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Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree

Credential
Bachelor

Duration
4.5 year(s)

In Capilano University's Bachelor of Music Therapy program, you’ll learn from some of Canada's top educators, gaining the knowledge and skills to begin your own music therapy practice.

As a music therapist, you'll learn to use music as a transformative change agent in many different settings, including children with autism, adults with mental health challenges and the elderly with dementia.

Your music therapy training begins in the third year of the program, with the first two years of the program focusing in a variety of areas, including music and psychology.

In the program, you'll diversify your skill set, with training in theory, ear training and sight singing, music and jazz history, improvisation, counselling and interpersonal skills, psychology and an understanding of music and the creative arts.

For more information about the Bachelor of Music Therapy program contact us today. 

Students enjoy a drum circle.

Gain the skills to heal with music

Through practicums and classroom learning, you'll train to design, implement and evaluate your own treatment programs and deepen your experience of music, creative expression and the role of arts in therapy.

Career paths

  • Music therapist
  • Educator
  • Musician
  • Music teacher

A track record of success

During your full-time study in CapU’s Music Therapy program, you’ll be coached and prepared for real world auditions, interviews and career planning.

Our hundreds of successful grads fill people's lives with their musical gifts, including Ruth Eliason, whose angelic voice comforts patients and families in the palliative care ward at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon.

A girl with many dreams

This is the story of Kayla Turnbull, a graduate of the music therapy program at Capilano University in British Columbia.
A student participating in a drum circle.
“I was thrilled to find a career program that would connect so deeply with my passion for helping people and music. The faculty were truly remarkable in their depth of experience, compassion and flexibility. This program was a transformative journey that led to a fulfilling career.”
Julia Adam, 2019 Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate

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For more information about the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree program, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions, workshops and open houses.

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Intakes

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 3, 2023 – May 7, 2024

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jul 2, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 19, 2024

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

The Bachelor of Music Therapy program begins in year three. A specific collection of music, psychology and other courses make up the first two years.

If you are attending Capilano University for the first two years, either in the program or the program, you are encouraged to use the “Program Requirements” section of the program website.

If you are attending a music school at a college or university of your choice, you are encouraged to use the Prerequisite Worksheet in the Music Therapy Information and Application Package. The package is intended as a guide for anyone considering entry to third year of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program.

In most cases, applicants to third year music therapy complete the equivalent of a diploma in music while taking the required non-music courses as electives, though a diploma is not a requirement for entry to third year.

Career Path: The Capilano University Music Therapy program prepares students for a career as a music therapist, with an emphasis on clinical skills, musicianship, self-awareness and professionalism.

While there are full- and half-time career opportunities for music therapists, most of the available work is in contract employment. The Capilano University prepares you for a variety of employment and population settings.

Application Portfolio deadline: April 15 each year. Please see the Music Therapy Information and Application Package for details on the application portfolio.

Audition-interviews: All students planning to enter the Bachelor of Music Therapy program must submit an application portfolio and participate in an audition-interview in May each year. 

Please see the Music Therapy Information and Application Package for details on the application portfolio. Students will receive notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance to the Music Therapy program by May 31.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

  • read through the Music Therapy Information and Application Package;
  • have a conversation with the Program Coordinator (in-person, telephone, video conference or email);
  • shadow, observe or volunteer with a certified music therapist;
  • review the selection criteria mentioned in the information package and consider a self-assessment of your strengths and areas that may need improvement.

CapU Music Therapy program as distinctive: The Capilano University Music Therapy program was the first training program of its kind in Canada in 1978, and continues as the longest running program.

The program includes instructors with decades of music therapy clinical experience, the largest team of music therapy instructors of any Canadian program, a Private Music Instructor model that assists in developing your musicianship and therapist identity, practica in all but the first semester that bring together your classroom learning with real world clients, and an approach to music therapy that offers repertoire, improvisation and counselling so that you’re prepared for the working world of music therapy when you graduate.

Criminal Record Clearance: A Criminal Record Clearance, by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is required for the practicum courses in the music therapy program. Please do not obtain one from the RCMP. The Program Coordinator will arrange the required Criminal Record Check for those students accepted to third year.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Birch Building, Room BR230
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Birch Building, Room BR230
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

The Bachelor of Music Therapy program begins in year three. A specific collection of music, psychology and other courses make up the first two years.

If you are attending Capilano University for the first two years, either in the program or the program, you are encouraged to use the “Program Requirements” section of the program website.

If you are attending a music school at a college or university of your choice, you are encouraged to use the Prerequisite Worksheet in the Music Therapy Information and Application Package. The package is intended as a guide for anyone considering entry to third year of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program.

In most cases, applicants to third year music therapy complete the equivalent of a diploma in music while taking the required non-music courses as electives, though a diploma is not a requirement for entry to third year.

Career Path: The Capilano University Music Therapy program prepares students for a career as a music therapist, with an emphasis on clinical skills, musicianship, self-awareness and professionalism.

While there are full- and half-time career opportunities for music therapists, most of the available work is in contract employment. The Capilano University prepares you for a variety of employment and population settings.

