Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Music Therapy, Bachelor of Music (BM)

For information regarding auditions for the Music Department, please click here.

Apply Now

To learn more about how to apply to the SRU Music Therapy Program, click here.

About Our Program

The SRU Music Therapy Program celebrated 40 years of music therapy in 2017 with the founder of the SRU MT Program, Dr. Sue Shuttleworth, and the Director of Music Therapy, Dr. Susan Hadley providing remarks about the strong history of our program. We have four music therapy faculty teaching in the program as well as an on-campus clinic to train music therapy students throughout their studies at SRU. 

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy prepares students to engage in musical experiences with a diverse range of people to assist them in reaching optimal health and personal growth. For additional information about our music therapy program, contact the music therapy faculty members:

  • Susan Hadley, Ph.D., MT-BC (Director of Music Therapy & Coordinator of Graduate Music Therapy Program)
  • Nicole Hahna, Ph.D., MT-BC, Fellow of the Association for Music & Imagery (Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy Program)
  • Vern Miller, MMT, MT-BC (Coordinator of Clinical Placements & Coordinator of Equivalency Program)
  • Freddy Perkins, MMT, MT-BC

Certification & Licensure

SRU's Music Therapy Program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Students completing this program are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam to obtain the Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential. Pennsylvania does not require state licensing; however, some states do require licensing for music therapists. If you are interested in practicing in another state, please contact the licensing board in that state.

Our Clinic

Check out this video on our music therapy program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2kG-qEXYh4#action=share

Our Students

Our SRU music therapy students experience many opportunities for clinical work, music therapy research, and collaboration with the music therapy faculty. Here is a video featuring one of our students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwCe0cClRys

SRU Music Therapy Success Story

Learn more about SRU's Music Therapy Program from a student's perspective here.

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 Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 3.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock 2 Studies Requirements42
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements81-86

* 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
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
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 216Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab3
or BIOL 217 Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
or BIOL 110 The Human Body: Fundamentals of Structure and Physiology
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal12
Additional Rock Studies 2 Requirements (15 Credits)
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
SPED 121Overview of Special Education3
or SPED 122 Low Incidence Disabilities
CDEV 248Human Development and Education3
or PSYC 244 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 276Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Healthcare Writing
Medical/Health Care Ethics
Feminist Perspectives in the Disciplines
Innovation for Positive Change
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
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

  • 42 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 42 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Music Courses
Students must earn a ‘C’ or higher in Musicianship Skills and Music Theory courses and in Functional Guitar 1
Select one of the following:1
Class Voice I (BGRPXSVW) 2
Diction for Singers (V) 2
MUSI 134Voice Methods 21
MUSI 137Functional Guitar for Music Therapy I 2.31
MUSI 138Functional Guitar for Music Therapy II 2,31
MUSI 151Music Theory and Musicking I 2,32
MUSI 154Musicianship Skills I 2,31
MUSI 206Fundamentals of Conducting 21
MUSI 247Percussion Methods 2,31
MUSI 253Music Theory and Analysis II 2,32
MUSI 254Music Theory and Analysis III 2,32
MUSI 255Music Theory and Analysis IV 2,32
MUSI 256Musicianship Skills II 2,31
MUSI 257Musicianship Skills III 2,31
MUSI 258Musicianship Skills IV 2,31
MUSI 350Computer Technology in Music 22
MUSI 351Arranging & Orchestration 22
MUSI 359History of Music I 2,33
MUSI 360Keyboard Improvisation 21
MUSI 361Instrumental Improvisation 21
MUSI 373History of Music II 23
MUSI 473History of Popular Musics 23
Subtotal33
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 199Fundamental Skills in Music Therapy 2,32
MUSI 228Therapeutic Musical Strategies 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 327Psychology of Music 2,3,43
MUSI 329Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 330Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 428Music Therapy Advanced Topics 2,3,43
MUSI 432Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 433Clinical Integration 2,31
MUSI 440Music Therapy for Adult Clients 2,3,43
Subtotal26
Major Applied - Must all be in same instrument
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. Four credits at the 300+ level are required.
Select one of the following:1
Applied Music 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select one of the following:2
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select one of the following:2
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select one of the following:2
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal7
Minor Applied
Select one of the following based on instrument:4
Voice and Instrumental Majors Only
Select four credits of the following:
Class Piano I
and Class Piano II
and Class Piano III
and Class Piano IV 2,3
MUSI 179-479
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 181-481
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 182-482
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
MUSI 183-483
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 184-484
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 185-485
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal4
Ensemble Participation
Four 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 4 semesters. See Ensemble Policy below.
Ensembles
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Chamber Music Performance
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Subtotal4
Internship Requirements
MUSI 450Music Therapy Internship7-12
Total Hours81-86
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.

Additional Information: Internship Requirements

  • MUSI 450 Music Therapy Internship must be taken for 2 semesters, either for 7 credits for 900 hours (1 semester at 6 credits & 1 semester at 1 credit) or for 12 credits for 1040 hours (1 semester at 6 credits & 1 semester at 6 credits). The total pre-and post-internship music therapy clinical hours must equal at least 1200 hours.
  • MT Majors are required to maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and 3.0 major GPA to remain in the program. All MT majors must successfully pass an Upper-Division Review (UDR) and Exit Interview to remain in the program. Failure to maintain the required GPA and/or pass UDR or the Exit Interview will mean that a student has to re-apply and re-audition for the MT program.

