The main tasks of a music therapist are defining therapy objectives, collecting and analysis of data on the client’s reactions to the music, and the adaptation of treatment plans for each client. They design music therapy programs for individuals or groups of clients and evaluate and adapt these programs as needed.
Music therapy is a form of psychological therapy that uses music to develop a relationship between client and therapist to promote clients’ well-being and interaction.
The role of a music therapist is not to teach clients to play an instrument, but there are prerequisites for being musical and utilizing music therapy. Postgraduate courses are not based on music, so you need work experience in a caring role working with vulnerable people and communities.
What Illnesses Do Music Therapists Treat?
Music therapy is used to help people with mental and physical ailments and disorders. Music therapists work with adults, children, and the elderly. Patients could suffer from Alzheimer’s, substance abuse, brain injuries, physical disabilities, mental health issues, and developmental disorders.
A list of some of the illnesses a music therapist may treat:
- Depression/Anxiety
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
- Cognitive Issues
- Autism
- Strokes
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Chronic Pain
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Seizure Disorders
Different people with different needs attend music therapy if they hope to recover from physical injuries, psychological problems, stage fright, or disabilities that require continuous therapy. Music therapists also work with schools, day centers, and special day programs for people with disabilities.
In addition to presenting specific music compositions for your clients, you can develop activities that connect with the listening experience. Some forms of connection are playing instruments, singing, dancing, clapping, even working in groups with other clients.
You can discuss lyrics to help clients visualize what is happening in the music and visualize what may lead to dance or movement during the session.
How Do You Become A Music Therapist?
To become a music therapist you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and complete 1000 hours of a clinical internship. Candidates must also pass the National Board Certification Exam and the CBMT Music Therapy Board Certification Exam, and must pass the exam required for therapeutic practice.
- Acquire a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy
- Complete internship
- Pass the certification exam
- Apply for music therapist lisence (dependant on location)
The undergraduate curriculum for a music therapist includes coursework in music therapy, psychology, music, biological, disabilities, social, behavioral sciences.
In the USA, the AMTA defines the current entry-level skills of a music therapist who has completed either a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in music therapy.
In Canada, the MTA certification is granted by CAMT based on the documentation of successful internal evaluations, the passing of a certification exam conducted by the Certification Board of Music Therapists, and the signing of an agreement to comply with the CAMT ethics and practice standard.
Why Become A Music Therapist?
Sharing your love of music with your clients is one of the benefits of a professional career. You do not have to teach your clients to sing or to play an instrument, but communicating through music, sharing musical experiences, and supporting your clients can promote positive changes in their behavior, communication, and well-being.
Music therapy is a psychological therapy that aims to promote positive changes in emotional well-being, communication, and engagement by facilitating live music interaction between the client and the therapist.
Music therapy can be especially helpful for clients who have difficulty communicating or find it overwhelming to express emotions verbally.
Trained music therapists use music lessons, songwriting, and listening to music as part of an integrative therapist course to improve the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive capacities of individual clients.
Music therapists are designed to provide a music therapy experience that responds to clients “needs, such as the use of music for self-care, adapting to life changes, improving cognitive function, boosting self-esteem, communicating, and controlling impulses.
Summary
Music therapists teach their clients how to use music to improve their well-being: Music can help people to adapt to changes in their life without feeling anxious or depressed and experiencing clear thinking and positive emotions.
Music therapy sessions differ depending on the therapist and interventions that the therapist uses for their patients or clients. The music therapist plans organize, directs, and prescribes music therapy activities aimed at influencing the psychological and behavioral status of the patient.
They work in a variety of areas, including psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, drug and alcohol programs, seniors centers, and private practices.
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