Music Therapy (MMT)

Our Master of Music Therapy (MMT) is the longest-running graduate music therapy degree in Canada. The philosophy of our program centres around music psychotherapy, clinical musicianship and psychotherapeutic techniques, which are developed through clinical, theoretical and experiential practices.

The MMT is offered full time as a two-year program with a one-year option for individuals who hold a Bachelor of Music Therapy.

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CAMT Accreditation

Students in the two-year program are given the opportunity to complete a supervised (unpaid) 1000-hour internship (organized by Laurier) approved by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). Upon graduation they may be eligible to complete the CBMT examination and begin the certification process through the CAMT.

Recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Graduates of the two-year-program and graduates of the one-year program (in the music psychotherapy field) may apply to become qualifying members of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Laurier is the only Canadian music therapy program to be recognized by the CRPO. 

Program Details

About Music Therapy

Within the philosophy of music psychotherapy, our Master of Music Therapy provides a creative learning environment for you to develop your clinical musicianship and music therapy/psychotherapy skills along with the safe and effective use of self through reflexive practices and clinical work. You will learn to conduct both evidence-based and practice-based research.

The Master of Music Therapy curriculum is designed to give opportunities for advanced clinical education and the learning of contemporary clinical theories which will lead to the development of music therapy knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The program helps students gain an understanding of the major clinical theories and philosophies of practice and of current Canadian and international music therapy trends. The program also illuminates and emphasizes the balance between music and therapy.

Program Structure

Placements

Placement courses are linked with classroom courses so that you can make connections between music therapy/music psychotherapy theories and practices. You will be able to work with a variety of client populations throughout your various placements.

The two-year Master of Music Therapy requires five music psychotherapy placements. The first placement takes place at Laurier’s on-site clinic and in the community. The second placement is a full-time, three-month internship (spring term) at an off-campus setting. In the final year of the two-year program, there are two one-day-per-week placements (fall and winter terms), and a full-time, three-month internship (spring term) at an off-campus setting.

Students in the one-year Master of Music Therapy (music psychotherapy field) will take MU610.

Qualified and experienced music therapists supervise all placements. Audio, video and editing facilities at Laurier enable you to conduct music therapy assessments and analyze clinical improvisation within psychotherapeutic processes.

Courses and Skills

Our Master of Music Therapy courses will develop your knowledge and skills in the following areas.

Research

Research Options

Based on your research interests, you will conduct a Major Research Paper (MRP) with the option of doing an original research study or clinical case study.

We teach both evidence-based and practice-based research and offer supervision expertise in qualitative, clinical, arts-based and music medicine research.

Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research

The Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research (CIMTR) offers Research Assistantship opportunities for several students every year. We also offer Teaching Assistantship opportunities for our students.

Improvisation Analysis and Low Frequency Sound Lab

If you are interested, you can conduct your study at the Improvisation Analysis and Low Frequency Sound Laboratory. We have the only clinical improvisation analysis and low frequency lab in Canada, established in 2013 for improvisation and low frequency sound research. The clinic is funded through the CIMTR.

Our cutting-edge equipment includes Matlab, Logic Software, Music Therapy Toolbox, Sound Beam, Mallet Kat-studio, Digital keyboard, drum sets, Physioacoustic chairs, neurofeedback equipment and more.

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"Immerse yourself in all Laurier has to offer while completing your graduate education. Enjoy the journey – remember to have fun too!"

Paula C. Fletcher, associate dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

  • Start: Fall (September)
  • Format: Full-time
  • Application deadline: Jan. 15 (international and domestic applicants)

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Emily Carruthers at ecarruthers@wlu.ca or 548.889.3614.

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food, and various campus amenities.

Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Careers

Our graduates have gone on to work in health care, education and private practice. Examples of jobs held by our graduates include:

  • music therapist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Kensington Hospice
  • music therapist/music psychotherapist, Grand River Hospital
  • music therapy supervisor/ music psychotherapy supervisor
  • professional orchestral player
  • music therapy community practice owner
  • music therapy university professor and researcher

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.

Heidi Ahonen
Professor, Music Therapy

Demian Kogutek
Assistant Professor, Music Therapy
Coordinator, Master of Music Therapy
Director, Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research 

Elizabeth Mitchell
Assistant Professor, Music Therapy
Coordinator, Bachelor of Music Therapy