This course begins with a basic orientation and general introduction to music therapy as a creative arts discipline, including target populations/disabilities. Next, Music Foundations of Composition and Arranging; Non-symphonic Instrumental Skills and Improvisation Skill as well as Music Therapy Competencies: Clinical Foundations and Principles are addressed. Finally, the development of American Music Therapy Association Competencies in foundational knowledge and repertoire of Music and Music Therapy experiences in singing, playing instruments, movement, listening, and creating (including composition and improvisation) are addressed. This course is the prerequisite equivalency masters course that prepares students for pre-internship clinical placements, and is designed as a Hybrid course that includes 3 face-to-face weekend meetings.