College of Arts and Humanities
Music, BM with Pre-Music Therapy Emphasis
Bachelor’s Degree offered in On-campus and Blended formats.
*On-campus format may require some online classes for degree completion.
Prepare for Advanced Study in Music Therapy
Lindenwood University’s Bachelor of Music with a Pre-Music Therapy Emphasis combines intensive musical training with coursework in psychology, human development, biology, and anatomy and physiology.
Through private lessons, ensemble participation, interdisciplinary study, and an internship, students explore how music can support individuals experiencing psychological, developmental, and emotional challenges. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced music therapy degree programs and continue toward professional training in the field.
Why Choose the Pre-Music Therapy Emphasis?
Develop your musicianship through music theory, ear training, music history, conducting, technology, private lessons, and ensemble participation.
Explore topics such as human development, abnormal psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, aging, motivation, and other areas relevant to understanding individual needs across the lifespan.
Strengthen your practical musical abilities through private study in your primary performance area as well as instruction in voice, guitar, and jazz piano.
Complete an internship that connects your coursework with a professional setting and provides experience relevant to future graduate study and career preparation.
What You’ll Study
Students complete an interdisciplinary curriculum in areas such as:
- Music Theory and Ear Training
- Western and World Music History
- Private Music Instruction
- Ensemble Performance
- Voice, Guitar, and Piano
- Human Development
- Abnormal Psychology
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Biology and Human Anatomy
- Music Technology
- Conducting
The combination of music, psychology, and science coursework provides the academic foundation needed to pursue advanced study in music therapy.
Performance and Musical Development
Students receive ongoing private instruction and participate in large or small ensembles throughout the program. These experiences help students strengthen their technique, musical interpretation, collaboration, and ability to adapt music for different settings and audiences.
Specialized coursework in voice, guitar, and jazz piano also helps students develop the versatility commonly needed when using music in therapeutic and community-based environments.
Pathway to Music Therapy Graduate Study
The Pre-Music Therapy emphasis is designed as preparation for advanced education rather than direct entry into professional music therapy practice. Students develop the musical, psychological, scientific, and interpersonal foundation needed to apply to graduate-level music therapy programs.
Because graduate admission and professional credentialing requirements vary, students should work closely with an academic advisor and review the requirements of prospective graduate programs.
Career and Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates may continue into advanced music therapy programs or pursue related opportunities that draw upon their training in music, psychology, and human development.
Potential pathways include:
- Graduate Study in Music Therapy
- Music Therapy Equivalency Programs
- Community Arts Programming
- Behavioral Health Program Support
- Senior Living or Memory Care Activities
- Youth and Family Services
- Arts-Based Nonprofit Programs
- Private Music Instruction
Completion of this bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify graduates to practice as credentialed music therapists. Additional graduate-level or equivalency training and professional certification may be required.
Why Study Pre-Music Therapy?
Music therapy draws upon musicianship, psychology, human development, and evidence-informed practice. Students preparing for this field need both advanced musical abilities and an understanding of how individuals learn, develop, communicate, and respond to different experiences.
Lindenwood’s interdisciplinary curriculum helps students build that foundation while gaining performance experience, scientific knowledge, and practical preparation for the next stage of their education.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Pre-Music Therapy emphasis prepares students to pursue advanced music therapy study. Additional graduate-level or equivalency education, supervised clinical training, and professional certification may be required to practice as a credentialed music therapist.
Students study human development and abnormal psychology while selecting additional psychology coursework in areas such as child psychology, aging, behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and motivation. Required supporting courses also include biology, human anatomy and physiology, statistics, and general psychology.
Shenika Harris, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Humanities