Both music therapists Skilled musicians and trained healthcare providers.
Similar to the idea of therapy as a whole, music therapy is an evidence-based treatment that harnesses the power of music to help a variety of disorders. Alzheimer’s disease, autism, substance abuse, etc.
Those looking for an alternative to traditional therapy can also try music therapy.
“Because music is a non-verbal medium, it helps people express their feelings by engaging with it without necessarily speaking,” says Jane Cregan, director of professional programs for the American Music Therapy Association. increase.
“Also, music is generally fun and non-threatening. People tend to be more active in making music than they are in other things.”
Music therapists can treat a wide range of health conditions, from addiction issues to infant eating disorders to developmental disorders.
And they often relieve the patient’s pain.
Music is one of the most powerful human stimuli, according to experts, by activating parts of the brain that control our movement, speech, concentration, memory and emotional expression.
Therein lies the reason behind its widespread use in healthcare.
The most common settings are hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health centers, and residences for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Music therapists also attend juvenile training schools and private schools.
Music therapy professions require a minimum bachelor’s degree, but music therapists often have postgraduate degrees.
Music therapy harnesses the power of music to improve a person’s health. Source: Juan Barrett/AFP
Want to know more about music therapists? Here’s what you should know:
Education and career as a music therapist
Music therapists usually know how to play different instruments.
Most people who decide to pursue a music therapy education already have several years of experience honing their musical performance skills.
“First and foremost, music therapists are musicians. The key is to keep practicing,” says Joy Allen, director of the music therapy department. Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Aspiring music therapists should also be familiar with multiple genres and styles, she adds.
“Music therapists typically play guitar and piano and sing well. Anyone seeking to enter the field of music therapy should master these skills,” says Allen.
Some of the best music therapy schools in the US include the Western Michigan University School of Music, the Arizona State University School of Music, Drama and Dance, and Berklee College of Music.
See this website for a complete list.
Coursework often covers Music arrangement, composition, history and theory, plus clinical foundation classes in psychology and therapy.
When considering various music therapy degrees, Allen shares:One way to judge the quality of a program is to look at the number and type of clinical opportunities it offers.
“A solid music therapy program teaches students a variety of musical styles and genres, as well as values and beliefs about music, health, and well-being from different cultural perspectives,” she says.
“It also includes instruction in the use of music therapy techniques such as electronic musical instruments and telemedicine.”
To take a CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists) certification exam, you must complete AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) approved training and internships.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Music Therapist Certification (MT-BC).
person who has Degree holders in fields other than music therapy can complete a degree program in music therapy offered by most AMTA accredited colleges.
This program completes only the required coursework without necessarily completing a second bachelor’s degree.
