In your first year, you will build fundamental knowledge and skills in therapy, music, performance and healthcare. You will explore the professional field and the different roles you can take on as a music therapist. In the music workshop, you will train your ear, deepen your understanding of music theory and learn to compose your own music.
Music runs like a thread through your studies: you will receive weekly lessons on your main instrument, as well as classes in singing, percussion, piano and guitar, plus electives such as songwriting or producing. You will perform and sing in ensembles, and there will be many opportunities to make music together with students and lecturers from other programmes.
Making a direct impact
From the very start, you will work in real-life practice. To get to know your target groups and discover what inspires you most, you will complete an introductory internship. Together with your classmates, you will also take on projects from the professional field – for example, making music with cellists, percussionists or a rehabilitation patient playing the Eyeharp. In short, you’ll start making a difference from day one.
Honours Lab
If you want to dive deeper into theory and build a strong professional profile, you can apply for the Honours Lab during your first year.
In your second year, you will broaden your understanding of the professional field and the many ways music therapists can work. You will experiment with different music therapy methods and learn how to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations.
Self-reflection
As a music therapist, you will often work in complex and sensitive situations. Strong self-reflection will help you stay grounded and confident. That’s why this year includes time to look inward – exploring who you are and how you want to grow.
Internship in special education
Together with a student from the Tailor-Made BA Music in Education, you will complete an internship at a school for special education. This experience will help you discover whether the orthopedagogical music therapy specialisation might be right for you.
Projects
Through the Music Therapy Practice Office, you will receive real-world assignments from professional partners. These may include organising a concert or performance, or developing new ways to apply music technology in therapeutic practice.
In your third year, you will focus on a specific area of the professional field and your role within it. This year is all about your internship.
Self-selected internship
Over eight months, you will complete a three-day-a-week internship with a target group and organisation of your choice. You will work under the supervision of an experienced music therapist, giving you valuable insight and preparing you for your future career. Students have completed internships at, among others, the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), School Lyndensteyn and Connect by Music.
Staying connected
Even while you’re completing your internship, you will stay closely connected to the ArtEZ community. Each week, you will return to the conservatory to make music with your peers, exchange experiences and receive coaching from professionals.
In your final year, you will bring together everything you have learned and apply it within a professional role, method or innovation of your choice. You will select a graduation profile and work with specialists in that area.
Graduation profiles
You can specialise in one of the following:
In-depth internship or professional project
You will complete either an in-depth internship or an independent professional project that allows you to add your own personal focus to your chosen profile.
Graduation product
You will complete your studies with your own innovative final product; for example, a personal song collection, a self-developed app, a music therapy method, an in-depth literature study, or a professional research project addressing a real-world question.
Musical final performance
Of course, as a Music Therapy graduate, you will be both therapist and musician. You will showcase your musical skills during the ArtEZ finals and in a collaborative final performance created together with your fellow students.
Of course, as a Music Therapy graduate, you will be both therapist and musician. You will showcase your musical skills during the ArtEZ finals and in a collaborative final performance created together with your fellow students.