Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Music Therapy, Bachelor of Music (BM) - Pre-Master of Music Therapy (SRU) (3+2)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The student will be able to identify and analyze the basic elements of music both visually and aurally including analyzing musical compositions focusing on theoretical and historical aspects. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to identify, explain and appreciate music of different historical periods, cultures, and composers. (UO: 1,2,6,9)
  • The student will be able to use critical thinking skills and communicate effectively in oral, written, and electronic mode. (UO: 1,2,6,10)
  • The student will be able to harmonize, transpose, compose, arrange, and orchestrate music utilizing concepts of the basic elements of music as well as instrumental and vocal characteristics. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate basic conducting patterns, techniques, expressions, and rehearsal techniques with vocal and instrumental ensembles. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to understand and appreciate the creative process of the arts by exploring creative ways to express feelings, perform music, and select resources and procedures for instruction/therapy with their students/clients. (UO: 2,6,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to play scales, accompaniments, song repertoire, songs by ear, and transpose melodies with harmonization on the guitar. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to explain and identify jazz concepts and styles and perform clinical instrumental improvisation techniques. (UO: 1,2,6)
  • The student will be able to perform as a member of a musical ensemble demonstrating proper techniques of ensemble performance such as balance and blend, as well as musical and social interaction, and cooperation to achieve shared goals. (UO: 2,5,6,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to play scales, repertoire, hymns, music therapy literature, accompaniments, songs by ear, and transposed melodies with harmonization on the piano. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to sing or play his/her primary instrument with appropriate techniques of posture, breathing, tone production, articulation/bowing, diction, intonation, expression, and style. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of instrumental/vocal repertoire by performing music of different styles, periods, and composers. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will perform in a student recital or performance class every semester. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7)
  • The student will be able to identify instrumental/vocal strengths and weaknesses. (UO: 1,2,5,6)
  • The student will be able to use technology in composition, performance, analysis, teaching and research. (UO: 2,6,10)
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in clinical foundations in the areas of exceptionality, principles of therapy, and the therapeutic relationship. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10)
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in music foundations in the areas of music theory and history, composition and arranging skills, major performance medium skills, keyboard skills, guitar skills, voice skills, non-symphonic instrumental skills, improvisation skills, conducting skills and/or movement skills. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10)
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in music therapy in the areas of foundations and principles, client assessment, treatment planning, therapy implementation, therapy evaluation, documentation, and/or termination/discharge planning. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10)
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the professional role, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10)
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge and skills in research methodology. (1,2,3,4,8,10)
  • The student will participate in and benefit from supervision and/or perform administrative duties. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10)
  • Demonstrate a basic foundation on voice, piano, guitar, and percussion.  Lead and accompany proficiently on instruments including, but not limited to voice, piano, guitar, and percussion.  Sing in tune with a pleasing quality and adequate volume both with accompaniment and acapella. (UO: 2,6)

Related Links

Music Therapy, BM Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 Program Page - COMING SOON

 

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 3.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock 2 Studies Requirements42
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements64-69

