What will I be studying?

Summary
Year 1

Semester 1

Music Therapy Skills 1 - 33016
Music Therapy Method – 100910

Semester 2

Music Therapy Theory and Practice 1– 100912
Creative Music Therapy Practicum 1 – 100913

Year 2

Semester 1

Music Therapy Skills 2 - 33017
Music Therapy Professional Practice – 100911

Semester 2

Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2 – 100914
Creative Music Therapy Practicum 2 – 100915


Unit descriptions

Music Therapy Skills 1

Through a combination of music therapy skills and practicum, the unit opens up an exploration of improvisation, instrumental playing, repertoire, song writing, voice work and composition as techniques for music therapy. Videos of case studies are played to illustrate this work. The practicum introduces students to the practice of music therapy through observing and working with a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).

Music Therapy Method

Music Therapy Method provides a background to the historical development and theoretical underpinnings of music therapy worldwide. The Constitution and Code of Ethics of the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) are outlined alongside government legislation and social attitudes that impinge on the delivery of music therapy to the community. Normal human development through the lifespan is looked at in depth paralleled with studies on developmental disabilities and other disorders. Culture, gender, race, religion and socio-economics are examined within the context of understanding the place of music therapy in society.

Music Therapy Theory and Practice 1

This unit has two modules. One places greater emphasis on skill mastery and the ability of students to draw on concurrent practicum work for musical material relating to work with adult clients with diverse needs in different clinical situations. Students will engage with reflective writing on their work with clients. In the second module, contemporary psychological theories are examined in depth as well as the relationship of music therapy to other arts therapies. Students receive an introduction to psychotherapy, music psychology, and the foundations of research including literature reviews.

Creative Music Therapy Practicum 1

In this unit the creative music therapy practicum work is expanded to a complete unit to reflect greater emphasis on clinical practice within the course and the increased expectations on students to apply coursework to music therapy practice. Clinical work is undertaken with adults with disabilities under the supervision of a Registered Music Therapist.

Music Therapy Skills 2

Through music therapy skill development and music therapy practicum, this unit engages students with the study of improvisation, instrumental playing, repertoire, song writing, voice work and composition illustrated with advanced case material. In the practicum, students engage in clinical work under the supervision of a Registered Music Therapist. Work is undertaken with children and/or adolescents with a trained clinician or student colleague.

Music Therapy Professional Practice

This unit consists of two modules. One provides students with professional skills in academic, clinical and report writing plus professional presentation skills. In the second module students are introduced to receptive methods of music therapy as well as being given a background to clinical research in preparation for the in-depth studies in semester 4.

Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2

The unit continues the development of skills and the ability of students to draw on concurrent work with adult clients in different clinical settings including psychiatry, palliative care, and aged care. Relevant research methods are further examined.

Creative Music Therapy Practicum 2

In this unit, students provide music therapy for adults in aged care or in a psychiatric setting. A student may now work alone but will receive in-depth supervision from a Registered Music Therapist. Students are expected to work effectively and independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Photograph by Sally Tsoutas