Thank you for visiting the CSUN Music Therapy web page. The CSUN Music Therapy program was established in 1984 by Professor Ron Borczon who retired in the Spring of 2022. Our new director, Hilary Yip, runs the program today.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music option in Music Therapy is designed to prepare students for careers in the therapeutic applications of music (entrance audition required-click here to read more).
- On your audition date you will also be scheduled for a ten-minute interview with the Director of the Music Therapy Program. Please note there will be a short assessment on piano and guitar for all applicants during the interview. At the junior transfer level it is highly recommended that a strong level of proficiency is demonstrated on functional guitar, functional piano, and you can sing in tune while accompanying yourself on these instruments.
- Capstone experience: internship.
- Completion of the program qualifies students to take the national Board Certification examination needed to become a Board Certified Music Therapist.
The Bachelor of Music Therapy is an evidence-based curriculum that consists of both didactic and experiential courses to help develop the creative, intellectual and intuitive skills of students. Students work through many hypothetical and real cases to develop their skills in order to successfully complete the program and reach the culminating experience of the internship. Prior to the start of the internship, the student must demonstrate significant progress toward the competencies as laid out by the American Music Therapy Association.
Music therapy is defined as an allied health profession in which musical interventions are used in an interactive clinical process between a music therapist and the people being served to address their therapeutic or palliative care needs. The program is designed to develop an understanding of music, human development and exceptionality, clinical practice, and the music therapy process to classroom experiences and clinical training in contemporary settings. The Music Therapy program at California State University, Northridge is approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Graduates of the program generally find employment in a variety of situations. Depending on the interest of the graduate they may be employed by: the State of California at the various developmental centers and state facilities; private hospitals; adult day health care centers; geriatric centers and private practice to name a few.
