ObjectivesThe Music Therapy program at Capilano University offers the third and fourth years leading to the Bachelor of Music Therapy. The degree program is designed so that you may enter third year with a variety of backgrounds: music, general arts, education, or nursing etc. All four years may be completed at Capilano University. This program provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop competencies in such areas as music therapy and practice; clinical disorders; assessment, planning, intervention and documentation; improvisation; cultural awareness; counsellings skills and group dynamics; and basic research.
Practical experienceThe program blends academic and experiential course work. Each semester contains a practicum placement allowing you to apply our classroom learning in supervised clinical settings, to design, implement and evaluate your own treatment programs. After completion of fourth year and all the prerequisite courses each student begins the internship course.
Academic titleBachelor of Music Therapy
Course descriptionThe Capilano University Music Therapy program begins in year three.
Any University Transferable Elective 100-level or higher 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
BIOL 104 Human Biology I 4.00
MATH Math Elective 3.00
PSYC 225 Biopsychology of Behaviour 3.00
Natural Science Elective 3.00
Choose 6.00 credits from the following list: 6.00
Humanities 100-Level or higher 3.00
Music 100-Level or higher 3.00
Social Science 100-Level or higher 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
JAZZ 103 The Language of Music 3.00
MUS 100 Theory I 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
JAZZ 106 Traditional Harmony and Composition 1.50
JAZZ 107 Jazz Theory and Composition I 1.50
MUS 101 Theory II 3.00
Choose 1.50 credits from the following list: 1.50
JAZZ 184 Sight Singing/Ear Training I 1.50
MUS 112 Ear Training and Sight Singing I 1.50
Choose 1.50 credits from the following list: 1.50
JAZZ 185 Sight Singing/Ear Training II 1.50
MUS 113 Ear Training and Sight Singing II 1.50
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
JAZZ 170 History of Jazz 3.00
JAZZ 271 Music History I 3.00
MUS 120 Music History I 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
JAZZ 273 Music History II 3.00
MUS 121 Music History II 3.00
Credits 45.00
First Term Course Credits Required: 15.00
MT 320 Improvisation I 1.50
MT 330 Clinical Skills/Practicum I 3.00
MT 350 The Influence of Music 3.00
MT 360 Music Therapy I 3.00
MT 364 Disabling Conditions - Adulthood 3.00
MT 380 Counselling and Interpersonal Skills 1.50
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration 2.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary 1.00
Credits 18.00
Second Term Course Credits
Required: 16.00
MT 361 Music Therapy II 3.00
MT 370 Disabling Conditions - Childhood 3.00
MT 391 Practicum II 6.00
MT 420 Improvisation II - Guitar 1.00
PSYC 222 Abnormal Psychology 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration 2.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary 1.00
Credits 19.00
Third Term Course Credits
Required: 15.00
MT 340 Midi Synthesis Technology 1.50
MT 450 The Influence of Music II 1.50
MT 460 Music Therapy III 3.00
MT 490 Practicum III 6.00
PSYC 201 Group Dynamics 3.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration 2.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary 1.00
Credits 18.00
Fourth Term Course Credits
Required: 15.00
MT 451 Music and the Creative Arts 1.50
MT 461 Music Therapy IV 3.00
MT 462 Principles of Research for Music Therapy Students 3.00
MT 480 Improvisation III 1.50
MT 491 Practicum IV 6.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Concentration 2.00
PMI Private Music Instruction - Secondary 1.00
Credits 18.00
Post Basic Program Requirements
Course Credits
Required: 9.00
MT 510 Internship 9.00
Credits 9.00
Program Electives (optional) Course Credits
Choose from the following list: 0.00
MT 520 Guided Imagery and Music 3.00
MUS 361 Method Studies in Music Education: Orff Methodology 1.50
Credits 0.00
Total Program Credits 127.00
ENGL 100 Academic Writing Strategies
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: See information on English Diagnostic Test in the Registration section of the College Calendar.
This course emphasizes academic research and essay writing skills in a lively context that encourages and enhances both critical thinking and critical reading expertise.
Note: For the focus of the course each term, see the "Courses" page on the English Department website.
ENGL 103 Studies in Contemporary Literature
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: See information on English Diagnostic Test in the Registration section of the College Calendar.
Novels, plays, poems, screenplays, memoirs, graphic novels, and more: this course explores the rich variety of contemporary literature in both traditional and new hybrid genres.
Note: While ENGL 100 is not a prerequisite, competence in essay writing and research is expected.
Note: For the focus of the course each term, see the "Courses" page on the English Department website
ENGL 104 Contemporary Fiction
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: See information on English Diagnostic Test in the Registration section of the College Calendar.
An introduction to new developments in the field of narrative fiction and criticism, this course studies short stories, novellas, traditional and experimental novels, and more.
