Lean more about the profession and what to expect from a Music Therapist

Music Therapy Defined

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Music Therapy as "the clincal and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a theraputic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program."

Simply stated, music therapy is a data-based health profession that uses music as a tool to achieve non-musical goals. In order to be labeled as music therapy, treatment must be carried out by a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC).

Music Therapy IS...

• an effective complement to many other therapies that addresses a broad spectrum of goals in a way that is uniquely engaging to many people
• recognized as a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• recognized as a supportive service and preventative health service under the Older Americans Act of 1992

Music Therapy IS NOT...

• a cure for any disability
• a replacement for other therapies and services
• a substitute for music education

Qualifications of a Music Therapist

In order to attain the Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) credential, music therapists must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:

Education: Completion of a Bachelor's degree or higher from an approved music therapy program

Internship: Completion of a closely supervised, 1,040-hour internship

Musical Skills: Exceptional skill in guitar, piano, and voice; accomplished in music theory, music history, and composition; ability to improvise rhythmically, melodically, and harmonically

Therapeutic Skills: Knowledge of a variety of populations including their strengths and needs; trained in assessment, treatment planning, data collection, and evaluation; committed to recognizing professional ethics and standards of practice

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Additional Resources

The following sites contain additional helpful information about music therapy:

American Music Therapy Association:  http://www.musictherapy.org/
Certification Board for Music Therapists:  http://www.cbmt.org/
Music Therapy article from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia