Music Therapy Program

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice, that utilizes standardized music interventions implemented by a board-certified music therapist, to facilitate the growth, development and achievement of non-musical outcomes of an individual.

Music therapists address goals related to cognition, motor, communication, social, emotional and wellness needs of individuals, where evidence-based interventions, such as music listening, singing, instrumental play, songwriting and improvisation are implemented in the therapeutic process. The efficacy of music therapy is supported by decades of research that continues to advance each year.

UTC music therapy students actively immerse themselves in classroom-based lecture and applied learning experiences, to foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which directly transfer to all areas of clinical practice.

UTC music therapy students are exposed to multiple clinically diverse populations during field placement work, allowing for continued intellectual and applied growth, as well as the establishment of a foundation for life-long learning, thinking, and reflection. Music therapy student’s work collaboratively to cultivate positive change and community enrichment through music-based programming, focusing on the growth and development of applied musicianship skills and the understanding of populations served by board – certified music therapists.

UTC faculty, and staff provide music therapy student’s structured educational and or clinical environments to promote intellectual curiosity, development and achievement of competency-based skills, within music foundation courses, clinical foundation courses and music therapy foundation courses, as well as empower students to identify a sense of self, in relationship to the professional practice of a board - certified music therapist.

Furthermore, all UTC music therapy students, faculty and staff adhere to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Code of Ethics, AMTA Professional Competencies and AMTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Music Therapy program is fully accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).