Music Theory and the Music Therapy Curriculum

The purpose of this study was to analyze music theory requirements in music therapy curricula across the United States. Since the 1950s, there have been calls for change in the music therapy curriculum, with scholars citing its fullness and stating they struggle to meet AMTA and NASM demands. Decreasing "studies in music" (i.e., music theory) requirements could make room for other areas and skills music therapists desire in the curriculum. Universities offering an undergraduate degree in music therapy were gathered from the AMTA directory and divided by AMTA region. Of the 83 universities found that offered an undergraduate degree in music therapy, 81 were analyzed. Results showed that universities require approximately 7 traditional theory courses (TTCs) and approximately 15 theory credit hours (TCHs) on average, but most commonly required 8 and 16, respectively, across the US. This reflects requirements established in 1952. Surprisingly, the minimum/maximum TTCs required across the US was between 3 and 12, with a range between 4 and 25. Although many universities followed the same theory sequence established in 1952, many universities had interesting variations to their theory sequence. Review of the NASM Handbook revealed flexibility in requirements as long as professional music standards are met. Notable variations from universities, implications, and radical ideas for the future of the music therapy curriculum are discussed. In conclusion, it is possible to alter universities' theory sequence in a variety of ways that could benefit music therapy students and in turn, the profession.