In the spring of 2017, the first wave of students with degrees in Music Therapy graduated from Pacific University. The Music Therapy program, unlike other majors, is a five-year course of study that involves a yearlong internship with a qualified music therapy professional and that helps students to prepare for national certification.
Students who pursue the Music Therapy degree study to become proficient in voice, piano, guitar and percussion, as well as learn entry-level psychology, neuroscience, anatomy, healthcare ethics and philosophy. The Music Therapy program allows students with a passion for music and a desire to help others become equipped to make a career doing what they love.
“Ever since I was in high school I’ve wanted to do music, and since I was a little kid I wanted to be a therapist,” Samuel Donily, senior Music Therapy student said. “And then I heard about the Music Therapy program and it turned out it was exactly what I was looking for.”
In the Music Therapy professional field, students use music to help with the emotional, physical and social needs of their patients. Students learn methods of treatment during their studies including creating, listening to and moving to music.
“Music Therapy is a blend of everything that I love, philosophy, sciences, evidence-based practicing and helping others,” Jamie Anderson, 2017 alumna of the Music Therapy program said. “Music has an effect on people that you both can and cannot measure. There’s just something about it.”
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