“So You Want In?”: How to Become a Music Therapist

So, you want to be a Music Therapist? You’re not the only one. More people are choosing the music therapy degree path than ever before because of its increasing demand as a profession, as well as the ability to help people.

A music therapy degree is a multi-faceted study. Not only will you learn how to listen to music in order to use it for therapeutic purposes, but you will also be learning how to use singing, writing lyrics, and dancing as a part of your sessions with patients. With so many applications, music therapy allows you to custom fit the therapy to the patient, no matter what their obstacles or mental concerns.

But a music therapy degree isn’t for everyone. You need to interact in a personal way with patients, you need to have excellent communication skills as well as patience. You need to be willing to work with a patient at a speed that works for them. While you might create a plan of action for the patient, you need to be ready and willing to change the plan if the patient is unable to make the goals you have both set.

You must love to work with people and you might also have a genuine love and appreciation for music of all kinds. Since different patients are going to respond to different kinds of music, you will need to know various types of music intimately to help choose the right songs or sounds for your particular patient.

The links below provide country-specific information of getting a relevant degree and becoming a music therapists –

• Australia
• New Zealand
• UK
• USA
• Canada
• More

Can’t find your country from the links above? Check out your local universities and colleges for music therapy degree programs. Chances are, they might have some music therapy related programs, even if they are a part of another degree.

There are many opportunities for music therapists, including private and group practice as well as nursing homes and rehabilitation services. The diversity of your employers allows you to choose the setting that works best for you and for the clients you hope to help. By studying music therapy, you are getting into a growing field of professionals who want to harness the gift of the music to change lives.