Music Therapists
Another of the up and coming nontraditional therapies is music therapy. Music has long been known for its soothing capacities, but recognition of its full potential as a therapy has yet to come. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce blood pressure, help individuals control anger, and improve attention span.
Mood changes affected by music represent the basis of music therapy.
Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice
Music therapists work with individuals or groups to help restore and improve their physical and emotional well-being. The music can be instrumental, vocal, or a combination of both. Therapists use techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation, anger management, and stress reduction. They incorporate appropriate music to achieve the desired effects.
Fact
Music therapists can combine their therapy with other kinds, such as dance or art therapy, to help maximize the results. They teach patients to sing and to listen to music, and may even teach them how to play a musical instrument in order to incorporate the music into the treatment.
Patients of all ages can benefit from music therapy. Babies are soothed to sleep with lullabies, for example. Depression can be treated with music designed to be upbeat and engaging. The elderly can be encouraged to get up and move through music. Those with disabilities and brain injuries or illnesses affecting the neurological system, such as Alzheimer's, respond to music therapy.
Education and Training
Music therapy requires a college degree, and it is moving in the direction of requiring a master's degree, although few schools currently offer this program. The curriculum includes a bachelor's degree in music theory and courses in music therapy and behavioral sciences, as well as health and natural sciences.
Music therapy courses include both classroom theory as well as clinical application of the theory in combination with the behavior techniques learned in the study of behavioral and heath sciences, including psychology. For those who wish to work in public schools, courses in education are also required.
Licensure/Certification
Licensure is not required at this time. Certification and registration options are available to qualified candidates who complete the required internships and pass national exams. The Certification Board of Music Therapists bestows the MT-BC certification on those who demonstrate proficient entry-level skills. The certification must be renewed every five years either through 100 units of continuing education or re-examination.
The National Music Registry is a separate entity that bestows certification and registration credentials on qualified candidates who meet education requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the field.
Work Settings and Salaries
Music therapists work in a variety of settings including public schools, hospices, hospitals (general and psychiatric), residential care facilities, skilled-nursing facilities, and rehabilitation facilities.
According to the American Music Therapy Association, starting salaries in 2004 ranged from $23,000 to $28,000. Salaries for experienced music therapists averaged $32,000 per year.
Career Potential and Additional Information
Success in working with the elderly as well as with special-education children has sparked an interest in music therapy. As the population ages and increases and Americans turn to more alternative healing approaches, the field of music therapy will continue to grow. Currently there are about 5,200 music therapists in the United States. Grant and research monies that have come about through legislation to amend the Older Americans Act have also affected the popularity of this up and coming profession.
Contact the American Music Therapy Association for more information on this health care profession. Their Web site is
