Develop your artistry through One-on-one instruction with nationally renowned faculty. Broaden your musical horizons with over 180 live student and faculty performances per year. Be part of a comprehensive department with 20 degree options at the undergraduate, graduate and performance certificate levels at one of the first Illinois music schools to be accredited by NASM. Gain real-world experience through a variety of opportunities within the department (Community Music School, Music Therapy Clinic, Video/Audio Recording, Instrument Repair Shop) and outside the department (internship opportunities nationwide such as the Kennedy Center, Chicago Symphony, Santa Fe Opera). Perform in one of our 19 student ensembles, some with international touring opportunities. Join one of our 9 professional music organizations and network for your career by attending conferences, hosting events, collaborating with other student organizations around the Midwest, and volunteering within our community. The Music Therapy Program at Western Illinois University is one of only 2 universities in Illinois that offers a bachelor's degree or a Second Bachelor's degree (aka equivalency) in music therapy. The music therapy degree program started in 1974 and has flourished over the last decade. Western's School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and our music therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Students who complete the bachelor of music in music therapy at WIU are eligible to sit for the Certification Exam for Music Therapists in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) credentialed by CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists). Faculty and students are actively involved in the Illinois Association for Music Therapists.