According to the AMTA, musical ability and knowledge of music make up 45% of a music therapist's education. When applying to a music therapy program, the AMTA requires a musical audition in order to confirm and evaluate musical talent. Once enrolled, students must successfully complete a variety of music-based courses in which they will gain knowledge in areas including reading, conducting and composing music.
According to the AMTA, the clinical aspect of music therapy should make up 15% of the student's education. Not only are students required to pass the clinical courses which teach therapy, human development and psychopathology, but the AMTA also requires students to complete 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical training where they must apply what they have learned.
The AMTA requires that music therapy-related courses make up 15% of a music therapy student's education. It is the part of the curriculum most specific to the career and is where students gain knowledge in areas such as mental evaluation, psychology of music and influence of music. During this part of the curriculum, students are required to complete internships and field work with a minimum of three different facilities in the community which house individuals with disabilities to gain hands-on experience.
According to the AMTA, approximately 20 to 25% of a music therapy student's education must be dedicated to general education. These are basic, general knowledge courses such as English and math. An additional 5% of the student's education must be devoted to elective courses. These are any courses of the student's choice, outside his or her field of study.
Once earning a bachelor's degree in music therapy, the student is eligible to take the national certification exam to obtain the credential of Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), which is needed to practice music therapy professionally.