Converse’s Carroll McDaniel Petrie School of Music is the nation’s only comprehensive, professional school of music within a liberal arts college for women. Converse is also the first women’s college in the US to be named an All-Steinway School, an honor earned by a select group of colleges and conservatories that primarily use Steinway & Sons concert and practice pianos.

All classes and private lessons are taught by Petrie faculty, and the low 7:1* student/teacher ratio ensures that students have significant and ongoing interaction with artist-teachers who are active in performing, conducting and research.

* 9:1 student/teacher ratio for Converse College overall

MUSIC THERAPY AT THE PETRIE SCHOOL

All musicians—performers, teachers, scholars and therapists—are engaged in the study of music. Music therapists focus on the therapeutic applications of music with persons who have disabilities and health challenges.

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy is the newest degree program in the Petrie School. The degree:

• Is the only program of its kind in the Upstate region of South Carolina
• Has been approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
• Is a partnership between Converse and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
• Prepares students to meet entry level competencies set by the AMTA in order to prepare them for professional practice in music therapy

In addition to completing core music coursework in theory, aural skills and music history, the music therapy student studies the psychology of music, applied research and methods utilized in clinical applications of music in healthcare settings. A six-month internship is also included in the curriculum.

LEARNING OUTSIDE THE STUDIO

As students complete their clinical training, they practice in a variety of educational and healthcare settings under the supervision of a Board Certified music therapist. They may work with children in a pediatric unit or with children with disabilities in public school settings. They refine their clinical skills while working with older adults in Hospice programs or with persons with emotional challenges in outpatient psychiatric settings.

MUSICIANSHIP

In addition to being competent in one’s major instrument, a music therapy student must become competent in piano, voice and guitar in order to engage others in musical experiences such as improvisation, songwriting and percussion interventions.

Beyond strong musical skills, a successful music therapist possesses compassion for others, creativity and the ability to self-reflect.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Converse Music Therapy Program applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition to meeting audition requirements for the Petrie School, applicants must participate in a personal interview and audition with the coordinator of the Music Therapy Program. The applicant should prepare a memorized popular song for the audition, and be prepared to sing and accompany herself using either guitar or piano.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Converse music therapy students have initiated their own student organization, Musicians Helping Others, which sponsors community events and invites guest clinicians to the campus. In addition, students attend and host meetings of the Music Therapy Association of South Carolina. They are encouraged to become student members of the American Music Therapy Association and to attend national and regional conferences. These conferences, meetings and workshops provide Converse music therapy students with opportunities to meet students from other schools, and to network with and be mentored by experts in the field.

CAREERS IN MUSIC THERAPY

Increasingly, music therapy practice is expanding to meet the needs of today’s consumer. Practicing music therapists can be found in wellness programs, pain/stress management clinics, substance abuse programs, and general medical facilities where clinicians work in oncology, pediatrics, transitional care and neo-natal intensive care units. Another growing trend in the field is the development of private practice and consultant services.