Master of Music Therapy creative application requirements

The Master of Music Therapy has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the application process.

To be considered for selection into the Master of Music Therapy, you need to submit a course application and prepare a folio. An audition and interview will be required for all shortlisted applicants as part of the selection process.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these folio and interview requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026

Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Master of Music Therapy course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

30 September 2026

Submit your course application direct to The University of Melbourne.


Prepare and upload your folio as part of your creative tasks via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

Graduate Access Melbourne application due (domestic applicants only)

23-30 October 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a callback audition and interview.

11 December 2026

Psychology prerequisite transcript upload due.

What to prepare

Recorded audition

You must include six pieces of music 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 recordings 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 a minimum of 6 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 creative application. (If your primary instrument is guitar or voice, you are still required to complete all six recordings)

Song suggestions can be found here.

Personal statement

Provide a 500-word personal statement outlining motivation for applying to the course. The statement should include relevant supporting information such as skills, experience, achievements and potential contributions to the program.

Within the Creative Application Platform, you will be asked to provide the name and contact details of three referees to submit a referee report on your behalf: One character reference, one academic reference, and one person who can attest to your musical ability.

Your referees may submit their referee reports up to 5 days after the Master of Music Therapy application deadline. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and deadline.

An audition and interview will be required for all shortlisted applicants as part of the selection process. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of how to book an interview, one week after applications close.

Interviews will run for 20 minutes and will be held online via Zoom. You will be given a song, approximately one week prior, which you will be required to perform, accompanying yourself on guitar. Please ensure that your guitar is tuned.

At the interview, you will also be asked to discuss your interest in the study of music therapy, your understanding of the profession and of literature, and any relevant experience. You are strongly advised to observe the work of a qualified and registered music therapist. A list of the facilities available for observation can be viewed here.

You should also research information on Music Therapy from prominent sites, such as:

The following textbook is also strongly recommended:

  • Meadows, A. (Ed.). (2011). Developments in Music Therapy Practice: Case Study Perspectives, Barcelona Publishers.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend an audition and interview, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the interview booking stage.

How to submit your selection tasks

Your folio must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications received after the published closing day cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Academic reference
  • Musical ability
  • Performance on primary instrument covering a range of contrasting styles (combination of classical, jazz, improvisatory work, etc.)
  • Demonstrated vocal skill across a range of genres, styles, or decades
  • Guitar accompaniment demonstrating a minimum of basic skills, including first position chords, barre chords, bass runs, and various accompanying styles such as strumming and picking techniques

The audition and interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Applicant's musical ability
  • Interest in the study of music therapy, an elementary understanding of the profession, and relevant experience.

Additional information

Conditions of enrolment

Successful applicants will be required to hold a current police check and Working with Children Check (Volunteer), and this must remain valid for the duration of the course.

Terms and conditions

The Placement Coordinator will organise placements in a range of areas to provide students with broad experience. Every effort will be made to arrange placements in your region; however, in some cases, this may prove impossible. In this case, placements based in another city may be an alternative, with the cost of travel and accommodation covered by the student.