Program

Foundation for Music Therapy Studies (Diploma)

Domestic applications

Fall 2025:  Applications Closed.

International applications

Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Credits
60.00
Length of program
Four semesters
Credential type
Diploma
Campus
New Westminster
Learning format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall

Overview

The Foundation for Music Therapy Studies Program assists you in developing grounded and relaxed guitar and vocal techniques used in the music therapy field. You’ll build your music skills through applied music training in melodic intervals, fingerpicking patterns, chord progressions, healthy vocal techniques, body language for performance and more.

As part of your education at Douglas, a music therapist will supervise your progress so you can discuss techniques and get advice on future steps. You’ll further develop your music therapy techniques by playing and singing music publicly in health-care and childcare settings.  

The blend of music and psychology courses provide the prerequisites for third-year entry into Capilano University’s Bachelor of Music Therapy program, currently the only provider of a music therapy degree in B.C.

Admissions Requirements

  1. General College Admission Requirements
  2. English 12 with a minimum final grade of "C", or approved substitution
  3. Intake Interview.  The student will meet with a music faculty member to discuss their program plan.  
  4. Practical Audition. The student will perform music on their primary instrument or voice.
  5. Theory Assessment: The student will demonstrate familiarity and fluency with musical rudiments. Successful applicants will be placed into either MUSC 1101 or MUSC 1110. 
  6. Aural Assessment: The student will demonstrate reliable pitch matching ability, accurate melodic memory, sight singing, and sight rhythm skills. Successful applicants will be placed into either MUSC 1104 or MUSC 1115.

*NOTE:  3.0 credits in Science or Math are required for graduation from this program. Some courses that fulfill this requirement have science or math prerequisites. Please check individual courses for more information.

Cost

Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more. 

For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts. 

Program Requirements

Curriculum framework

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Students must complete 60 credits.
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Students must complete 60 credits.
  • 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years

12 credits: 4 Psychology courses:

6 credits: 2 English courses:

  • ENGL 1130, and
  • any other university transferable* ENGL course

*A University Transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the Research Universities - SFU, UBC (UBCV or UBCO), UNBC, or UVIC in the BC Transfer Guide.

3 credits: 1 Science / Math course, chosen from:

  • PSYC 2315
  • any university-transferable math course (MATH 1234 recommended)
  • any university-transferable science course

3 credits: 1 university-transferable course

12 credits: 4 Academic Music courses:

6-8 credits: any 4 Music Ensemble courses totalling a minimum of 6 credits, chosen from available offerings of the following:

  • Concert Band: MUSC 1130, 1230, 2330, 2430 [2 credits each]
  • Jazz Ensemble: MUSC 1137, 1237, 2337, 2437 [1.5 credits each]
  • Beginning Instrumental Ensemble: MUSC 1135, 1235 [1.5 credits each]
  • Fusion Band**: MUSC 1177, 1277, 2177, 2277 [1.5 credits each]
  • Chorus: MUSC 1140, 1240, 2340, 2440 [2 credits each]
  • Beginning Choral Ensemble: MUSC 1145,1245 [1.5 credits each]
  • Chorale: MUSC 1144, 1244, 2344, 2444 [2 credits each]
  • Percussion Ensemble: MUSC 1184, 1284, 2384, 2484 [1.5 credits each]
  • Guitar Ensemble: MUSC 1185,1285,2385,2485 [1.5 credits each]
  • Chamber Ensemble: MUSC 1134, 1234, 2334, 2434 [1 credit each]

**Note: Fusion Band participation is dependent upon seat availability.  Music Technology students have registration priority.

9 credits: 4 Applied Music courses:

7-9 credits: Music electives, chosen from the following:

Academic Music options:

  • Music Theory: MUSC 1201, 2310, 2410, 2312, 2412 [3 credits each]
  • Music History: MUSC 1221, 1120, 1220, 2320, 2420, PEFA 3136, PEFA 3236 [3 credits each. Only count here if not counted toward the two required Music History courses, above.]

Applied Music options:

  • Ear Training and Sight Singing: MUSC 1204, 2315, 2415 [3 credits each]
  • Composition: MUSC 1113, 1213 [2 credits each]
  • Contemporary Instrumental Improvisation: MUSC 1114, 1214, 2314, 2414 [1.5 credits each]
  • Studio Instruction - General (1/2 hr): MUSC 1153, 1253, 2353, 2453 [2 credits each, additional fees apply]
  • Studio Instruction - General (1hr): MUSC 1152, 1252, 2352, 2452 [3 credits each, additional fees apply]
  • Class Piano - MUSC 1206, 1116, 1216, 2316, 2416 [2 credits each]
  • Keyboard Harmony: MUSC 1162, 1262 [1.5 credits each]
  • Any ensemble course not counted toward the ensemble requirement [1, 1.5, or 2 credits each]

60 credits: TOTAL

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

More Information

Music Theory and Aural Skills Assessment Information

Entrance into the Basic Musicianship, Diploma and Foundations for Music Therapy Studies requires an assessment of your music theory and aural skill level. Please refer to the departmental information page for audition dates and assessment information.

Career Pathways

Graduates of this foundations program typically transfer to Capilano University to become certified as a Music Therapist.