Music therapy is a treatment in which a music therapist uses music to help a patient’s health. Patients with physical or mental disabilities are two groups of people who could benefit from music therapy. This type of therapy may be beneficial to the elderly, those who have been hospitalized due to drug abuse, and those who have communication issues. A bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited college or university is required to work as a music therapist.
General studies, music, and music therapy are among the required courses for the student. Music history, composition, piano, voice, and other general music classes will be studied the student. He or she will also be expected to take a variety of courses focused on using music to help patients improve or maintain their health.
A person who wants to work as a music therapist must complete an internship of about 1,040 supervised clinical hours after earning a music therapy degree. The future therapist must pass a national examination administered the Certification Board for Music Therapists after completing a successful internship (CBMT). Some students may choose to pursue a master’s degree in music therapy, which takes about 30 hours more than a bachelor’s degree and is equivalent to a master’s degree in music therapy. Two years of additional study are usually required for a graduate degree in music therapy.
If a person chooses to become a music therapist, he or she will guide patients through a variety of musical activities. The therapist will, for example, assist patients in improvising, re-creating, composing, and listening to music. Patients will be encouraged the music therapist to make up their own songs on the spur of the moment.
Patients will sing or play music that has already been composed when the therapist asks them to re-create music. Patients can join in on the music sessions as a group, singing and playing instruments. The music therapist may even assist patients in writing their own music, allowing them to express themselves through songwriting or recording.
Listening to pre-recorded music from a variety of genres to develop relaxation techniques or explore with physical movement may be part of some treatments. Patients may be given the opportunity to create art or tell a story that was inspired the music they were listening to. They may discuss the music they’ve heard, as well as their feelings and emotions, while doing so.
If one wishes to work as a music therapist, he or she must be a deeply musical individual who understands the power of music and how it can be used to maintain and improve health. This health professional should also be interested in learning to play the guitar and piano, as these instruments are commonly used in music therapy sessions. A potential therapist must be physically and emotionally fit in order to work with patients who are suffering from physical, mental, and emotional issues. The music therapist should have a high level of empathy for others and be able to relate to patients with a wide range of needs.