Current Opportunities

Ohio State is in the process of creating new course offerings in Music Therapy.

What is Music Therapy?

As defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA):

"Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program."

Learn more about music therapy — American Music Therapy Association.

Courses

Students interested in the intersection of music and health can explore the following introductory coursework and special topic courses:

Music 4895: Seminar in Music — Clinical Foundations of Music Therapy

This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of the clinical foundations of music therapy, including assessment, treatment planning, and intervention techniques. Students will learn to apply music therapy principles and techniques in a variety of clinical settings through experiential exercises, case studies, and discussions. 

Music 4895: Seminar in Music — Clinical Music Skills

This course focuses on developing clinical music skills for music therapy practice. Students will explore various musical techniques and applications in a clinical context through experiential exercises, case studies, and discussions. 

Music 2471: Introduction to Music Therapy

Undergraduates in all majors can enroll in Introduction to Music Therapy as an exploratory elective. No prerequisites required. Credits: 3 hours. 

This course gives students a high-level overview of music therapy theory, practice and research in terms of history, description, comparison, analysis and critique. Students will learn what music therapy is, what it involves, where it came from, how it differs from other music-based services, how it is regulated, and what it is like to work as a board-certified music therapist. Students will also learn to design and implement basic music therapy techniques, including techniques that are germane to self-care. 

Of note — learning experiences in this course include conventional lectures, group work, and hands-on participation in the form of role play, dramatic readings, reenactments, clinical observations/case vignettes, mock sessions, etc. Students should plan to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate.

• Please consult Class Search to confirm course meeting times and locations.

Questions about the program?

Email Kara Caine

Degree Option

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The BA in Music is a flexible, “create your own” liberal arts music degree that is ideal for double majors and students with diverse academic interests. 

Undergraduate Admissions — Email Tanya Sparks

Additional School of Music Activities 

FERMATA — Fostering Empathy and Resilience through Music and Therapeutic Arts 

FERMATA is a new initiative that provides an artist-in-residence program and performance opportunities for School of Music students, faculty and staff. These performances benefit patients, caregivers, staff and visitors at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute as well as other Ohio State care locations. 

Meet the Faculty

Kara Caine, assistant professor of Music Therapy

Terel Jackson, associated faculty, Music Therapy

Learn more about Jackson's work at The James:

• The James' "A Cancer Free World" podcast
• "All Sides Considered" with Ann Fisher

Music Therapy as a Career

• "A Career in Music Therapy: An Allied Health Profession" [pdf] — AMTA booklet
• "The 9 college majors that lead to the most fulfilling careers" — CNBC article

Clinical Music Therapy Services

Clinical music therapy services are currently offered at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center:

• For people being treated at Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital and the OSUCCC – James 
• On an outpatient basis at the Bob Crane Community Center Upper Arlington and Outpatient Care New Albany  
• People can also learn about music therapy through JamesCare for Life education workshops.