Learn more about Music Therapy

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