Programme Description
"“There is a high standard of professional teaching…based on a philosophy of respect towards the individuality of those involved…and of confidence in supporting growth and developmental processes. In the team, although there are differences according to academic position, career and teaching experience, there is a true democratic attitude…”
Professor Susanne Metzner, PhD External Examiner for Music Therapy 2007
"The curriculum is coherent and logical and covers the necessary areas. It is clear and organized. Assignments and assessments are comprehensive and appropriate. I am particularly impressed with some of the learning experiences that aid learning in some of the classes. They provide numerous paths for students to develop the skills that they need.”
Professor Barbara Wheeler, PhD External Examiner for Music Therapy, 2005
Reflecting the vision
Celebrating 10 years of the MA in Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy 1998-2008
The MA in Music Therapy is the only degree in Ireland leading to a professional qualification in music therapy. The international growth of the professional discipline of Music Therapy is a consequence of the growing interest in, and need for, professions supplementary to medicine in health care, as well as the development of expert allied health practice in special education.
The Music Therapy MA program addresses the higher education needs of graduates of both arts and/or sciences foundation degrees. This course attracts applicants from a wide variety of musical and health science backgrounds in Ireland as well as other countries and there is a competition for the available places. Entry to the course is adjudged through a rigorous audition and in-depth interview process with a panel of experts.
Qualified music therapists use the unique characteristics of music in musical interaction to support people who have additional needs because of medical, psychological, physical or emotional problems. Music therapists work in a range of settings including nursing homes, residential care facilities, community settings, schools, and hospitals. Music therapists are responsible to develop and implement appropriate programmes after assessment of clients and groups. Outcomes of the work are evaluated and reported to colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
Music Therapists are experts in using the gentle, non-intrusive, non-verbal qualities of music making in conjunction with their insight and training in therapeutic relationships to develop programmes that help identify and address client’s needs. Qualified Music Therapists work as members of a multidisciplinary team and are considered part of the Allied Health professional work force in hospitals, nursing homes, hostels, clinics and schools.
The course requires a high level of music skill on entry. Experience in paid or volunteer work with people who have a disability or experience some sort of social disadvantage/exclusion is required. As the programme is offered in an international academy of music and dance, students from many places and backgrounds are represented in the intake cohort including, to date, students from Canada, China, England, Germany, Greece, Northern Ireland, Norway, and the USA.
Fieldwork Placements
Placements are organised by the programme in conjunction with Qualified Music Therapists employed on the island. Students are advised their placement sites and times and must complete them as agreed; supervisors, dates and sites are non-negotiable. The costs of travel to and from placement and any costs such as purchasing music or having to stay overnight if the placement is not local to Limerick must be covered by the student.
Careers
Qualified Music Therapists are employed in the health service, the education department, community programmes, and/or are self-employed. Graduates of MA in Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy have gained full-time positions in facilities such as Cheeverstown House in Dublin, Cope Foundation in Cork, St Joseph’s Charleville, and the Milford Care Centre in Limerick. Other graduates are employed in a wide range of services including the Mayo Mental Health Service, Bluebox Creative Learning Centre in Limerick, and Enable Ireland, and a number of graduates work at various locations in the North for the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust.
Entrance Requirements
A primary degree in music or psychology at honours level, or an approved qualification in a relevant related discipline.
An interview/audition will be offered to short-listed candidates. It is not possible to enter the course without successfully completing the audition process. Provision is made for international students. All candidates should check the FAQ link.
Faculty:
- Course Director: Professor Jane Edwards
- Lecturer in Music Therapy: Dr Simon Gilbertson
Research:
- HRB Research Fellow in Music Therapy: Alison Ledger
- PhD Student: Andrea Intveen
“…the Masters in Music Therapy programme has many very positive aspects, is headed by two internationally recognized music therapists, and is doing an excellent job of training music therapy students.”
Professor Susanne Metzner, PhD External Examiner for Music Therapy 2007
29 November, 2008
