Certificate in Creative Arts Therapies
The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, in cooperation with The New School for Public Engagement, is offering its students a unique opportunity to combine their BFA studies in Jazz and Contemporary Music with a certificate program in Creative Arts Therapies.
More and more, students want to find ways to earn a living by using their musical skills and education in areas beyond performance. The field of Music Therapy offers such opportunities.
This certificate program, completed at the same time a student is completing their requirements for the BFA degree, includes
- Two psychology courses
- Six courses in Creative Arts Therapies
- An internship
(These courses satisfy BFA liberal arts requirements or the BFA studio requirements.)
Testimonies from students who are earning their Creative Arts Therapies Certificate:
I have been interested in learning more about music therapy since high school as I want to do more with my music than perform and compose. I have seen the therapeutic benefits of music in my own life and am interested in providing such experiences to others. The chance to pursue the Creative Arts Therapies certificate along with my BFA degree, allows me to decide if music therapy is something I want to seriously pursue without jumping right into a master’s program. Hearing, reading and studying stories and case studies along with learning valuable techniques in the classroom setting gives me the tools and the additional internship will give me the experience I am seeking in order to figure out my next move after graduation.
I will have the opportunity to intern in an area related to music therapy and actually get some hands-on experience. Graduating with the certificate in Creative Arts Therapies strengthens my degree and will prepare me for either a job in the field or applying to a masters program in music therapy. I want to complete the Creative Arts Therapies Certificate Program to continue developing the skills I need to make even more of a difference in people's lives.
- Ilana Worrell, vocalist, Senior
Music has always been a great source of healing in my life. I believe the healing aspect of music helps to create a more honest relationship with oneself and the world. It is through this honesty that I feel music should serve those in need, not only in clubs and concert halls but also in any place where there are people who can benefit from its effects.The Creative Arts Therapies certificate at New School has given me the opportunity to study and enhance the healing aspect of music. I have been greatly inspired by the faculty, of whom many are actively practicing healing arts in a clinical setting.
I play trumpet and Shakuhachi (Japanese Flute) and have been studying North Indian vocals for several years. Both Indian and Japanese music are ancient traditions of spiritual healing. In studying these profound traditions, I have begun to develop the ground for my own expression of healing music. I have performed at many famous venues including The Blue Note, Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center. Although playing in these venues and for large audiences is exhilarating, it does not compare to the gratitude I feel when playing at the hospice center where I volunteer. To play music for someone who is in there last days of living is the most honest experience I have had of truly giving and expressing. I would highly recommend the Creative Arts Therapies Certificate offered through The New School.
- Aaron Shragge, trumpet, Senior
Read more about The Certificate Program in Creative Arts Therapies.