Music Therapy
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Music therapy supports improvements in cognition, speech and communication, physical abilities, psychological well-being, and social functioning by using music to achieve non-musical outcomes. As an aspiring music therapist, you will receive comprehensive training and develop therapeutic skills through core Conservatory courses in music therapy, psychology, science, statistics, and research methods. Your coursework will focus on building foundational clinical musicianship skills, such as therapeutic improvisation and songwriting, which you will apply with clients of all ages at various practicum sites across the Kansas City metropolitan area. You will complete your degree with an internship at an approved facility locally or nationally.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 122
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $58,743
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Gain professional training
Receive specialized training in neonatal intensive care music therapy interventions with coursework through the National Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy Institute.
Participate in clinical rotations
Gain valuable experience through multiple practicum rotations, working with clients of all ages in diverse clinical settings alongside professional music therapists in the Kansas City metro area. These rotations will prepare you for an internship at a local or national facility.
Become a certified practitioner
Upon completing your degree, you'll be qualified to take the Certification Exam for Music Therapists and obtain the Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) credentials needed to provide professional music therapy services.
After Graduation
Combine your passion for music and helping others with a degree in music therapy. Currently, job opportunities for music therapists are in high demand in many areas of healthcare and require a bachelor’s degree with certification.
Potential careers
- Pediatric music therapist, including neonatal intensive care
- Private practice music therapist
- Music therapist in a mental health facility
$77,310
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Music Therapists (29-1129.02)
Potential Courses
Music Therapy Foundations
Study foundational information pertaining to the music therapy profession, including the history of music therapy, populations that music therapists serve and an introduction to the use of music in …
Psychological Foundations of Music
Survey psychological aspects of music, including perception, cognition, affect and preference.
Clinical Foundations
Practice direct services, procedures, and documentation of the music therapy treatment process.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities.
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant music experience, such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- All applicants must successfully audition on their applied instrument or voice type. In addition, you will interview with the music therapy faculty. Please prepare two popular songs of your choice in any genre to sing a cappella during the interview. Music Therapy interviews will take place on the date of your instrumental or voice audition.
- Applicants whose major instrument is piano or guitar will typically fulfill ensemble requirements by enrolling in UMKC Choral Union or UMKC Campus Band.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$7,222
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$10,232
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$17,541
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)