Music Therapy Academic Programs
Update, November 2009
The College of Music’s proposal to disband its academic programs in music therapy has been supported by the Academic Council and approved by the Provost. No new students are being admitted into the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, the Master of Music in Music Therapy, and the PhD in Music Education/Cognate in Music Therapy. Students currently in these programs will be able to complete their degrees.
This action does not affect music therapy clinical services provided through the college’s Community Music School and Community Music School-Detroit. The College of Music remains committed to preserving and expanding these services. For information on music therapy clinical services, please call (517) 355-7661.
A Message from Dean James B. Forger
February 12, 2009
I write concerning the college’s recent decision to propose a moratorium on its academic program in music therapy. As someone who cares about music therapy at MSU, you have the right to know what is happening – and what is not happening – with the academic program and with music therapy clinical services.
Unprecedented financial pressures faced by the university are necessitating significant budget cuts. Regrettably, the College of Music finds itself in a position where it must make difficult decisions.
The College of Music has proposed placing a moratorium on its academic program in music therapy. Under the proposal, all students currently in the program will be able to complete their degrees but no new students will be admitted beginning summer 2009. The degree programs affected include the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and the Master of Music in Music Therapy. In addition, the college will no longer accept applicants to the PhD in Music Education/Cognate in Music Therapy.
We are in the process of contacting students who have recently applied to the program, to give them as much time as possible to make other plans. Our director of admissions will provide students with information about all of their options, including other programs within the College of Music and Michigan State University.
The moratorium does not affect music therapy clinical services provided to families in mid-Michigan through the college’s Community Music School.
As you know, the academic program in music therapy has a long and distinguished history, going back to 1944. However, enrollment in the program has declined significantly in recent years: it currently has 34 students (21 undergraduate students and 13 graduate students); just one student was admitted last fall. Two faculty members, Ted Tims and Roger Smeltekop, whose leadership has been so important to the program, will each retire in the next couple of years. Funding for new positions that would increase the national competitiveness of the program and develop its research profile has been unavailable.
I strongly believe that taking this step now is the responsible one. I understand the profound impact this will have on our students and am concerned, first and foremost, with enabling them to complete their degrees and make successful transitions to professional careers. My staff and I will meet personally with the students who are affected to discuss the services in place to support them as they finish their programs.
Regarding music therapy clinical services, I am committed to preserving and building upon the services currently offered through the Community Music School to clients with special needs throughout the mid-Michigan community. More than 250 individuals benefit from these services every year. Additional services are provided in community settings through collaborations with Hospice of Lansing, Okemos Public Schools, and Peckham. The college also sponsors the annual Eric "RicStar" Winter Music Therapy Camp, which provides unique opportunities for musical expression and enjoyment.
Some services are provided at no cost to a small number of clients (around 35 individuals and several groups each year) by students enrolled in the academic program in music therapy. These will continue while the students complete their degrees and the college explores ways in which it can continue making such services available.
We regret the circumstances that led the college into making this difficult decision. It is my goal to honor the university’s land-grant ideals and the legacy of the academic program through a focus on services that improve the quality of life for mid-Michigan families and individuals with special needs.
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