How do I apply?

Before applying, all applicants are encouraged to read the Master of Music Therapy Information Pack. Applicants are also strongly advised to observe the work of a qualified and registered music therapist. A list of suggested facilities available for observation visits is provided in the Music Therapy Information Pack.

Entry to the Master of Music Therapy is based on a portfolio, an audition, and an interview. Applicants will be required to complete the requirements below.

There are three components to each application. Applicants must complete components 1 and 2 by the application closing date.

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may like to contact our Faculty’s Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development before proceeding. They can assist you with your application and provide you with additional information about your study options.

1. University Application

   Submit a direct application via University's application portal

2. Supplementary application

   Upload your portfolio via the supplementary application form

3. Audition/INTERVIEW

   Shortlisted applicants will be required to audition/interview as the final component of the application process, during which you will be asked to perform a song on voice and guitar from memory. Applicants will be advised of the song a week before interviews. For more information, please visit Auditions and Interviews

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   Portfolio

   Applicants will be required to upload the following via the supplementary application form:

   • documented relevant work experience in community or health-related fields; and
   • academic transcript; and
   • transcript of completed (prior to commencing the Master of Music Therapy) psychological studies of:
     • at least 12.5 credit points of psychology studies at a tertiary level; or
     • MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) from the approved list; and
   • video recorded material of:
     • three pieces presented on your primary instrument, covering a range of contrasting styles recorded in a single take; and
     • three vocal songs accompanied by your own guitar playing recorded in a single take;
   • three referees: one character reference, one academic reference, and a person who can attest to the applicant's musical ability; and
   • CV; and
   • Personal Statement; and
   • observation of a music therapist report

   Academic Transcript

   Copies of official academic transcripts of prior tertiary studies music be uploaded via the supplementary application. If transcripts are not in English, you will need to provide an official translation in addition to a copy of the original documents.

   Pre-requisite Psychology

   Applicants should have completed at least 12.5 credit points of psychology studies at The University of Melbourne (or equivalent) tertiary level or an equivalent MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) from the approved list in the Master of Music Therapy Information Pack. An official transcript of the psychology pre-requisite must be submitted by Friday 15 December, as this is a pre-requisite to enrolment. It is not possible to enrol without meeting this pre-requisite by the set date. It is not possible to complete your psychology requirements at the same time as you are studying music therapy. There will be no extensions given on the due date for this pre-requisite requirement.

   Recorded Material

   A video recording is required for all applicants and must be submitted as part of your application by the close date. The purpose is to enable assessment of your music performance ability and the level of musicianship.

   Applicants who are not at the required standard will not progress to an interview. Those who do not progress to the interview are encouraged to spend time developing their musicianship and apply again the following year.

   Six pieces of music are required, as follows:

   • Three pieces presented on your primary instrument, covering a range of contrasting styles. The pieces may be a combination of classical, jazz, improvisatory work etc. The three primary instrument recording must be completed in a single take.
   • Three vocal songs accompanied by your own guitar playing. The pieces should demonstrate your vocal skill across a range of genres, styles or decades. Your guitar accompaniment should demonstrate a minimum of basic skills, including first position chords; barre chords; bass runs; and various accompanying styles such as strumming and picking techniques. Only one song can be an original composition, and one song in a language other than English is permitted (but not required). The three voice and guitar recordings must be completed in a single take.
   • The two recordings (3 primary instrument pieces and 3 vocal pieces) must be edited into a single file and uploaded via the supplementary application form.

Referees

Applicants must provide three referees: one character reference, one academic reference, and a person who can attest to the applicant's musical ability. The referee details must be submitted in the supplementary application form. Referees will be sent a referee report to complete. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure references are completed and forwarded no later than 1 week after applications close.

GRADUATE ACCESS MELBOURNE

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) is the University’s equity program for domestic graduate students. Under GAM, specific circumstances of applicants will be considered in relation to admission and bursaries.

You can apply using one or more of these categories:

• Disadvantaged financial background
• From a rural or isolated area
• Under-represented school
• Difficult circumstances
• Disability or medical condition
• Non-English speaking background
• Recognition as an Indigenous Australian
• Mature-age consideration (Non-School leaver entry pathway)

Wondering if you are eligible for any of these categories? Each category has its own criteria, so before applying, check to see if you are eligible via the Graduate Access Melbourne page, as well as instructions on how to apply.