McMaster Continuing Education launches new microcredential in Music Care to enhance wellbeing through intentional use of music

December 2, 2025

McMaster Continuing Education has introduced a new online microcredential, The Fundamentals of Music Care: Theory and Context, created in collaboration with MUSIC CARE by Room 217, a national leader in music care training since 2009.

The 14-hour online, open enrolment microcredential is designed for professionals and caregivers across healthcare, community, education and social service settings who want to integrate music intentionally and effectively into their care practices. As an open enrolment course, there is no formal application or admission procedure, making it easy for participants to register and begin learning. Participants will explore the principles, theory, and practical applications of music care that support emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.

Professionals who may benefit from the course include personal support workers, health care aides, nurses, social workers, recreational therapists, educators, musicians, chaplains, volunteers, and family caregivers.

“Music is a natural embodiment of person-centred care,” says Dawn Ellis, Director of Programs at MUSIC CARE by Room 217. “This training empowers caregivers with the confidence to seamlessly integrate music into their daily practice. Participants will leave equipped to apply ten practical music care strategies in their day-to-day work, regardless of whether they consider themselves musical.”

Participants will develop a music care initiative proposal they can share with employers, colleagues, or clients. Upon completion, participants earn a microcredential from McMaster Continuing Education. 

“This is an exciting opportunity that demonstrates how caregiving and music intersect in creative ways,” says Mohammad Salhia, Senior Director, McMaster Continuing Education. “By engaging with this content, participants will get feedback from their instructor about how to practically incorporate music into their caregiving practices and in different settings.”

Key learning outcomes include understanding how sound and music influence wellbeing, developing confidence in using the voice as a tool for care, and implementing music care strategies in real-world environments.

Enrolment is now open, and the first offering of the course starts January 12, 2026.

To learn more or register, please visit: https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/the-fundamentals-of-music-care/

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<p>December 2, 2025</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">McMaster Continuing Education has introduced a new online microcredential,</span> <a href="https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/the-fundamentals-of-music-care/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Fundamentals of Music Care: Theory and Context</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, created in collaboration with</span> <a href="https://www.musiccare.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">MUSIC CARE by Room 217</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a national leader in music care training since 2009.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 14-hour online, open enrolment microcredential is designed for professionals and caregivers across healthcare, community, education and social service settings who want to integrate music intentionally and effectively into their care practices. As an open enrolment course, there is no formal application or admission procedure, making it easy for participants to register and begin learning. Participants will explore the principles, theory, and practical applications of music care that support emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Professionals who may benefit from the course include personal support workers, health care aides, nurses, social workers, recreational therapists, educators, musicians, chaplains, volunteers, and family caregivers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Music is a natural embodiment of person-centred care,” says Dawn Ellis, Director of Programs at MUSIC CARE by Room 217. “This training empowers caregivers with the confidence to seamlessly integrate music into their daily practice. Participants will leave equipped to apply ten practical music care strategies in their day-to-day work, regardless of whether they consider themselves musical.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Participants will develop a music care initiative proposal they can share with employers, colleagues, or clients. Upon completion, participants earn a microcredential from McMaster Continuing Education. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is an exciting opportunity that demonstrates how caregiving and music intersect in creative ways,” says Mohammad Salhia, Senior Director, McMaster Continuing Education. “By engaging with this content, participants will get feedback from their instructor about how to practically incorporate music into their caregiving practices and in different settings.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key learning outcomes include understanding how sound and music influence wellbeing, developing confidence in using the voice as a tool for care, and implementing music care strategies in real-world environments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enrolment is now open, and the first offering of the course starts January 12, 2026.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To learn more or register, please visit:</span> <a href="https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/the-fundamentals-of-music-care/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/the-fundamentals-of-music-care/</span></a></p>

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