Music Therapy

The music therapy program at Iowa is approved by the American Music Therapy Association and provides those course requirements necessary to become professionally certified as a Music Therapist. The program at Iowa has several distinct advantages:

  • The School of Music at Iowa has a long tradition of artistic excellence
  • Music therapy students receive a comprehensive education in music, and participate in a variety of performance opportunities including vocal and instrumental ensembles
  • The University of Iowa is a regional center for the arts and offers many exciting artistic events
  • The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics comprise the largest university-based teaching hospital in the United States. As a result, music therapy students learn about health care in a variety of interesting and unique treatment settings right on campus.

Students at Iowa enjoy benefits of a large university such as comprehensive course offerings, extensive artistic opportunities, and large library holdings. At the same time, the music therapy classes are generally small in size (approximately 5 to 25 students per class) and are taught by professors in the music therapy and music education area. Opportunities to learn extend beyond the classroom. Music therapy students have numerous opportunities to observe practicing clinicians as well as to learn clinical techniques through supervised practical experiences in health care settings. A program of outside speakers, typically practicing music therapists from a variety of clinical settings, broadens the students' knowledge of the profession at large. Students enjoy the fellowship of other students and a variety of workshops and pre-professional experiences through activities sponsored by the Student Music Therapy Club.

Degree Requirements

Contact Information

For information about the undergraduate Music Therapy program, contact:

Dr. Mary Adamek, Ph.D., MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy Program
The School of Music, The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242, Phone (319) 335-1643
E-mail Dr. Mary Adamek

For more information on the graduate or equivalency Music Therapy Program, contact:

Dr. Kate Gfeller, Ph.D., RMT, Director of Gradaute Studies, Music Therapy
The School of Music, The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242, Phone (319) 335-1657
E-mail Dr. Kate Gfeller

For information on admission to the School of Music, auditions, and music scholarships, contact the School of Music Academic Office:

Academic Secretary, School of Music
The University of Iowa
1011 Voxman Music Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone (319) 335-1604
E-mail School of Music Admissions

Last updated 13-nov-07