Note: While ENGL 100 is not a prerequisite, competence in essay writing and research is expected.
Note: For the focus of the course each term, see the "Courses" page on the English Department website.
ENGL 105 Contemporary Poetry
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: See information on English Diagnostic Test in the Registration section of the College Calendar.
Students read, research, and discuss a wide variety of developments and innovations in the writing, publishing, and performance of primarily 20th and 21st century poetry.
Note: While ENGL 100 is not a prerequisite, competence in essay writing and research is expected.
Note: For the focus of the course each term, see the "Courses" page on the English Department website.
ENGL 106 Contemporary Drama
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: See information on English Diagnostic Test in the Registration section of the College Calendar.
This course focuses on recent innovations in drama and important plays written and produced for stage and film primarily in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Note: While ENGL 100 is not a prerequisite, competence in essay writing and research is expected.
Note: For the focus of the course each term, see the "Courses" page on the English Department website.
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
A course designed to introduce the beginning psychology student to some of the major concepts and approaches necessary to an understanding of human behaviour from a psychological perspective. Learning, development, personality, and other selected issues are included.
Note: Students transferring from other institutions with one semester of introductory Psychology should consult with Advising for transferability.
PSYC 101 Theories of Behaviour
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
A course for those students who desire a complete survey of the basic areas of psychology (when combined with PSYC 100), before proceeding to an in-depth study of particular areas. Course content may include topics such as research methods, biological basis of behaviour, consciousness, health, psychological disorders, and therapeutic approaches.
PSYC 200 Social Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
A study of the dynamics and effects of social influences on individual human behaviour. The course looks at such topics as attitudes and attitude changes, social beliefs, roles, conformity, group processes, prejudice, interpersonal attraction and psychological effects of the physical environment.
Note: PSYC 101 is recommended as a prerequisite.
PSYC 201 Group Dynamics
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
A study of the behaviour of individuals in social groups and institutions, such as friendship groups, work groups, therapy groups, and families. This course provides an intellectual and experiential approach to small group theory and allows the student to practise constructive interpersonal skills and leadership skills in a supportive, small group setting.
Note: Restricted to Music Therapy students only.
PSYC 203 History of Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
This course will examine the development of psychological thought to gain a critical understanding of contemporary psychology. Issues will range from the mind-body problem, and the nature of science, to an analysis of historical and contemporary schools in psychology.
Note: PSYC 101 is recommended as a prerequisite.
PSYC 204 Child Development
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
A study of the child's development from infancy to adolescence, including the development of social behaviour, personality, language and cognitive processes. Students will be encouraged to do research and observations.
Note: PSYC 101 is recommended as a prerequisite.
PSYC 205 Adult Development and Aging
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
A course dealing with the psychological development of the individual from early adulthood to death, with emphasis on intellectual and personality changes, and the social context of aging. As well as being exposed to basic research in the area, students will be encouraged to develop an empathetic understanding of the aging process.
PSYC 206 Adolescent Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
This course examines the biological, cognitive and social transitions of adolescence and how they affect such developmental areas as identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality and achievement. As well as being exposed to basic research in the area, students will be encouraged to explore their own identity development.
PSYC 220 Theories of Personality
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
This course will examine theories of personality including psychodynamic, trait, cognitive and humanistic and other approaches. Included will be a consideration of the historical/cultural development of the theory, what the theory says about the development, structure and dynamics of personality and examples of empirical research.
Note: PSYC 101 is recommended as a prerequisite.
PSYC 222 Abnormal Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
A study of the various models and perspectives for viewing patterns and treatment of abnormal behaviour. The course will examine research about how the medical model, behaviouristic school, humanistic school, psychoanalytic school, cognitive school and biological school view normal and abnormal behaviour. This course will also focus on the historical and contemporary approaches to treatment.
PSYC 225 Biopsychology of Behaviour
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
This course will expand on material introduced in introductory psychology dealing with the biological basis of behaviour. Students will examine functions of the nervous system, as well as studying brain anatomy and brain chemistry in relation to both normal and pathological behaviour. As well, students will discuss mind-body issues and develop an understanding of broader ethical and other issues in neuroscience.
PSYC 230 Cognitive Psychology
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and 101
This course will address many of the issues relating to the thinking processes. Research into consciousness, memory, language, imagery, problem solving, creativity and intelligence will be examined, as well as social cognition and cognition across the lifespan.
BIOL 104 Human Biology I
4.00 credits (4,3,0) hrs 15 wks
This course is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology for students who require a lab science elective and those with an interest in nursing or health sciences. Major topics include the chemistry of life, structure and function of human cells and tissues, digestion and nutrition, reproduction, cell division, and genetics. This course together with BIOL 113 satisfies the human anatomy and physiology requirement for most nursing programs in British Columbia.
Note: Credit will only be granted for one of BIOL 104 or 112.
MUS 101 Theory II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MUS 100
Corequisite: MUS 113
This course is a continuation of MUS 100 and is intended to provide a more in-depth study of musical organization and harmonic practice in tonal music of the common-practice era.
MUS 112 Ear Training and Sight Singing I
1.50 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Corequisite: MUS 100
This course develops sight-reading skills and aural perception of tonality, with specific reference to seventeenth and eighteenth-century repertoire, in support of MUS 100 and 120.
MUS 113 Ear Training and Sight Singing II
1.50 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MUS 112
Corequisite: MUS 101
This course develops sight-reading skills and aural perception of tonality, with specific reference to seventeenth and eighteenth-century repertoire, in support of MUS 100 and 120.
MUS 120 Music History I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course introduces musical concepts of organization, such as rhythm, pitch, structure, form and style, and applies knowledge of these concepts in analytical exercises. These concepts of musical structure are used to trace the development of Western music from ancient times to the end of the Classic Period. The course then examines representative music of the Medieval period with respect to style and form, examining the historical framework in which this music was composed, and providing the student with the necessary tools to express this knowledge.
MUS 121 Music History II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MUS 120
This course examines representative music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods with respect to style and form, examining the historical framework in which this music was composed, and providing the student with the necessary tools to express this knowledge.
MUS 361 Method Studies in Music Education: Orff Methodology
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides a knowledge of Orff methodology and the skills necessary to use this teaching method in a classroom.
JAZZ 103 The Language of Music
3.00 credits (4,1,0) hrs 15 wks
Corequisite: JAZZ 114 and 184
An examination of the basics of tonal music including the study of the overtone series, intervals, scales, modes, chord symbols, figured bass, roman numeral analysis, melodic inharmonics, phrase structure, diatonic triads and voice leading.
JAZZ 106 Traditional Harmony and Composition
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: JAZZ 103
Corequisite: JAZZ 107
A study of traditional principles of voice leading with harmonic vocabulary extending to the secondary dominant and including tonicization, simple modulation and pivot chords. Binary and ternary forms will be introduced.
JAZZ 107 Jazz Theory and Composition I
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: JAZZ 103
Corequisite: JAZZ 106
An introduction to jazz theory including: chord scales, extended chords, functional analysis of chord progression, primary and secondary root motion, and analysis and composition of music in the style of jazz standards and the blues.
JAZZ 170 History of Jazz
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
A survey of jazz through styles and stylists from its roots in Africa to the present.
JAZZ 184 Sight Singing/Ear Training I
1.50 credits (2,2,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: JAZZ 103 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
Aural and sight training concentrating on melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation and sight singing.
JAZZ 185 Sight Singing/Ear Training II
1.50 credits (2,2,0) hrs 15 wks
Corequisite: JAZZ 106 and 107
JAZZ 273 Music History II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: JAZZ 271
A continuation of Music History I covering the classical period through the 20th century. As in Music History I, repertoire will be contextualized both within the framework of European cultural history and in the broader context of world music.
A continuation of JAZZ 184.
MT 320 Improvisation I
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
An experiential study of free and structured improvisation forms for groups and solo work.
MT 330 Clinical Skills/Practicum I
3.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
An introduction to the basic concepts of observation, assessment and goal setting, including six weeks of introductory field work and in-class observations.
MT 340 Midi Synthesis Technology
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 420
An introduction to the use of midi technology for the therapeutic setting.
MT 350 The Influence of Music
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
A study of the physical and psychological impact of music, and its components for music therapy. A study of healing and music in various cultures.
MT 360 Music Therapy I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course presents the development of music as therapy, the clientele groups and their needs, and the potential of music as a therapeutic medium.
MT 361 Music Therapy II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 360
This course presents three music therapy styles with a focus on theory, analysis, and practice. Included are Developmental Music Therapy, Nordoff/Robbins improvisational style, and the use of music therapy in in-patient psychotherapy.
MT 364 Disabling Conditions - Adulthood
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
An introduction to anatomy and physiology, normal and abnormal, and practical elements of standard treatment.
MT 370 Disabling Conditions - Childhood
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 364
A basic introduction to abnormal child development and some major intervention approaches.
MT 380 Counselling and Interpersonal Skills
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course introduces Music Therapy students to counselling and interpersonal skills. Students will develop basic counselling techniques, examine their relationship/interpersonal skills, work through models of communication, and improve feedback and confrontation skills.
MT 391 Practicum II
6.00 credits (2,0,4.8) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 330
Field work, in which students design, lead and document music therapy sessions, in consultation with staff supervision. Weekly seminars examine practicum issues.
MT 420 Improvisation II - Guitar
1.00 credit (1.33,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 320
Group leading using guitar improvisation, plus exploring current popular styles and idioms.
MT 450 The Influence of Music II
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 350
A continuation of lecture and experiential exposure to the influence of music in conjunction with the expressive arts.
MT 451 Music and the Creative Arts
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 450
An experiential exposure to leading creative arts activities which can be used in conjunction with music: e.g. dance, visual arts, poetry.
MT 460 Music Therapy III
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 361
A continuation of the presentation of music therapy styles, for psychiatry, palliative care, music education and in healing, including the work of Helen Bonny and Mary Priestley. Assessment and treatment planning will be covered in depth.
MT 461 Music Therapy IV
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 460
This course focuses on professional attitudes, skills and awareness including a significant section on counselling skills for music therapists. Students learn job hunting/creation skills and practise leading inservices and workshops.
MT 462 Principles of Research for Music Therapy Students
3.00 credits (4,6,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
An introduction to elementary research designs and basic statistical procedures.
MT 480 Improvisation III
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 420
A continuation of Improvisation II.
MT 490 Practicum III
6.00 credits (2,0,4.8) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 391
Field work and weekly seminars. (Refer to M.T. 391.)
MT 491 Practicum IV
6.00 credits (2,0,4.8) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 490
Field work and weekly seminars. (Refer to M.T. 391.)
MT 510 Internship
9.00 credits (0,0,1000) hrs wks
Prerequisite: MT 491
1,000 hours of clinical field work, including monthly seminars.
MT 520 Guided Imagery and Music
3.00 credits (20,0,40) hrs 01 wks
This experiential course introduces students to the Bonny method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). Students will learn the theoretical foundations to the method, the application and administration of music and imagery, and the scope of the method. Students will observe GIM sessions, participate as therapist and client, and reflect on their experiences as observer and participant. Successful completion of this course results in a Level One GIM certificate that is endorsed by the Association for Imagery and Music.
Note: Intended for students with a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree or equivalent training in counselling, art therapy, or related health care fields as assessed by the instructor.
MT 521 Guided Imagery and Music II
3.00 credits (5.83,0,0) hrs 12 wks
Prerequisite: MT 520
This course is the first in a series of six advanced level training courses in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music leading to an Advanced Certificate in GIM. This training is endorsed by the Association for Music and Imagery and leads to the designation of Fellow of AMI. Students taking this course are encouraged to complete the advanced courses, upon the recommendation of the instructor, at the end of Level II, MT 521.
Note: Prerequisite may be waived by permission of instructor.
MT 522 Guided Imagery and Music III A: Professional Practice
2.00 credits (4.44,0,0) hrs 09 wks
Prerequisite: MT 521
Corequisite: MT 526
This advanced level training in GIM will address professional issues, ethics, assessment, advanced interventions, contraindications to this method, issues of transference and counter-transference, clinical conditions and GIM, and therapeutic termination. Two additional music programs will also be introduced and students will experience GIM sessions in the role of therapist and client.
MT 523 Guided Imagery and Music III B: The use of Music in GIM
2.00 credits (4.44,0,0) hrs 09 wks
Prerequisite: MT 522
Corequisite: MT 527
This advanced level training in GIM will address in-depth the therapeutic effects of the music in the GIM method. Design of music programs will be explored as well as how to choose music for client needs. Three additional music programs will be introduced. Students will receive supervision in GIM practice sessions.
MT 524 Guided Imagery and Music III C: Imagery, Myth and Symbol
2.00 credits (4.44,0,0) hrs 09 wks
Prerequisite: MT 523
This advanced level training in GIM will explore imagery, colour, archetypal figures, the interpretation of symbols, and Jungian theory. It will also explore the use of mandala drawings in greater depth. One music program will be introduced. Students will receive supervision in GIM practice sessions.
MT 525 Guided Imagery and Music III D: Spirituality
3.00 credits (3.75,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 524
This advanced level training in GIM will explore alternative states, and implications for working with the GIM method. Two new music programs will be introduced. Students will receive supervision in GIM practice sessions.
MT 526 Guided Imagery and Music: Practicum I
1.50 credits (0,0,2.67) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 521
This course requires the student to conduct 37 practice sessions of the Bonny Method of GIM. An approved Fellow of AMI will supervise seven of the 37 sessions, at the student's expense. In addition, students must experience 10 personal sessions given by an additional approved Fellow. Students will also share their work in two daylong seminars spread throughout the term.
MT 527 Guided Imagery and Music: Practicum II
1.50 credits (0,0,2.67) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: MT 521
This course requires the student to conduct 38 practice sessions of the Bonny Method of GIM. An approved Fellow of AMI will supervise eight of the 38 sessions, at the student's expense. In addition, students must experience 10 personal sessions given by an additional approved Fellow. Students will also share their work in two daylong seminars spread throughout the term.