Music Therapy is the application of music for rehabilitation of brain function and development and maintenance of mental and physical health. The qualified music therapist creates therapeutic music exercises to facilitate functional non-musical outcomes, training and retraining abilities in cognition, speech and language, motor control, academic performance, emotional growth, and social skills. There is strong scientific evidence that music is a powerful tool in therapy, engaging and changing the brain, and promoting behavioral learning and change.
Colorado State University has a long tradition in clinical education, research, and scholarship in music therapy. With an outstanding music program and an academic focus on evidence-based practice, graduates from Colorado State University learn necessary tools to be an integral member of a treatment team or pursue a career in private practice. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience on a biomedical or clinical research team.
In addition to the clinical core, music therapy majors take a wide variety of courses in music theory, music history, music performance, and coursework emphasizing the research aspects of music therapy. In addition, the program requires courses in psychology, neuroscience, and medical terminology. A total of 120 credits are required for the degree. Successful completion of all curricular requirements, plus a six month clinical internship, qualifies a graduate to sit for the National Board Certification Examination.
All degree programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
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Music Therapy News
Release of Dr. Laura Beer’s new music therapy book
2023 saw the release of Trauma-Informed Music Therapy Theory and Practice, a new book edited by Dr. Laura E. Beer, Colorado State University, and Jacqueline C. Birnbaum, New York University. Trauma-Informed Music Therapy is a timely volume that combines theoretical perspectives on trauma-informed practice with real-life applications in music therapy practice. This book will be […]
Dr. Laura Beer will join the music therapy faculty this fall
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Beer is joining Colorado State University’s outstanding music therapy faculty as associate professor in Fall 2022. Dr. Beer comes to CSU following serving the last four years as director of music therapy at Maryville University. “We are excited to have Dr. […]
Dr. Jess Rushing is joining CSU Music Therapy this fall
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is pleased to announce that Dr. Jess Rushing is joining Colorado State University’s outstanding music therapy faculty. Dr. Rushing comes to CSU following three years at the University of Louisville as an assistant professor of Music Therapy, and receiving her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of […]