How to Apply
Requirements for Application
To be eligible to attend Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute’s Music-Thanatology Training and Certification Preparation Program (Accorda) applicants must:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of enrollment
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident
- Have foundational knowledge of music theory
- Have basic proficiency on an instrument and/or voice
Application Materials
Applications for the Music-Thanatology Training and Certification Preparation Program are considered complete when we have received the following documents in each category:
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Music Questionnaire
- Video demonstration of proficiency on an instrument
- Resume
- Post-Secondary transcripts (if applicable, please provide an unofficial copy)
- Personal Statement
- References (3)
- Technical Skills Standards Acknowledgement & Signature
Application/Admissions Timeline
The next cohort of this 23-month music-thanatology training and certification preparation program will begin with one of seven live, on-campus weekends (there are 7 live and 12 online weekends), September 13-14, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.
There is no cost to apply. You will be prompted to set up a password, which will enable you to return and complete the various sections of the application.
Tuition, fees, additional costs
| Cost of Program | Amount | |
| Tuition –$ 3,000 per term x 6 terms | $18,000 | Due two weeks prior to the start of each new term. |
| Enrollment Fee | $50 | Due with signed Student Enrollment Contract |
| Harp/Voice Lessons – $1,100 per term x 6 terms | $6,600 | Due two weeks prior to the start of each new term. |
| Books/Materials, Supplies** | $125 | As needed. |
| CPR for Internship ** | $90 | Prior to beginning internship |
| Background Check for Internship* | $50 | Prior to beginning internship |
| Drug Screening for Internship** | $100 | Prior to beginning internship |
| Graduation Fee | $75 | Due with tuition payment for term 6. |
| Total: | $25,090* |
*Some of these items may not be paid to Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute. Students are responsible for covering these costs. Some costs will vary. This is an approximation.
Students must acquire their own harp prior to beginning the Program for use in practicum sessions, lessons, practice, and internships. Harps can be rented in some areas. New harps range from approximately $2700 – $4000. Prospective students should talk to Accorda harp instructors about harps that are suitable for our work.
No federal financial aid loans are available. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on potential funding sources.
Additional Useful Information
In addition to monthly didactic weekends, students will engage in home study, harp and voice lessons, and clinical internships.
Clinical Internships
Clinical internships begin in the second term (January 2026) and span 18 months. Students meet weekly, for four to five hours per week, with their mentor or as scheduled.
We are preparing for internships in the following areas:
Portland, OR | Eugene, OR | Spokane, WA | Chicago, IL
Additional Internships site opportunities may be made available. Please let us know if you cannot physically attend one of the sites above. (There is no guarantee that we will be able to place you outside of the above listed site locations.)
Harp and voice lessons
If you do not already play the harp and/or need more experience with basic music theory, we recommend that applicants begin lessons right away. Though it is not absolutely required, having basic harp skills prior to beginning the training will prepare students to absorb the infused learning curriculum from the start. Harp lessons for prospective students are available, in person or online, with our faculty.
45-minute harp and 45-minute voice lessons each week; either on-line or in person. Recommended practice time is at least 20-30 minutes a day.
For more information on harp and voice lessons please see our FAQs.
For more information about program components, scheduling, and other policies see our catalog.
Non-discrimination Policy
Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, admission and training of students, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our student body, faculty, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.
Any person unlawfully discriminated against, as described in ORS 345.240, may file a complaint under 659A.820 with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. School policies governing employees will be enforced in situations where instructional staff or other school personnel have been found to have engaged in discriminatory behavior.