Program overview
Music therapy is a major that sounds cool and is actually cool. Simply put, it uses music as a tool to help people improve their emotions, cognition, social skills, and physical functions. You don't need to be a master performer, but you do need to understand music, psychology, and a bit of medical knowledge. Core courses include music therapy theory, clinical improvisation, music psychology, human anatomy, and fundamentals of psychiatry. In China, this major is relatively new but growing fast. Some universities (such as the Central Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Conservatory of Music) have established comprehensive internship systems, even partnering with hospitals and rehabilitation centers to give you hands-on experience with real cases. It's perfect for students who love music, enjoy helping others, are patient, and have good observation skills. If you play an instrument or love singing, even better.