Music Therapy

 
Music Therapy Internship and Fieldwork / Practicum Opportunities at BKCM!

BKCM has been a training ground for students enrolled in AMTA approved, university programs in music therapy at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. We only accept students enrolled as music therapy majors, whether at the undergraduate or master’s degree level. We have partnered with NYU, Berklee College of Music, Montclair University, Molloy College, SUNY New Paltz and Howard University.

Our internships run from September through June. We do not accept interns for spring or summer placements and an intern must commit to the entire school year. We are currently accepting internship applications for the 2023-2024 school year. The application deadline is March 20, 2023. Apply here.

Fieldwork, pre-internship and practicum placements are decided on a case by case basis depending on supervisor and placement availability. Fieldwork applications will be accepted from April 1 through August 1, 2023. If you are interested in being considered, please apply here.

Thank you for your interest. Please send all applications and questions to Music Therapy Director: Toby Williams MA, LCAT, MT-BC. toby.williams@bkcm.org.

Amoako Buachie performing at Music Therapy Sings!

Music activates, inspires, and stimulates emotional expression. Music relaxes, calms the nervous system and is helpful in restoring internal balance. Music connects us to ourselves and to others. Music is life affirming.

The developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist. The Conservatory offers the services of master’s degree level, certified music therapists with New York State creative arts licenses. These professionals are trained multi-instrumentalists with specialties that include psychology, special education and other related fields.

Download a pdf with information and pricing.

 

Adaptive Music Lessons

Children and adults who show an interest in learning to play an instrument, but who need extra support, can benefit from studying with a music educator with a degree in music therapy.
 

On-Site Music Therapy

In Music Therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.

Music Therapy Outreach Programs!

The Music Therapy Outreach Program is available to provide music therapy services to public and private schools, social service agencies, youth and foster care programs, and adult and senior programs in Brooklyn and Queens. Our programs are for children and adolescents with special needs or who are at-risk, and adults and seniors with special needs. Programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each school or organization, and can be held at your program location, or on-site at the Brooklyn Campus.

Individual Music Therapy Sessions – Outreach

Our music therapists are able to offer one-on-one music therapy sessions and/or adaptive music lessons for school students at select outreach sites. These are set up through BKCM registration in conjunction with the site and music therapist.
Price: $80 per 30-minute session
If interested, please contact: Toby Williams, Music Therapy Director (MA, LCAT, MT-BC) at toby.williams@bkcm.org.

For more information, contact Toby Williams, Music Therapy Director, at 718-622-3300 x216.

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Music Therapy Department is also an Approved Provider of continuing education credits for the Certification Board of Music Therapists.  Any upcoming course offerings are listed on BKCM’s events page

Music Therapy Testimonials

  • My son Nicholas is 12 years old and has autism. He has always had a passion for music, whether it is classical or pop latino. He also loves playing the piano. Being a part of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (which he actually asks to go to), has improved his focus and his attention span. It is one of the few things he actually stays focused on for more than 15 minutes at a time. I am thankful to Christina, his music therapist for being so patient and caring as well as giving Nicholas the opportunity to try other instruments. Now he likes the piano as well as the guitar. I am so proud of his progress.

    Denise Jordan, Parent

  • The music brought him back to a familiar place and helped motivate him to participate in therapy and heal.

    Cheryl Boucher, Mother of a child who suffered a paralyzing brain assault

  • My son, Gerry was diagnosed with a learning disability at age 2. He spoke very little with the exception of singing songs. Like many other parents with special needs children, my spare moments were spent searching for ways to promote language and other ways to reach my son. I was searching for music classes in Brooklyn one day and came across the Conservatory’s Music Therapy program. Its staff was so kind and approachable. They immediately assessed my son and found a perfect group therapy setting for him where he has developed a special camaraderie that he has not had in his life. His therapist Christina has allowed Gerry to enjoy music in his own way and he has grown and responds to music more appropriately. And now, in part due to his involvement in the program, he is developing more and more pragmatic speech. Most surprising to me has been the friendship and bond I share with the other parents. I am so grateful to the Conservatory for creating the very special environment for Gerry and me.

    Barbara C. Smith, Parent

  • The music therapy program at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music has provided a great service for our consumers. They really enjoy the abilities and talent that the music therapists bring to each session. Our consumers have been able to grow exponentially in their artistic endeavors, as well as in their interaction skills. Some of our consumers, whose disabilities range from mild to severe, came to the Conservatory with certain skills on their respective instruments. However, no matter what their skill or level, all of our individuals have benefited in one way or another. In addition to improving their musical skills, the music therapists have also taught our consumers social interaction and creative exploration. We greatly value our partnership with the Conservatory, for not every Day Habilitation Program has the opportunity to take advantage of the services that they offer.

    Neil Ehrlich, Director of Habilitation Services at ARC