To our knowledge, this is the only online equivalency program offered: https://www.smwc.edu/academics/departments/music-theatre/music-therapy-equivalency-distance/

Your comment about music therapy is one we’ve heard from a number of people over the past several years. In fact, we posted Music for Comfort or Healing a few years ago to support those who feel shut out of music therapy because they do not have an undergraduate degree in music.

We’ve heard that there may be a few schools willing to make exceptions for really strong musicians who did not get an undergraduate degree in some area of music but who wanted to go on for an Equivalency Program but you’d have to contact schools you’re interested in to see if any of them offer any wiggle room and are willing to work with you. While we have no influence over how the American Music Therapy Association sets policy, we will send your comment on to our contacts there because it’s important that they hear input like yours. We trust you will find a way to utilize your passion and skills in music for the benefit of current and future clients.

The equivalency program, as the article you wrote in from explains, will prepare you with the music therapy background and skills you did not receive as a piano performance major. It will take approximately two years. Since your piano skill level will already be high, you will likely take a test to exempt any piano classes needed. You will need to gain a basic level of proficiency on voice and guitar through the equivalency program, along with required psychology and other background deemed important to the profession of music therapy. You will also take an extended internship in advance of taking the music therapy credentialing exams. Note that many music therapists go on to attend graduate school at some point, to gain more background and skills in a specific area of interest.

We encourage you to check the salary, hours, and opportunities for music therapists in your area. That will give you insight into some of the differences. With an undergrad degree in music, you can apply for an equivalency program that takes less time than a degree in music therapy. And many equivalency programs lead directly to a master’s degree, which opens more doors for music therapists and often at higher pay.

You would need to apply to Music Therapy Equivalency Programs such as those offered by the schools linked on this article. Check the American Music Therapy Association’s website for additional Equivalency Programs.

Per the article you wrote in from – you will need an undergraduate degree in any area of music in order to pursue the Equivalency Program. The Equivalency Program acts like a “bridge” for those who did not receive an undergraduate degree in music therapy. It provides the classes and internship you would have missed and also prepares you for the exams you need to take to become a music therapist.

As long as you major in any area of music, you can take an equivalency program when you graduate to get the skills, training and experience you didn’t get as an undergrad. Many of these programs lead directly to a master’s degree in music therapy. Since psychology, basic guitar, basic keyboards, and basic vocal skills are all required in music therapy, these are areas you may want to delve into if you decide you do want to go on in music therapy. Do read all of the articles about music therapy on MajoringInMusic.com to learn more about this amazing field.

CLW – your additional information is most helpful.

CLW – thank you for taking the time to offer additional information.

CLW – your additional comments are appreciated.

Thank you CLW for offering additional information.

Thank you CLW for offering additional information.

CLW – thank you for your helpful comments.