According to the "Music Therapy" website, music therapy is "an allied health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs of individuals." The therapist meets the client and carries out an initial assessment to provide a baseline picture of how she expresses herself. The therapy is then based around her needs and can include singing, movement, listening to music and experimenting with the sound of instruments. The purpose of the music therapy session is to create an expressive outlet through which emotions can be released and feelings can be communicated. It is also a means of interaction for clients who are unable to speak.
Music therapy is a healthcare degree that requires the student to have strong interpersonal skills. A calm, patient manner is essential, and the imagination to find non-verbal means of communicating with a client and assessing his needs. The therapist must be able to establish a rapport with the client and find creative ways of making the session not just therapeutic but enriching too. As well as having the right "people" skills, the therapist needs to have a love of music and a strong background in playing a variety of instruments. Some experience of working with people with disabilities or behavioral problems is advisable before starting the degree, to develop the skills needed for this role.
A music therapy degree course involves not just an in-depth study of music but also some modules on psychology, behavioral sciences and physical and mental disabilities. Students attends on-site placements throughout the course, to gain experience in working with clients and carrying out assessments. By the end of the course, students should have the experience of working with a variety of conditions and have learned how to create individualized music therapy care plans. Individual universities plan the fine details of the coursework, which also allows time for your own self-examination through some counseling and therapy sessions.
The American Music Therapy Association approves more than 70 degree courses throughout U.S. colleges and universities, according to the "Music Therapy" website. The duration is four years, during which 1,200 hours of clinical time gaining on-site experience must be accrued, so that as well as deepening your knowledge of music, you develop the essential skills of supporting clients with physical and psychological disorders. In order to practice as a music therapist after earning the degree, you must pass an exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, Inc. (CBMT).
For those who already have a bachelor's degree in music, it is possible to study for a master's degree in music therapy. Some universities also offer a doctoral degree in music therapy.