Completed Requirement Checklist

Requirement

  • Piano Proficiency
  • Music Therapy Skills Proficiency 2
  • Music Therapy Skills Proficiency 4
  • Music Therapy Upper Division Review
  • Music Therapy Portfolio
  • Musicianship Health Competency: Can be satisfied by passing the eight Musicianship Health Competency quizzes with scores of 70% or higher or by earning a C or better in 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)
This program is effective as of Spring 2023
Revised 07.08.2024
UCC 11.29.2022

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
Major Applied (100 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (100 level) - Arts Inquiry #1 1
MUSI 127 Orientation to Music Therapy 2
MUSI 131 Class Piano I 1 1
MUSI 137 Functional Guitar for Music Therapy I 1
MUSI 151 Music Theory and Musicking I 2
MUSI 154 Musicianship Skills I 2 1
Select one of the following: 1-2
Class Voice I (Instrumental majors)
Diction for Singers (Voice majors only) 5
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 3 3
 Hours16-17
Spring
Major Applied (200 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (200 level) - Arts Inquiry #2 1
MUSI 132 Class Piano II 1 1
MUSI 134 Voice Methods (all majors) 1
MUSI 138 Functional Guitar for Music Therapy II 1
MUSI 199 Fundamental Skills in Music Therapy 2
MUSI 236 Music Therapy Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation 2
MUSI 253 Music Theory and Analysis II 2
MUSI 256 Musicianship Skills II 1
PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
Major Applied (200 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (200 level) - Arts Inquiry #3 1
MUSI 206 Fundamentals of Conducting 1
MUSI 228 Therapeutic Musical Strategies 2
MUSI 229 Clinical Integration 1
MUSI 234 Class Piano III 1 1
MUSI 247 Percussion Methods 8 1-2
MUSI 254 Music Theory and Analysis III 2
MUSI 257 Musicianship Skills III 2 1
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
SPED 121
Overview of Special Education
or Low Incidence Disabilities
3
 Hours17-18
Spring
Major Applied (300 level) 1
Major Ensemble (300 level) 1
MUSI 230 Clinical Integration 1
MUSI 235 Class Piano IV 1 1
MUSI 255 Music Theory and Analysis IV 2
MUSI 258 Musicianship Skills IV 2 1
MUSI 361 Instrumental Improvisation 4 1
PSYC 276 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Music Therapy Upper-Division Review must be scheduled during semester IV 6
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
 Hours17
Third Year
Fall
Major Applied (300 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (300 level) 1
MUSI 329 Clinical Integration 1
MUSI 350 Computer Technology in Music 2
MUSI 359 History of Music I 3
MUSI 360 Keyboard Improvisation 4 1
MUSI 440 Music Therapy for Adult Clients 3
CDEV 248
Human Development and Education
or Developmental Psychology
3
BIOL 110
The Human Body: Fundamentals of Structure and Physiology
or Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
or Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
3
 Hours18
Spring
Major Applied (400 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (400 level) 1
MUSI 312 Music Therapy for Children 3
MUSI 327 Psychology of Music 3
MUSI 330 Clinical Integration 1
MUSI 351 Arranging & Orchestration 2
MUSI 373 History of Music II 3
MUSI 433 Clinical Integration 1
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
Music Therapy Exit Interview should be taken during Semester VI 7
 Hours18
Fourth Year
Fall
Major Applied (400 level) 1
Assigned Ensemble (400 level) 1
MUSI 428 Music Therapy Advanced Topics 3
MUSI 432 Clinical Integration 1
MUSI 473 History of Popular Musics 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
Select one of the following: 3
Healthcare Writing
Medical/Health Care Ethics
Feminist Perspectives in the Disciplines
Innovation for Positive Change
 Hours15
Spring
MUSI 450 Music Therapy Internship (1 of 2 semesters) 6
 Hours6
Summer
MUSI 450 Music Therapy Internship (2 of 2 semesters) 1-6
 Hours1-6
 Total Hours**123-130
1

Piano Proficiency: Music Therapy students are expected to achieve piano proficiency by the end of Class Piano IV or after their fourth semester of lessons for applied piano majors. Students will not be permitted to start their internship until the proficiency is passed. See guidelines. Piano majors will select another instrument for their minor applied requirement.

2

Skills Proficiency: Music therapy students must pass all aspects of the Skills Proficiencies before they can take upper-level MT classwork

3

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

4

Music Therapy majors music take both Instrumental Improvisation and Keyboard Improvisation.

5

Voice majors must take Diction for Singers. Class is offered on a rotational basis. Even year program starts take this class during the freshman year. Odd year program starts take this class the sophomore year. 

6

MT Upper Division Review must be taken during Semester IV

7

Music Therapy Exit Interview should be taken during Semester VI

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5273
Revised: 05.15.2023