Application Portfolio deadline: April 15 each year. Please see the Music Therapy Information and Application Package for details on the application portfolio.

Audition-interviews: All students planning to enter the Bachelor of Music Therapy program must submit an application portfolio and participate in an audition-interview in May each year. 

Please see the Music Therapy Information and Application Package for details on the application portfolio. Students will receive notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance to the Music Therapy program by May 31.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

  • read through the Music Therapy Information and Application Package;
  • have a conversation with the Program Coordinator (in-person, telephone, video conference or email);
  • shadow, observe or volunteer with a certified music therapist;
  • review the selection criteria mentioned in the information package and consider a self-assessment of your strengths and areas that may need improvement.

CapU Music Therapy program as distinctive: The Capilano University Music Therapy program was the first training program of its kind in Canada in 1978, and continues as the longest running program.

The program includes instructors with decades of music therapy clinical experience, the largest team of music therapy instructors of any Canadian program, a Private Music Instructor model that assists in developing your musicianship and therapist identity, practica in all but the first semester that bring together your classroom learning with real world clients, and an approach to music therapy that offers repertoire, improvisation and counselling so that you’re prepared for the working world of music therapy when you graduate.

Criminal Record Clearance: A Criminal Record Clearance, by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is required for the practicum courses in the music therapy program. Please do not obtain one from the RCMP. The Program Coordinator will arrange the required Criminal Record Check for those students accepted to third year.

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $0 $0 $0
Year 3 $7,866 $1,746 $9,612
Year 4 $7,434 $1,740 $9,174
Year 5 $2,157 $1,011 $3,168
Total $17,457 $4,497 $21,954
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $0 $0 $0
Year 3 $24,622 $1,746 $26,368
Year 4 $22,690 $1,740 $24,430
Year 5 $9,660 $1,011 $10,671
Total $56,972 $4,497 $61,469

Tuition & Fees Estimator

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Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

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Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

Basis of Admission

Total credits: 45.00

Required:
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology I3.00 credits
PSYC 101Introduction to Psychology II3.00 credits
PSYC 304Child Development3.00 credits
Required:
ENGL 100-level or higher3.00 credits
PSYC 200-level or higher (excluding PSYC 212, 213, 222 or 301)3.00 credits
Required:
Cap Core Science and Technology3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
Any University Transferable Elective 100-level or higher3.00 credits
Choose 6.00 credits from the following list:
Humanities 100-level or higher3.00 credits
Music 100-level or higher3.00 credits
Social Science 100-level or higher3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 130Theory of Tonal Music and Jazz I3.00 credits
MUS 100Theory I3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 131Theory of Tonal Music and Jazz II3.00 credits
MUS 101Theory II3.00 credits
Choose 1.50 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 184Ear Training/Sight Singing I1.50 credits
MUS 112Ear Training and Sight Singing I1.50 credits
Choose 1.50 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 185Ear Training/Sight Singing II1.50 credits
MUS 113Ear Training and Sight Singing II1.50 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 174Jazz History I1.50 credits
JAZZ 175Jazz History II1.50 credits
JAZZ 271Music History I3.00 credits
MUS 120Music History I3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
JAZZ 274Studies in Music History I1.50 credits
JAZZ 275Studies in Music History II1.50 credits
MUS 121Music History II3.00 credits

 

First Term

Total credits: 18.00

Required:
MT 320Improvisation I1.50 credits
MT 330Clinical Skills3.00 credits
MT 350The Influence of Music3.00 credits
MT 360Music Therapy I3.00 credits
MT 364Health Conditions of Adulthood3.00 credits
MT 380Counselling and Interpersonal Skills1.50 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration2.00 credits
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary1.00 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 15.50

Required:
MT 361Music Therapy II3.00 credits
MT 370Health Conditions of Childhood1.50 credits
MT 391Practicum I4.00 credits
MT 420Improvisation II - Guitar1.00 credits
PSYC 222Introduction to Psychopathology3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration2.00 credits
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary1.00 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 14.50

Required:
MT 450Music and the Creative Arts I1.50 credits
MT 460Music Therapy III3.00 credits
MT 490Practicum II4.00 credits
PSYC 301Group Dynamics3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration2.00 credits
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary1.00 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 16.00

Required:
MT 451Music and the Creative Arts II1.50 credits
MT 461Music Therapy IV3.00 credits
MT 480Improvisation III1.50 credits
MT 491Practicum III4.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
MT 462Principles of Research3.00 credits
PSYC 212Research Methods in Psychology3.00 credits
PSYC 213Statistical Methods in Psychology3.00 credits
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration2.00 credits
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary1.00 credits

 

Post Basic Program Requirements

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
MT 511Pre-Professional Practicum15.00 credits

Total program credits: 124.00

Additional information

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree must meet Cap Core graduation requirements in addition to their program requirements.

Continuation in the Music Therapy program is contingent upon a successful level of completion in academic, clinical and personal areas, as jointly assessed by faculty each term. Consult the program coordinator or the Music Therapy Student Handbook for more information.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Allied Health
604 986 1911  , ext. 2307
mtherapy@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca