Music Therapy Equivalency Program

Approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Program description of Equivalence in Music Therapy

The Equivalence in Music Therapy The purpose of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music is to foster the development of musical and clinical skills for the use of music as a therapeutic tool. Music therapy is a growing field in which therapists can work in various settings, including hospitals, mental institutions, special education programs, nursing homes, and private practice. This study program is designed for students who want to dedicate their professional life to using music as a tool to achieve non-musical goals with different populations. It will prepare qualified music therapists by providing the student with musical training, clinical training, practical experiences in real settings, and a 1,200-hour internship, with an emphasis on applying practice based on scientific evidence. Professionals with degrees in music or fields other than music therapy may choose to apply for admission to this program. 

Goals of the Music Therapy Equivalency Program 

• Promote the development of musical and clinical skills for the use of music as a therapeutic tool.  
• Provide a broad understanding of the philosophical and practical aspects of music therapy. 
• To train the most qualified professionals in the field of music therapy who will become leaders in the development of new programs for the benefit of the health system in general and the particular needs of Puerto Rican society. 
• Promote an academic environment that encourages research in the field of music therapy in general and specifically in Puerto Rico, in order to support the needs of music therapy programs. 

Admission requirements of the Equivalence in Music Therapy 

1. Have completed a Bachelor of Music, equivalent university degree in music (Arts) or comparable degrees offered by accredited foreign universities.  
2. Complete and submit the admission application with the corresponding payment on or before the date established in the academic calendar. 
3. Request that the transcript of credits from high school or the last accredited institution where you studied be sent to the Conservatory. The transcript must show a general academic index of 3.00 or more on a 4.00 point scale. 
4. Submit a written essay of at least 500 words, explaining the reasons why the applicant wants to be a music therapist, his or her professional goals and objectives, and any special qualities he or she believes will help him or her achieve them. The essay must be submitted with the application for admission. 
5. Interview – Pass the interview with the Music Therapy faculty. The purpose of this interview is to get to know the applicant better, assess his/her vocation for a career in music therapy, and discuss the written essay submitted. The faculty will determine through this interview whether he/she should be recommended to take the following parts of the entrance exam or whether, on the contrary, he/she should reorient his/her studies towards another area. If the candidate receives a favorable recommendation, the instrument audition will be held. 
6. Performance on the main instrument with a piece of their choice. Candidates must demonstrate a basic level of knowledge in playing the guitar and piano, performing (singing) with simple accompaniment (basic I, IV and V chords) a popular piece of their choice. .
7. Demonstrate written and conversational proficiency in both English and Spanish. Applicants will be required to write one essay in English and one essay in Spanish following the interview.
8. Submit three letters of recommendation. 

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Music Therapy Equivalency Program of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico are trained to perform their duties as music therapists in a wide variety of settings with excellence and leadership. In addition, they are musicians, capable of professionally performing their primary instrument, as well as singing and playing the guitar, piano and other percussion instruments therapeutically. They have an ethical attitude and the necessary skills to contribute to the development of the environments in which they work, respecting diversity. They are able to work in an interdisciplinary team, to research and create proposals to support the development of multidisciplinary health programs. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, they value the importance of preventive care and the mind-body connection. They value the client, patient, participant or student as a whole person and not simply a diagnosis. They work with their skills to address their needs and objectives. In addition, they will have the necessary skills to continue master's studies if they so desire. They demonstrate knowledge of technology and its application to learning, research and work environments. 

Curriculum Structure of the Music Therapy Equivalency Program

Total credits: 42 credits  

The Music Therapy Equivalency Program is a graduate degree program for students who have earned a Bachelor of Music degree from a recognized and accredited institution. The curriculum, content, and time requirements for the Music Therapy Equivalency are structured to provide the musical and clinical skills, knowledge, and competencies expected of a Board Certified Music Therapist (CBMT).  

The Music Therapy Equivalency student is expected to have previously completed the Music Support Courses (Musical Fundamentals) components for this specialization.  

Studies in the area of specialization (music therapy) include the following courses: 

One (1) semester of Fundamentals and Principles of Music Therapy 

One (1) semester of Methods and Techniques in Music Therapy 

One (1) semester of Methods and Techniques in Music Therapy: Children and Adolescents 

One (1) semester of Methods and Techniques in Music Therapy: Adults 

One (1) semester of Influence of Music on Behavior 

One (1) semester of Music Psychology 

Two (2) year seminar on music therapy 

Two (2) years of music therapy Practicum 

Two (2) years of music therapy Practicum – 180 hours of clinical practice 

1,020 hours of internship  

The Clinical Fundamentals area includes the following courses: 

One (1) semester of Growth and Development of Human Life 

One (1) semester of Introduction to Psychology 

One (1) semester of Nature and Needs of the Exceptional Child 

One (1) semester of Psychopathology 

One (1) semester of Anatomy and Physiology 

One (1) semester of Counseling Techniques for Groups and Individuals 

Students must demonstrate proficiency in singing, piano and guitar performance. It is recommended that students begin in the August-December semester to follow the established sequence.

Additionally, a minimum of 2.0 years of study is required before completing the internship. 

Study plan

Application