Music Therapy, B.M.
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 76 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, University 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 the strengths in performance and/or composition 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.
After acceptance and upon entrance, students will be assessed with regard to their performance levels. They will also be given the option to take placement surveys in musicianship, written theory, and/or keyboard skills, or they may simply choose to begin their studies at the introductory level. Specific information concerning the content of these surveys and suggestions for preparation are available by contacting the Conservatory Office.
Transfer of Credits
Most courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis. The following core courses will transfer directly:
- Theory I and II (MUSC 154 and MUSC 164)
- Musicianship I, II, III, and IV (MUSC 153, MUSC 163, MUSC 353, and MUSC 363)
- Introduction to Piano and Keyboard Skills I (MUSC 100 and MUSC 118)
In order to pass out of Theory III (MUSC 354) or Keyboard Skills II (MUSC 119), the student must display proficiency by achieving favorable scores on the Theory and Keyboard placement surveys.
No credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement surveys 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 surveys.
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 either the voice or instrument under study, or in composition. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via "special employee" 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. 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.
Curriculum Requirements
Integration Seminar Requirement
All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take a Biblical Studies Integration Seminar. This requirement must be fulfilled by taking BBST 465 as "Redeeming Culture through Music."
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses | ||
Candidates for Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts. | ||
Biological Principles | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Musicianship and Music Therapy Courses | ||
MUSC 104 | Introduction to Guitar | 1 |
MUSC 105 | Foundations and Principles of Music Therapy | 3 |
MUSC 118 | Keyboard Skills I 1 | 1 |
or MUSC 261 | Keyboard Sight Reading I | |
MUSC 119 | Keyboard Skills II 1 | 1 |
or MUSC 262 | Keyboard Sight Reading II | |
MUSC 145 | Applied Music (Primary Instrument) 2 | 6 |
MUSC 153 | Musicianship I 3 | 1 |
MUSC 154 | Theory I 4 | 3 |
MUSC 160 | Essential Technologies for Musicians I | 1 |
MUSC 163 | Musicianship II 3 | 1 |
MUSC 164 | Theory II 4 | 3 |
MUSC 170 | Essential Technologies for Musicians II | 1 |
MUSC 200 | Performing Arts Forum 5 | 0 |
MUSC 218 | Music Therapy Methods and Techniques | 3 |
MUSC 225 | Psychology of Music | 3 |
MUSC 270 | Introduction to Songwriting | 2 |
MUSC 275 | Music Area Seminar 6 | 0 |
MUSC 315 | History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque | 3 |
MUSC 316 | History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic | 3 |
MUSC 335 | Music Therapy Observation | 2 |
MUSC 353 | Musicianship III 3 | 1 |
MUSC 354 | Theory III 4 | 3 |
MUSC 367 | Pop Theory for Worship and Commercial Music | 2 |
MUSC 375 | Music Therapy Practicum 5 | 4 |
MUSC 376 | Music Therapy Improvisation | 2 |
MUSC 377 | Music Therapy Group 7 | 2 |
MUSC 378 | Music Therapy with Children | 2 |
MUSC 410 | Music Cultures of the World | 2 |
MUSC 460 | Music Therapy for Adults | 2 |
MUSC 461 | Internship in Music Therapy 8 | 6 |
MUSC 485 | Music in Therapy | 3 |
PSYC 309 | Introduction to Psychopathology | 3 |
Ensembles 9 | 6 | |
Program Course Requirements: 76 credits | ||
Core Curriculum Requirements 10 | 60 | |
Total Credits | 136 |
- 1
Keyboard principal students are exempt from MUSC 118 and MUSC 119. Keyboardists must take MUSC 261 and MUSC 262.
Students may take the Keyboard Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Keyboard requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 100 Introduction to Piano.
- 2
Must be taken for a total of 6 credits through proficiency: level 356.
- 3
Students may take the Musicianship Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Musicianship requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 153 Musicianship I. Musicianship courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.
- 4
Students may take the Theory Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of their Theory requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 098 Introduction to Theory. The first two semesters of Written Theory courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.
- 5
Must be taken for a total of 4 semesters.
- 6
Music Area Seminar is taken every semester in conjunction with Applied Music.
- 7
Must be taken for a total of 2 semesters.
- 8
Must be taken for a total of 6 credits.
- 9
Instrumental students: 4 ensembles with Primary Instrument and 2 Choral ensembles. Voice students: 6 Choral/Opera ensembles, 2 of which may be Pop.
- 10
See Core Curriculum section for details.
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 |
GNST 102 | 1 | ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 |
PSYC 200 (Required) | 3 | Communications (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
Music | 10 | Music | 8 |
17 | 17 | ||
Total Credits 34 |
Second Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
BBST 251 | 3 | BIOS 100 (Required) | 3 |
HIST 100 or 101 | 3 | Music | 12 |
Music | 8 | ||
17 | 18 | ||
Total Credits 35 |
Third Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 354 | 3 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
KNES Activity | 1 | HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 |
Music | 13 | KNES 107 | 1 |
Music | 7 | ||
Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | |||
17 | 14 | ||
Total Credits 31 |
Fourth Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
PSYC 309 | 3 | Music | 9 |
Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | ||
Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | ||
15 | 15 | ||
Total Credits 30 |
Fifth Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
MUSC 461 | 3 | MUSC 461 | 3 |
3 | 3 | ||
Total Credits 6 |
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 | Music | 10 |
Music | 9 | ||
18 | 18 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
PSYC 200 (required) | 3 | Music | 10 |
Music | 7 | ||
18 | 18 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 337 | 4 |
HNRS 326 | 2 | HNRS 339 | 2 |
Music | 12 | BIOS 100 (required) | 3 |
ENGL 313 | 3 | ||
KNES 107 | 1 | ||
Music | 5 | ||
18 | 18 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
HNRS 443 | 4 | HNRS 458 | 4 |
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
PSYC 309 | 3 | Music | 10 |
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 | ||
Music | 4 | ||
15 | 17 | ||
Fifth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
MUSC 461 | 3 | MUSC 461 | 3 |
3 | 3 | ||
Total Credits 146 |
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.