MUSC 154

MUSC 154: Professional Foundations I

Prerequisites: Music therapy major or permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (2)

This lecture-based course will introduce incoming music therapy majors to the profession of music therapy, focusing on an overarching understanding of the profession with opportunities to define music therapy through an introduction to writing in the discipline. Students will have the opportunity to observe upper level students in their music therapy clinical practicum placements and to begin developing clinical musicianship skills in piano, voice, guitar and percussion.

Detailed Description of Course Content

Introduction to music therapy and defining music therapy
Introduction to clinical musicianship
History of music therapy and the organizational structure of the American Music Therapy Association
Introduction to body systems and the impact of music on human neurobiology and functioning
Introduction to the Code of Ethics, Standards of Clinical Practice, and Professional Competencies
Overview of client diagnoses as observed in clinical sites
Introduction to session planning and using music in a therapeutic context

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course may include the following instructional strategies: lecture, experientials, field-experiences, student presentations, cooperative/group learning, writing-to-learn activities, oral and musical communication activities, and role-playing/simulation.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The following professional competencies, as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association, will be introduced in this course. At the conclusion of the semester students will possess introductory knowledge across the following areas as assessed through a variety of measures:

A basic knowledge of typical and atypical human systems and development (e.g., anatomical, physiological, psychological, social)

A basic knowledge of accepted methods of major therapeutic approaches

Aspects of musical behavior and experience including, but not limited to, perception, cognition, affective response, learning, development, preference, and creativity

The physiological aspects of the musical experience including, but not limited to, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and psychomotor responses

How to conceptualize music therapy experiences that meet clinical objectives

How music therapy experiences address assessed goals and objectives for populations specified in the AMTA Standards of Clinical Practice and the importance of adhering to these standards

The music therapy code of ethics, safety needs of clients, and contraindications for music therapy

Recognize the importance of dependability and display an ability to follow through with all tasks regarding education and professional training

Accept criticism/feedback with willingness and follow through in a productive manner

Resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive manner

Meet deadlines with minimal to no prompting

The importance of treating all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation

The politics of the profession including an awareness of regulatory issues and legislative calls for action affecting music therapy practice

Know the structure of the American Music Therapy Association and the history of music therapy practice

Understand how music therapists interact with reimbursement and financing sources (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Private Health Insurance, State and Local Health and/or Education Agencies, Grants)

Demonstrate a basic understanding of professional roles and duties and the entities with whom music therapists work

Learn about the administrative duties usually required of clinicians (e.g., scheduling therapy, programmatic budgeting, maintaining record files)

Assessment Measures

Mid-term and final exams, scaffolded papers across the semester to develop writing in the discipline, music playing experiences to evaluate music skills and abilities, reflections on readings and quizzes on readings.

Other Course Information

Review and Approval

April, 2019

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