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
COMM 200
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
PHIL 110
Ethics and Civil Discourse
POLI 235
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select one of the following:3
MUSI 114-414
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 115-415
Concert Choir
MUSI 116-416
University Choir
MUSI 118-418
Marching Pride
MUSI 119-419
Concert Band
MUSI 121-421
Symphony Orchestra
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
WAIVED
Natural Sciences Inquiry
BIOL 110The Human Body: Fundamentals of Structure and Physiology3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal12
Additional Rock Studies 2 Requirements (15 Credits)
CDEV 248Human Development and Education3
or PSYC 244 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC 276Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
SPED 121Overview of Special Education3
or SPED 122 Low Incidence Disabilities
Select one of the following:3
ENGL 327
Healthcare Writing
GNDR 415
Feminist Perspectives in the Disciplines
HONR 492
Innovation for Positive Change
PHIL 325
Medical/Health Care Ethics
Subtotal15
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
ESAP 110
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • If you choose to pursue Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 and are not accepted into the Master of Music Therapy program, additional coursework is required to complete a first major of Music Therapy (MUSI 235: Class Piano IV, MUSI 327: Psychology of Music, MUSI 329: Clinical Integration, MUSI 355: Music Theory and Analysis IV, MUSI 378: Musicianship Skills IV, MUSI 428: Music Therapy Advanced Topics, MUSI 432: Clinical Integration, and 2 additional semesters of applied lessons, 2 additional semesters of ensemble). Please refer to the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy curriculum guide.
Required Music Courses
Students must earn a ‘C’ or higher in Musicianship Skills and Music Theory courses and in Integrated Musiking Across Contexts Courses 1
Select one of the following:1
MUSI 133
Class Voice I 2,3
MUSI 299
Diction for Singers 2
MUSI 134Functional Voice Skills 2,31
MUSI 151Music Theory and Musicking I 2,32
MUSI 154Musicianship Skills I 2,31
MUSI 189Integrated Musicking Across Contexts I 2,33
MUSI 203Musician's Health1
MUSI 249Integrated Musicking Across Contexts II 2,33
MUSI 253Music Theory and Analysis II 2,32
MUSI 254Music Theory and Analysis III 2,32
MUSI 256Musicianship Skills II 2,31
MUSI 257Musicianship Skills III 2,31
MUSI 289Integrated Musicking Across Contexts III 2,33
MUSI 303Integrated Musicking Across Contexts IV 2,33
MUSI 373History of Music II 2,33
MUSI 473History of Popular Musics 2,33
Subtotal30
Required Music Therapy Courses
Students must earn a ‘C’ grade or higher in all music therapy courses
MUSI 127Orientation to Music Therapy 2,32
MUSI 229Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 230Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 236Music Therapy Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation 2,3,42
MUSI 312Music Therapy for Children 2,3,43
MUSI 330Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 433Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 440Music Therapy for Adult Clients 2,3,43
Subtotal14
Major Applied - Must all be in same instrument
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. two credits at the 300+ level are required.
Select two of the following:4
MUSI 279
Applied Piano 2
MUSI 281
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 282
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
MUSI 283
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 284
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 285
Applied Percussion 2
Select two of the following:4
MUSI 479
Applied Piano 2
MUSI 481
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 482
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
MUSI 483
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 484
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 485
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal8
Minor Applied
Select one of the following based on instrument:
Voice and Instrumental Majors Only
Select four credits of the following:
MUSI 131
& MUSI 132
& MUSI 234
& MUSI 235
Class Piano I
and Class Piano II
and Class Piano III
and Class Piano IV 2,3
MUSI 179, 379
Applied Piano 2,3
Piano Majors Only 6
Class Piano cannot be counted toward the minor applied. Piano majors must select another instrument. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better each semester to move on to the next level.
Select four credits:
MUSI 181, 381
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 182, 382
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
MUSI 183, 383
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 184, 384
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 185, 385
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal4
Ensemble Participation
One semesters must be at the 300+ level. The student must earn a “C” or better in each semester to satisfy the requirement. Students must play in one ensemble every semester up to 1 semester. See Ensemble Policy below.
Ensembles
MUSI 109
Jazz Combo
MUSI 113
Saxophone Quartet
MUSI 114
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 115
Concert Choir
MUSI 116
University Chorus
MUSI 117
Chamber Singers
MUSI 118
Marching Pride
MUSI 119
Concert Band
MUSI 120
Jazz Ensemble
MUSI 121
Symphony Orchestra
MUSI 122
Chamber String Ensemble
MUSI 123
Brass Ensemble
MUSI 124
Woodwind Ensemble
MUSI 125
Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 126
Flute Choir
MUSI 192
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
MUSI 193
Jazz Lab Band
MUSI 194
World Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 209
Jazz Combo
MUSI 213
Saxophone Quartet
MUSI 214
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 215
Concert Choir
MUSI 216
University Chorus
MUSI 217
Chamber Singers
MUSI 218
Marching Pride
MUSI 219
Concert Band
MUSI 220
Jazz Ensemble
MUSI 221
Symphony Orchestra
MUSI 222
Chamber String Ensemble
MUSI 223
Brass Ensemble
MUSI 224
Woodwind Ensemble
MUSI 225
Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 226
Flute Choir
MUSI 239
Chamber Music Performance
MUSI 292
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
MUSI 293
Jazz Lab Band
MUSI 294
World Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 309
Jazz Combo
MUSI 313
Saxophone Quartet
MUSI 314
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 315
Concert Choir
MUSI 316
University Chorus
MUSI 317
Chamber Singers
MUSI 318
Marching Pride
MUSI 319
Concert Band
MUSI 320
Jazz Ensemble
MUSI 321
Symphony Orchestra
MUSI 322
Chamber String Ensemble
MUSI 323
Brass Ensemble
MUSI 324
Woodwind Ensemble
MUSI 325
Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 326
Flute Choir
MUSI 392
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
MUSI 393
Jazz Lab Band
MUSI 394
World Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 409
Jazz Combo
MUSI 413
Saxophone Quartet
MUSI 414
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 415
Concert Choir
MUSI 416
University Chorus
MUSI 417
Chamber Singers
MUSI 418
Marching Pride
MUSI 419
Concert Band
MUSI 420
Jazz Ensemble
MUSI 421
Symphony Orchestra
MUSI 422
Chamber String Ensemble
MUSI 423
Brass Ensemble
MUSI 424
Woodwind Ensemble
MUSI 425
Percussion Ensemble
MUSI 426
Flute Choir
MUSI 492
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
MUSI 493
Jazz Lab Band
MUSI 494
World Percussion Ensemble
Subtotal1
Internship Requirements
MUSI 450Music Therapy Internship7-12
Total Hours64-69
1

