How to Become a Music Therapist

Using music as a treatment of the physiological, psychological and social aspects of an illness or disability is applied by a qualified person to effect positive changes. Basically, music helps us to feel better and promote the healing process. Music touches the soul in both emotional and physical ways. Following are steps to help you in coming a certified music therapist.

Instructions

1. Enter a college degree program that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Planning to become a certified music therapist involves you first getting a degree in the field of music therapy. Presently there are over 70 colleges and universities with music therapy programs.

2. Prepare to also complete a six-month internship in a chosen specialty before taking the national board exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

3. Investigate the various ways to use music as therapy to help patients who are ill or in pain. Persons with disabilities are also candidates for music therapy. You can work individually or in group settings with a wide variety of patients of all ages and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

4. Apply your demonstrated appreciation of music and/or your skills as a musician who is caring, patient and supportive of other people to aid you in helping people to heal or at least to relieve their discomfort from their affliction or condition. Look for positions at various types of clinics, children's hospitals, veterans' homes or senior living centers for opportunities to use your love of music as a music therapist.

5. Know that administering music therapy is supported by a broad research base and its effectiveness has been proved in treating a variety of medical conditions, mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and conditions associated with aging.

Tips & Warnings

• At the end of your training, you will be skilled and certified in all areas of music therapy.

Resources

• Music Therapy Qualifications
• Becoming a Music Therapist