Selecting a college major can be one of the most important decisions a student makes, but it often comes with limited insight into what a program truly offers. GCSU aims to give students a clearer understanding of their academic options, and the music therapy major is one of the more unique offerings available. As one of only two institutions in Georgia that offer a music therapy degree, GCSU provides an in-depth, hands-on program that blends musical expertise with therapeutic techniques.

Campbell Ransom is a senior music therapy major, and she has known since her junior year of high school that this was her calling.

“I came across an article about music therapy while writing an essay, and it immediately interested me and felt like exactly what I was looking for,” Ransom said. “I was already looking into attending Georgia College, and I was so excited to find out they were only one of two schools in Georgia to offer this major, in addition to UGA.” 

The music therapy major merges music training with therapy-related coursework. Students must become proficient in a range of instruments, while also learning therapeutic techniques that enable them to work with diverse populations.

“There is a lot of training that goes into being a music therapist,” Ransom said. “You have to be proficient in voice, guitar, piano and percussion and know many therapeutic techniques in order to provide quality therapy to your clients.”

This hands-on approach prepares students for the demands of internships and their eventual careers as certified music therapists. 

The coursework is comprehensive and multidisciplinary, focusing on a wide range of musical, psychological and therapeutic subjects. The program requires students to complete practicums and internships, allowing them to work directly with clients and refine their skills in real-world settings. 

“I’m currently completing my internship at a private music therapy practice,” Ransom said. “I work with children and adolescents who have developmental disabilities, neurodiversity and trauma experiences. It has given me incredible insight into how to tailor therapy to meet the needs of different individuals.” 

She went on to explain that music therapists work with a wide range of populations, from hospital patients to residents in memory care and assisted living facilities.

“After certification, you have the flexibility to specialize in a population of your choice, or you can work with a variety of groups,” Ransom said. 

This flexibility is one of the program’s strengths, as it allows students to tailor their career paths based on personal interests and experiences. 

The major is demanding, often requiring students to take between nine and 12 classes per semester. Managing this workload, while also participating in campus organizations and extracurricular activities, can be a challenge. However, students in the program find ways to stay engaged outside of the classroom.

“Time management is key,” Ransom said. “Despite the heavy course load, I’ve participated in choirs, music clubs and even performed some of my original songs at a songwriting concert.” 

These activities allowed her to explore her love for songwriting, which she discovered during her time at GCSU.

One transformative experience during her time at GCSU was a songwriting retreat where she worked closely with a veteran. 

“We collaborated to write a song about his experience in the military, and it completely changed my life,” Ransom said. “It reignited my passion for songwriting and inspired me to incorporate those skills into my current music therapy sessions.”

“I’ve completely fallen in love with songwriting over the last few years,” Ransom said. “I spend my free time practicing guitar, writing lyrics, and creating melodies.” 

Ransom is learning American Sign Language to support clients with specific needs, demonstrating her dedication to making music therapy as inclusive as possible.

As graduation approaches, Ransom reflected on how her time at GCSU has shaped both her career goals and personal growth. The supportive faculty and numerous practicum opportunities helped refine her understanding of which clients she wants to focus on after graduation.

“Before my internship, I completed over 200 hours of music therapy practicum experience, working with different groups of people,” Ransom said. “It helped me identify the groups I’m most interested in and showed me the wide variety of career paths available.” 

Ransom shares some advice for those considering a music therapy major.

“Music therapy is amazing, but it’s also very challenging,” Ransom said. “You have to be fully committed to mastering both music and therapeutic skills.” 

She emphasized the importance of starting early with the instruments required for the program and doing thorough research before committing.

“You’ll need to make sacrifices in college to meet the demands of the coursework, but it’s worth it in the long run,” Ransom said. “Putting in the hard work now will allow you to enjoy your career later.”

Ransom’s time at GCSU has prepared her well for the next steps in her career, giving her the tools and experience needed to succeed in the field.