ACCEPTANCE AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE MUSIC THERAPY OPTION

The following is required to be accepted into the Music Therapy program for all transfer students, all equivalency students (formally known as 'Certificate" students), and all undergraduates who are preparing to take the Music Therapy core courses and Practicum (MU477).

For Acceptance:
1. Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's musicianship, leadership potential, and interpersonal communication skills.
2. An essay (250 words Max.) on why you want to major in Music Therapy.
3. You must be accepted into the Music Department through the audition process. If you are an Equivalency Student (meaning you already have a music degree), a personal music audition is required.
4. An in-person interview with the Director of Music Therapy after you have applied to and been accepted by the University (for freshman and transfer students this will happen on the day of your audition).
5. A copy of all college transcripts for the Director of Music Therapy.
6. You will not be formally accepted until the completion of MU 292 Orientation to Music Therapy.

The Music Therapy Screening Committee will inform the applicant by letter regarding admission status after a completed audition, interview, and reviews of letters, essay, and transcripts.

For Retention:

1. The American Music Therapy Association requires that a grade of "C" or better is earned in all Music Therapy courses.

2. After each semester a comprehensive review examining your status in the program as well as looking at the potential for actually becoming a Music Therapist. The following is evaluated: Academic Ability, Musicianship, Clinical Ability and Practical Professional Skills

This review will take place during advisement with the Music Therapy Faculty who after receiving input from the fieldwork supervisor as well as various instructors. The purpose of this review is to assist the music therapy student in the planning of their program. The outcomes of these reviews usually provide encouragement for the student and assist in refining his/her skills. It is also a time whereby the student can be alerted to more serious deficiencies and may result in notification of Probationary Status. After a student is placed on Probation, he/she will have one semester to be removed from this classification. If there is not significant improvement in areas cited as deficient, the student will be counseled to look at other educational options.

If you already have a Degree in Music and are looking to complete the Equivalency program (as CSUN does not currently offer a Masters Degree in Music Therapy), contact Professor Borczon as to how to gain status into the program at rborczon@csun.edu




You may also visit the website at:
www.csun.edu/~hcmus006/MusicTherapy.html