Music Therapy, B.M.
Pending AMTA approval
Mission
The mission of the music therapy program is to prepare graduates, grounded in a Christian worldview, to use their musical gifts and skills, and therapeutic techniques to enhance the well-being of those with physical and emotional disorders.
Degree Program
The Bachelor of Music degrees are offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. The major requirements include completing 96 credits.
Students interested in pursuing this degree must demonstrate a high level of commitment to music therapy as a profession.
Special Programs/Opportunities
Ensembles
The Conservatory provides opportunities for experience in several types of vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Biola Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Music Ensembles. All are open to non-music majors as well as music majors by audition.
Concert Series
The Conservatory concert series features outstanding guest artists and student ensembles.
Masterclasses and Artist-in-Residence Program
Opportunities for participating in masterclasses with guest artists are available annually. Of special note is the ongoing series of masterclasses and recitals by world-renowned artists, including Menahem Pressler, pianist, Artist-in-Residence.
Local Opportunities
The Southern California area provides exceptional opportunities for hearing the world's leading artists, as well as outstanding college and church music performances.
Service Opportunities
The Los Angeles metropolitan area offers many opportunities for remunerative service in music. There are frequent openings for competent church choir directors, soloists, accompanists, instrumentalists, and organists.
Scholarships
Music awards in varying amounts are available to qualified students. Complete information is available by emailing music@biola.edu or by writing:
Director, Conservatory of Music
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639-0001
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency of the foundation of musical knowledge related to musical theory, analysis, and history (ULO 1).
- Demonstrate integration of faith in the musical disciplines and anticipated future professional activities (ULO 2).
- Demonstrate synthesis of all degree-specific coursework and development of musicianship, knowledge, and skill expected in the professional field through expertise displayed in the degree capstone experience (ULO 3).
Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.
Admission Requirements
All students seeking admission must demonstrate musical background and performance strengths necessary for successful completion of the stated curriculum. Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Conservatory as a music major. A student will be admitted to the Conservatory of Music after:
- Meeting requirements for University admission.
- Completing a Conservatory application with the required number of references.
- Completing a Conservatory audition, including a basic musicianship examination designed to demonstrate university level music study readiness.
After acceptance and upon entrance, students will be given placement examinations and auditions in music dictation, keyboard skills and performance. These examinations are given for the purpose of validating prior study and determining proper placement in music courses. Specific information concerning the content of these examinations and suggestions for preparation are available by contacting the Conservatory Office.
Transfer of Credit/Advanced Standing
With the exception of courses in music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance, courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis.
Prior study in the areas of music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance will be validated through placement examinations.
Advanced standing may be gained through placement examinations in the areas of music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance; however, no credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement examinations without comparable prior course credit will increase elective credits required.
Credit for courses taken at a non-accredited college or university will be granted only through placement or challenge examinations.
Applied Music
In order to graduate, music students must reach primary applied proficiency level standards designated for each degree program. Applied Music lessons are guided by faculty or studio artists who have expertise and professional experience in the voice or instrument under study. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via independent contracts and thus do not undergo the same process for hire as do faculty. The studio artists are all highly competent individuals who appreciate Biola and endorse the goals of the Conservatory, but their theological conceptualization has not undergone the same close review as that of the faculty. For more information, see the Conservatory Office.
GPA Requirements
Students in the degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of "C" in each required course.
Integration Seminar Requirement
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take BBST 465 as "Redeeming Culture through Music" (this course fulfills the integration seminar Bible requirement).
Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Program-Specific Core Requirement | ||
Candidates for Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts. | ||
Human Anatomy 1 | ||
Program Core Music Studies Courses | ||
Major Ensembles (Vocal) | 4 | |
Biola Chorale | ||
Women's Chorus | ||
Men's Chorus | ||
MUSC 002 | Chamber Music Ensemble (Percussion Ensemble) | 1 |
MUSC 013 | Worship and Popular Music Ensemble | 3 |
MUSC 100 | Keyboard I | 1 |
MUSC 102 | Voice Class | 1 |
MUSC 104 | Guitar Class | 1 |
MUSC 118 | Keyboard II | 1 |
MUSC 119 | Keyboard III | 1 |
MUSC 145 | Applied Music 2 | 4 |
MUSC 153 | Sight-Singing and Dictation I | 2 |
MUSC 154 | Music Theory I | 2 |
MUSC 163 | Sight-Singing and Dictation II | 2 |
MUSC 164 | Music Theory II | 2 |
MUSC 200 | Concert Music 3 | 0 |
MUSC 211 | Improvisation for Non Keyboardists: Concepts/Practices | 2 |
or MUSC 217 | Improvisation for Keyboardists: Concepts/Practices | |
MUSC 300 | Concert Music 3 | 0 |
MUSC 317 | Survey of Western Music I: Classical thru Mid-Twentieth Century | 3 |
MUSC 318 | Survey of Western Music II: Medieval thru Baroque | 3 |
MUSC 323 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
MUSC 332 | Music for Children | 2 |
MUSC 347 | Music Technology and Production | 2 |
MUSC 348 | Vocal and Instrumental Arranging for Schools | 2 |
MUSC 353 | Sight-Singing and Dictation III | 1 |
MUSC 354 | Music Theory III | 2 |
MUSC 363 | Sight-Singing and Dictation IV | 1 |
MUSC 364 | Music Theory IV | 2 |
MUSC 410 | Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
MUSC 445 | Applied Music 4 | 4 |
MUSC 470 | Senior Recital/Final Project | 0 |
Studies in Music Therapy and Clinical Foundations | ||
MUSC 105 | Foundations and Principles of Music Therapy | 3 |
MUSC 218 | Music Therapy Methods and Techniques | 3 |
MUSC 225 | Psychology of Music | 3 |
MUSC 228 | Music Therapy with Various Populations | 3 |
MUSC 326 | Influence of Music on Behavior | 3 |
MUSC 461 | Internship in Music Therapy 5 | 6 |
MUSC 484 | Music Therapy Research | 3 |
PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 306 | Psychological Testing and Assessment | 3 |
PSYC 309 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology: Lifespan | 3 |
PSYC 365 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 418 | Seminar in Therapeutic Techniques | 3 |
Total Credits | 96 |
1 | The Core Curriculum requirement in Science/Math for the B.M. is 5 credits. For the B.M in Music Therapy, BIOS 254 is required (4 credits). The remaining 1 credit may be of students' choosing from other approved courses (see the department for advising). |
2 | Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency level 224. |
3 | Concert MUSC 200 must be taken for a total of 4 semesters. Concert MUSC 300 must be taken for a total of 3 semesters. |
4 | Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency level 428. |
5 | Must be taken for a total of 6 credits. |
NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.
Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.
See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 103 or 165 | 3 | BBST 103 or 165 | 3 |
Music courses | 5 | Music courses | 4 |
MUSC 105 | 3 | MUSC 218 | 3 |
PSYC 200 | 3 | BIOS 254 (required) | 4 |
ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | HIST 100 or 101 | 3 |
GNST 102 | 1 | ||
18 | 17 | ||
Total Credits 35 |
Second Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
Music courses | 5 | BBST 251 | 3 |
MUSC 225 | 3 | Music courses | 6 |
PSYC 306 | 3 | MUSC 228 | 3 |
KNES 107 | 1 | PSYC 309 | 3 |
Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | ||
18 | 18 | ||
Total Credits 36 |
Third Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 354 | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
Music courses | 8 | Music courses | 11 |
MUSC 326 | 3 | HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 |
PSYC 320 | 3 | Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | |
KNES Activity | 1 | ||
Writing Competency Requirement | |||
18 | 17 | ||
Total Credits 35 |
Fourth Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture Thru Music - required) | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
Music courses | 9 | BBST 306, 316, 326, or 336 | 3 |
MUSC 484 | 3 | Music courses | 2 |
Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | PSYC 365 | 3 |
PSYC 418 | 3 | ||
ENGL 313 | 3 | ||
18 | 17 | ||
Total Credits 35 |
Fifth Year | |
---|---|
Fall | Credits |
MUSC 461 | 6 |
Music courses | 4 |
ANTH 200, SOCI 220, or SOCI 262 (required for Beh Sci Core Curr) | 3 |
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 |
16 | |
Total Credits 16 |
NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.
Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.
See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 101 | 4 | HNRS 105 | 4 |
HNRS 102 | 4 | HNRS 106 | 4 |
GNST 102 | 1 | MATH 122 | 1 |
MATH 121 | 1 | Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 5 |
Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 8 | ||
18 | 14 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
PSYC 200 | 3 | BIOS 100 | 3 |
Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 3 | Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 3 |
14 | 14 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 338 | 4 |
HNRS 327 | 4 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
LEDU 361 | 3 | KNES 107 | 1 |
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 | Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 6 |
Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 6 | ||
18 | 14 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 440 | 4 | HNRS 450 | 4 |
BBST 465 | 3 | Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 14 |
Additional Required Music Credits (see program requirements) | 11 | ||
18 | 18 | ||
Total Credits 128 |
Note: Certain Music courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Music department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.