Voice majors –exempt from MUSI 133.

2

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

3

Grade of “C” or better required.

4

Successful completion of upper division review prior to registration.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

ensemble policy 

While students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensemble experiences, students must participate in at least one ensemble on their primary instrument every semester in which they are enrolled at SRU and taking applied lessons.  

Students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition each semester after which ensemble directors, in consultation with applied teachers and advisors, will assign semester ensemble placements. Only once all ensembles have been staffed and no other opportunities exist for a specific primary instrument will participation on a secondary instrument be counted toward this requirement. 

In addition, music education students whose primary instrument is voice must play an instrument in an instrumental ensemble for at least one semester and music education students whose primary instrument is anything other than voice must sing in a vocal ensemble for at least one semester.

Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 Requirements

If any of these requirements are not met, the 3+2 designation will be removed from the student’s record:

  1. A 3.00 or higher overall GPA and 3.0 major GPA must be maintained by the student.
  2. The student can only be enrolled in the Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 program for a maximum of three (3) years, full-time continuous enrollment (fall/spring).

Provision

Should a Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 student be unsuccessful in completing the first two semesters of the Master of Music Therapy Program and want to complete the original undergraduate degree, it is solely up to the discretion of the undergraduate music therapy program director to determine which, if any, music and music therapy courses will count toward the completion of the student's undergraduate degree. In addition, students must complete any unfulfilled requirements of their undergraduate major. Students may still apply to the Master of Music Therapy Program with an earned bachelor’s degree in music therapy (or its equivalence).

Additional Information: Internship Requirements

  • MUSI 450 Music Therapy Internship must be taken for 2 semesters (Spring and Summer of third year). The total pre-and post-internship music therapy clinical hours must equal at least 1200 hours.
  • Pre-Master of Music Therapy 3+2 Majors must successfully pass an Upper-Division Review (UDR) and Exit Interview to remain in the program. 

Completed Requirement Checklist

Requirement

  • Piano Proficiency
  • Music Therapy Skills Proficiency 2
  • Music Therapy Upper Division Review
  • Music Therapy Portfolio
  • Musicianship Health Competency:  MUSI 203, Musician’s Health.
  • Music Therapy Exit Interview

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership development
  5. Career education and development
  6. Internships
  7. Field Experiences
  8. Student Teaching
  9. Volunteering (schools, health care facilities, churches, communities)

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

MUSIC THERAPY - BM (5273) / CIM541
Pre-Master of Music Therapy (5MMT)
This program is effective as of Spring 2025
Revised 07.02.2025
UCC 02.11.2025