Colorado State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Announces New Music Therapy Ph.D. Program

Colorado State University is now accepting applications to its new Ph.D. in Music Therapy program, which will begin in the 2021-2022 academic year.

With a long tradition in clinical education, research, and scholarship in music therapy — approved by the American Music Therapy Association — CSU is recognized among doctoral universities by Carnegie with a research activity rank known as R1. The new PhD will build on the successful reputation of the current B.M. and M.A. in Music Therapy, offering a continuation in a program that is recognized as one of the best in the nation.

CSU’s doctorate in Music Therapy will become one of two Ph.D. programs in music therapy in the United States, and the only program focusing on neuroscience. The new doctoral students will have the benefit of mentorship from a primary faculty member, and access to the Brainwaves Research Lab, an interdisciplinary lab focused on understanding neurological aspects of cognition. The program provides students with the chance to be involved in groundbreaking research, with an opportunity to develop original research in an area of interest.

The Ph.D. focuses on the three core areas of research, music therapy clinical practice, and academics.

Well known in the industry, faculty include Dr. Blythe LaGasse, whose research areas encompass the neuroscience of music, autism, and the Brainwaves Research Lab, Dr. Andrew Knight, whose research includes early childhood and Lindsey Wilhelm, whose research areas include older adults and self-care practices.

“Dr. LaGasse and the entire music therapy team worked hard to launch this ground-breaking program and to see it through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) plan approval process. Dr. Knight was diligent in his role as the School’s curriculum representative to the College of Liberal Arts Curriculum Committee,” said Dr. Dan Goble, director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. “This is a testament to what hard work and perseverance can accomplish.”

“To gain funding like this in a time of pandemic and economic worry is a statement of faith in the School, its faculty, staff, and students,” acknowledged Dean Benjamin C. Withers.

Following the approval of the program, Dr. LaGass expressed the therapy faculty’s gratitude to Dr. Goble, Dean Withers, Dr. Stomberger, Dr. Hentschell, and Provost Pederson for their support.

The announcement launched an immediate search for an assistant professor of Music Therapy to begin Fall 2021. For more information about the new program contact Dr. Blythe LaGasse or visit the new Doctorate in Music Therapy page.