online store MHTP Class Descriptions & How To Register — Music For Healing & Transition Program

Classes in five modules

Before registering for MHTP classes, it is necessary to first apply to the Program and be accepted as a student.

Two steps for module registration

Step 1: As part of the application process, prospective students usually determine the classes when they will attend based on their own schedule. Study the module schedule to make a plan. Classes are in three time zones: Eastern Region, Mountain Region and Pacific Region.

Step 2: If you have already been accepted (congratulations!), and you know when you'll attend your next module, then you can register for each class module.

Since all of MHTP’s modules are via live videoconference, you will eliminate travel time, lodging and food costs. This model also provides you easy access if you live outside the United States. 

What is a module?

MHTP’s curriculum consists of five modules, each having one or more classes.  All five modules total 80 hours of didactic and experiential classroom group learning:

  • Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 are each 15 hours. They are taught via live videoconference, usually starting on a Friday evening, and continuing on Saturday and Sunday.

  • Module 5 is 20 hours, also videoconference, including a supervised in-hospital Clinical Practicum. It is usually given on a consecutive Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

All modules are face-to-face, which is one of MHTP’s great strengths and an aspect that students love.  This live experience supports personalized instruction and musical critiques, building camaraderie among students and faculty, and sharing of experiences and music. 

If you already know which module you are taking, you can register now. Otherwise, click the links to see when each module is currently scheduled.

  • Module 1 classes: Patient Assessment for Live Therapeutic Music and Injury Prevention for Music Practitioners

  • Module 2 class: Music as a Language

  • Module 3 classes: Music, Sound, & Healing and Paradigms of Healing

  • Module 4 classes: Etiquette & Independent Practicum and Profession of Music Practitioner

  • Module 5 classes: Care of the Dying, Alterations in Health, and Clinical Practicum

See below for in-depth descriptions of each class.

Helpful hints for module registration and attendance

After being accepted to the Program, you must register for each module at least one month prior to the start date of a module according to the instructions on the form. Tuition must be paid according to your chosen Payment Plan. First-time registrants may be exempt from registering one month in advance, with permission from the Administrative Office.

A $30 late fee is required for module registrations received after the one month advance deadline, except for first-time registrants.

The student is responsible for the logistics and system requirements for attending videoconferencing modules.

The student must bring his/her instrument and, if needed, music stand and sheet music, to all modules to participate in and satisfactorily complete classes.

Descriptions of each module

The Handbook for Students and Graduates gives details on registration, pre-work to be done before arriving at the module, the refund policy, and many other aspects of becoming a CMP. 

Module 1

Patient Assessment for Live Therapeutic Music (11 hours)

The CMP must be able to choose appropriate music based on a patient’s condition and environment.  Additionally, a CMP must be flexible enough to change the music according to a patient’s immediate needs and response to the music.  Instruction, discussion, demonstration, and practice are given for matching conditions of patients to suggested types of therapeutic music, as well as processes that develop the student's intuitive and objective assessment abilities.  Each student is expected to participate fully in module exercises.

Injury Prevention for Music Practitioners (4 hours)

Because the prolonged playing of musical instruments and voice can lead to chronic physical discomfort and injury, this class is designed to educate the musician in the pitfalls of poor posture and stressful uses of voices or instruments.  It includes explanation, demonstration, and experiential learning of neutral posture and relaxation techniques to prevent potential problems.

Module 1 is offered as a live videoconference class. See the dates for Module 1 as currently scheduled or register now.

Module 2

Music as a Language (15 hours)

Students will learn the language of music as it applies to servings as CMPs, while delving into music theory, improvisation, composition, memorization, and experiential playing/singing.  When the "moving" language of music is fundamentally understood, appropriate uses of music may be applied to meet the immediate needs of a patient.  By breaking down the elements of music and realizing each element's power, students learn to appreciate the simplicity of this work as CMPs.  Students learn that music is a human birthright which elicits responses in the human body.

Module 2 is offered via videoconference. See the dates for Module 2 as currently scheduled.

