Hey there, future Music Therapists! Are you one of those people who believes in the healing power of music? Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself—how a certain song can lift your spirits, calm your nerves, or bring back cherished memories. Well, guess what? You can turn that passion into a rewarding career. Here’s a down-to-earth guide on how to become a music therapist and what to study in college to get there.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Certified music therapists use the power of music to help clients improve their health and well-being. Music therapists design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
Why Choose Music Therapy?
Music therapy can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the chance to make a significant difference in people’s lives, helping them heal and grow through the universal language of music. Whether working with children with special needs, adults recovering from trauma, or seniors with Alzheimer’s, your work will have a profound impact.
So, if you’re passionate about music and want to help others, consider a career in music therapy. It’s a beautiful blend of art and science, offering both emotional fulfillment and professional satisfaction.
Things to Consider When Becoming a Music Therapist
Common College Majors:
While there is no one-size-fits-all path, here are some common and helpful majors:
- Psychology: Understanding the human mind is crucial. Pair this with music courses.
- Music Performance/Education: Focus on honing your musical skills while taking electives in psychology and health sciences.
- Neuroscience or Biology: These majors provide a strong understanding of the biological aspects of therapy.
Complete an Internship:
- As part of your degree, you’ll need to complete an internship under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist. This hands-on experience is invaluable.
- Consider Advanced Education:
Some music therapists go on to pursue a master’s or even a doctoral degree to specialize further and open up more career opportunities. Here are some graduate school programs you can consider:
- Master of Arts in Music Therapy and Counseling: Programs like the one at Drexel University integrate advanced music therapy coursework with general counseling courses and hands-on clinical experience. This prepares graduates for various career paths in music therapy and counseling
- Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Music Therapy: Some universities offer specialized education degrees that include coursework in music therapy, such as Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University.
- Master of Science in Music Therapy: Programs like the one at Sam Houston State University offer a master’s degree in music therapy for students with and without a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. These programs often include practicum or clinical supervision requirements.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Therapy: For those interested in advanced study and research, programs like the one at the Herron School of Art + Design offer a Ph.D. in music therapy, which can be completed online or on-campus.
- Online Master’s Programs: Many universities now offer online master’s programs in music therapy, which can be a flexible option for students who need to balance work or other commitments.
- When choosing a graduate program, make sure it is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) to ensure it meets the necessary standards for certification and licensure.
Get Certified:
- In the United States, you’ll need to pass the certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to become a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC).