Learn how to use music to support the development and wellbeing of people with complex emotional, intellectual, physical, or social needs.
You'll get a comprehensive grounding in music therapy. Study the theory and put it into practice in a clinical or social community setting. Then take what you've learned from your practical experience and apply that to your research project.
When you study at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), you'll learn from dedicated staff with many years' experience as music therapists.
If you have a mature and compassionate attitude, curiosity, a knack for critical thinking, and a passion for practical, creative music-making, then this programme is for you.
As a musician, it is amazing to see that my desire to help people who have complex needs could be realised through my music.
Full storyJingyuan (Cici) Kong
Master of Music Therapy student
The programme was developed in association with Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ). You'll be encouraged to join this organisation during your training, so you can start building links with other professionals and the supporting community.
Once you've completed your degree, you'll be able to apply for accreditation as a Registered Music Therapist through the Music Therapy Registration Board of MThNZ.
You'll learn from valuable community placements in settings such as special schools, inclusive mainstream schools, pediatric units of hospitals, and adolescent mental health services. You might also be hosted in elder care facilities, hospices, and community units for adults with neurological disorders and mental health challenges.
These valuable placements are also a chance to build the professional networks that will help advance your career.
If you want to pursue an academic or research career, you can complete a PhD. You'll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.
A PhD at Victoria University of Wellington will cost between $6,800 and $8,200 each year, depending on your subject.
The Faculty of Graduate Research will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study. Contact NZSM at music@vuw.ac.nz about available supervision before you apply.
Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.
You'll work closely with staff, getting the benefit of their experience, expertise, and enthusiasm. You'll have opportunities to attend seminars, social functions, and the School of Music's many events. You'll also get to meet and work with music therapy students and graduates at different levels through shared lunches and presentations three times a year.
Māori and Pasifika support staff are available for advice, including on research ethics relating to the Treaty of Waitangi.
When you're doing your Part 2 research, you'll also get a workspace. The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
The programme's partnerships with others within the New Zealand music therapy community will provide opportunities for clinical placements and collaborations. These include:
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. Enjoy the city's lively music scene, featuring musicians from around the world and across the musical spectrum.
You might join past graduates and work as a registered music therapist in special schools and autistic units, early intervention centres, hospices, rest homes, and community mental health services.
Music therapy is still a new profession in New Zealand, but it is growing. Although not many full-time positions are available, you should be able to work full-time by creating a portfolio of contracts with different services and centres.
You can apply for McKenzie Music Therapy Scholarships through the University's scholarships database. These scholarships are for students moving into the research component of their Master's and for candidates doing a PhD in Music Therapy.
If you're about to start your Master's research full time, you can also apply for the Wellington Master's by thesis Scholarship.
You'll find other scholarships listed on the NZSM website.
You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
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