Module 3

Paradigms of Healing (6 hours)

This is an exploration of the scope of practice, methods, and attitudes of both complementary/alternative and conventional medical paradigms that CMPs are likely to encounter as they interact with their patients and healthcare professionals.  Students will understand how practice as therapeutic musicians fits into the wide spectrum of the healing arts, and the unique contribution CMPs make in conventional medical settings.  

Music, Sound, and Healing (9 hours)

This is the exploration and experience of the basic physics of sound and music, its effects upon the human body, and multicultural approaches to the use of music for healing the human being.  Students will learn the uses of music as a healing art through the ages; review the basic elements of music, and how these elements can be used for healing body, mind, spirit, and soul.  Students will learn how to understand and how to find current music research to form a logical and persuasive justification for this work.  With this background, students can confidently approach the healthcare community to provide service as CMPs.

Module 3 is offered as a live videoconference class. See the dates for Module 3 as currently scheduled.

Module 4

Note: Modules 1 through 3 must be completed before taking Module 4.

Etiquette and Independent Practicum (10 hours)

The focus of this is planning for the Independent Practicum, completing patient assessments, and learning about clinical protocol and expectations by caregivers, patients, and their loved ones. The module includes role playing by all students using instruments and voices, with debriefing afterwards. Students will explore rules of conduct via role playing in clinical situations in which CMPs will be singing and playing live music at the bedside. Presented are key methods for introducing and maintaining a therapeutic session and addresses the decision of what music should be sung or played first for a patient.

Profession of Music Practitioner (5 hours)

Students will learn where CMPs fit into the healthcare community and in the hierarchy of other clinicians and healthcare workers. Students will learn what defines a CMP, and how to go about starting one’s own practice including promotional strategies and sample documents to use in obtaining paid work as a CMP. Students will learn how to address the practical aspects of CMP work: setting fees, creating networks, approaching institutions, giving presentations, marketing, and more.

Module 4 is offered as a live videoconference class. See the dates for Module 4 as currently scheduled.

Module 5

Note: Modules 1 through 4 must be completed before taking Module 5. A minimum of seven months must elapse between your first module and the start date of Module 5.

Alterations in Health (5 hours)

This is an introduction to major diseases and injuries, symptoms, and treatments, as well as commonly used medications and how they affect the body, mind, behavior, and awareness of a patient.  This knowledge helps the CMP understand a patient’s response to therapeutic music.  It also helps with the selection of appropriate music for an individual patient and is directly related to Patient Assessment for Live Therapeutic Music in Module 1.

Care of the Dying (9 hours)

This explores palliative care issues, including expectations of the dying, survivors, and medical staff. An important part of this topic is discussion of the issues CMPs might have with care of the dying. This includes grief, signs and symptoms of approaching death, gifts the dying may bring, and coping with stress, loss, and death. Students will learn about hospital policies, advanced care directives (e.g., living wills), Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, ethics, legal documents, insurance issues, patient privileges, and issues for healthcare choices. This will help the CMP understand end-of-life choices made by patients and their families. Appropriate therapeutic music repertoire will be reviewed.

Clinical Practicum (6 hours)

This is an introduction to, and experience of, clinical work in a nursing home, hospice, or hospital. Students will be oriented to clinical work in a healthcare facility, learn about infection control, safety and confidentiality policy and requirements as part of the healthcare team, and during the COVID-19 restrictions will sing or play for individuals and record those experiences prior to class both virtually and in their homes with in-class discussion of the recordings. During class, students will virtually play for patients in a clinical setting under supervision of the Teacher, Clinical Practicum Coordinator, and/or an experienced CMP. There will be opportunities for post-clinical discussion and evaluation.

Module 5 is offered videoconference. See the dates for Module 5 as currently scheduled.

The fine print on attending modules

MHTP strongly recommends that students begin study with Module 1, taking all modules in order. Occasionally students may enter at Modules 2 or 3, at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. 

Modules 1 through 3 may be taken in any order before taking Module 4, but must be completed before taking Module 4; no exceptions

After successful completion of Module 4, and with approval of the Module 4 teacher, a student may then take Module 5. 

A minimum of seven months must elapse between a student’s first module and the start date of Module 5, to allow for optimum understanding and learning of MHTP concepts and practices.

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