Description

Music therapists use music-therapeutic interventions to treat patients with behavioural disorders and pathogenic conditions to prevent, mitigate or eliminate symptoms and to change behaviours and attitudes requiring treatment. They promote and maintain or restore the development, maturity and health of the patient/client by music-therapeutic interventions. Music therapy especially provides help for people with with emotional, somatic, intellectually or socially induced behavioural disorders and pathogenic conditions, such as psychoses (schizophrenic disorders, bipolar disorders) and personality development disorders.

Here are some typical duties of music therapists:

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to music therapist:

Working conditions

Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, mental health facilities, hospice care, and private practices. The work environment can vary greatly depending on the setting and patient population. Sessions may be conducted in individual or group settings and can take place indoors in therapy rooms, classrooms, or patients’ rooms, as well as outdoors or in community spaces. The job can be emotionally demanding, as therapists often work with clients dealing with significant physical or psychological challenges. Flexibility in scheduling is often required to meet the needs of clients, which may include evening or weekend hours.

Minimum qualifications

To become a Music Therapist, the following educational background and experience are typically required:

  1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited program is the minimum requirement. Coursework typically includes music theory, psychology, biology, and therapeutic techniques. Some positions may require a master’s degree in music therapy or a related field.
  2. Certification: Certification as a Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) is required in many regions. In the United States, certification is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) upon passing the board certification exam.
  3. Training: Completion of a clinical internship is essential. This hands-on training provides practical experience in various therapeutic settings and helps develop skills in applying music therapy techniques.
  4. Experience: Previous experience working in music, healthcare, or therapeutic settings is beneficial. Volunteering or working with different populations, such as children with special needs or elderly patients, can provide valuable insights.
  5. Skills: Strong musical abilities, empathy, creativity, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills are crucial. The ability to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions using music is essential. Knowledge of psychology, human development, and different musical genres and instruments is also important.

Continuous professional development is essential to stay current with advancements in the field. Music therapists are encouraged to attend workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses. Membership in professional organizations, such as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and further educational support.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

Music therapist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Music therapist career path

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These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to music therapist.

recreational therapist
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audiologist
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Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of music therapist.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of music therapist.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of music therapist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of music therapist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

ISCO group and title

2269 – Health professionals not elsewhere classified 


 References

  1. Music therapist – ESCO
  2. Becoming a Music Therapist, Working in Music Therapy – American Music Therapy Association
  3. Music therapist | Explore careers – National Careers Service
  4. Music Therapist Job Description – Betterteam
  5. Featured image: By Unknown author – https://www.canceractive.com/article/penny-brohn-uk-formerly-the-bristol-cancer-help-centre, CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated on July 28, 2024