disorders, intellectual disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and neurological impairments. Music therapists also could act as consultants for music and special educators.
"As the newest music therapy program in the state of Alabama, we welcome you to be at the forefront of industry practices by learning from a core faculty of active researchers and scholars who incorporate their innovative pedagogical and clinical practices into course curricula."
-Dr. Ja'Bria D. Barber, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Music Therapy