Music Therapy Career Guide

A Career Guide to Music Therapy Source: http://louisville.edu/music/localresources/images/therapy/ Lorinda%20Jones%20MT%20drumming.jpg by Stacy Ingraham Abstract This career guide is designed to provide interested students with information on the career of a music therapist. Deciding on a career path is always challenging. It is important to explore the options available. This is an informative guide that helps you get a better understand of the field of Music Therapy to assist you in your career choice. It explains what music therapists do, how to become a music therapist, employment opportunities, and the professional development of the career. Table of Contents List of Illustrations ....................................................................................................................................... iii Figures ..................................................................................................................................................... iii Tables ....................................................................................................................................................... iii Summary ...................................................................................................................................................... iii Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1 What a Music Therapist Is ............................................................................................................................ 1 What Music Therapists Do ....................................................................................................................... 1 Qualities a Music Therapist Should Have ............................................................................................ 3 Techniques Music Therapists Use ............................................................................................................ 3 Employment Opportunities ........................................................................................................................... 4 Who employs Music Therapists................................................................................................................ 4 How Many Jobs are Available for a Music Therapist............................................................................... 4 Income of a Music Therapist .................................................................................................................... 4 How To Become a Music Therapist ............................................................................................................. 5 Schooling Required................................................................................................................................... 5 Experience Needed ................................................................................................................................... 6 Steps to Take to get into the Profession .................................................................................................... 6 Music Therapist Wanted ........................................................................................................................... 6 Professional Development ............................................................................................................................ 7 Professional Organizations ....................................................................................................................... 7 Certification Program................................................................................................................................ 8 Description of an Example Career Path .................................................................................................... 8 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................... 8 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 ii List of Illustrations Figures 1. Music Therapist Job Advertisement ……………………………………………………7 Tables 1. Client Needs and Sample Music Therapy Goals………………………………………..2 2. Practice Examples for Musical and Therapeutic………………………………………..3 Process in Improvisation Summary Music therapists are people who love music and love to help others. They use music in a therapeutic setting. They take individuals needs and create a personalized way to use music to help them. Music therapy can be used with any population and a variety of needs. There are many jobs available for music therapists as there is as numerous amounts of places a music therapist can be employed. The field of music therapy is fairly new and continues to grow everyday opening up more job opportunities every day. On average a music therapist makes about $36,000-$42,000 per year but can range from as low as $15,000 a year to over $135,000. To become a music therapist you much obtain Bachelors Degree of Science in Music Therapy. You can receive this degree at any of the schools listed by the American Music Therapy Association. You can also receive your certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapist (CBMT.) This field also likes to see that you have experience before obtaining a “real job.” The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making the benefits of music therapy known and to help increase the quality of music therapy around the world. You can obtain a membership for AMTA. There are nine categories of the membership. These categories are, professional, associate, student, inactive, retired, affiliate, patron, life, and honorary life. AMTA also holds conferences annually for professional presentations and for business purposes. On the AMTA website you can find a vast amount of information about music therapy and music therapists (AMTA, 1999a). Board for Music Therapist (CBMT) is an organization that works as a refresher to people in the field of music therapy. CMBT also works to define what music therapist do and the knowledge required in the profession, create and administer a program that makes sure one knows and understands the knowledge needed in the field and continues to do so, issue the credential of MT-BC to individuals that demonstrate the required level of skill and knowledge and promote music therapy certification. Music therapists have very unique and interesting careers. They use their love for music to help people in need. If you have a passion for music and you love helping others, then this is a perfect career for you. iv Introduction Music therapy is simply the use of music through therapy or the therapeutic use of music. Clients of music therapists can be many different ages and dealing with a variety of problems such as substance abuse, physical disabilities, communication or social problems, medical problems, and psychological problems (Bruscia, 1993). Music therapy can be used to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation (AMTA, 1998c). This career guide is designed to help you learn more about the career of a Music Therapist. In this career guide you can expect to learn:  What a music therapist is.  The employment opportunities for a music therapist.  How to become a music therapist.  The professional development for a music therapist. What a Music Therapist Is You may be wondering what exactly a music therapist is. In this section you will find what a music therapist does, qualities a music therapist should have and some techniques a music therapist may use. What Music Therapists Do Music Works, a music therapy service provider located in Delaware, states music therapists:  Provides music therapy services to individuals and groups in order to assist them in dealing problems such as special challenges and illness, social relationships and learning disorders, loneliness and isolation, self-confidence and self-esteem. Performs an assessment of the individual and recommends and forms a treatment plan. o A treatment plan may include singing, improvising, song writing, movement, marching, playing percussion instruments or listening to their preferred style of live or pre-recorded music. Encourage clients to become involved in the music making activities, although it is not required.   Music therapists take the needs of their patients and create goals for them pertaining to their specific needs. For example, if their patients have communication problems, a music therapist may set goals such as establishing verbal and nonverbal communication. The table below explains some other goals a music therapist may have with a client with various needs. 1 Table 1. Client Needs and Sample Music Therapy Goals Needs Communication Sample Goals Receptive language Expressive language Verbal communication Nonverbal communication Rational thinking Orientation to time, place, person Attention to the task Attention to teacher, therapist, parent Pre-academic skills Academic skills Sensory-motor skills Sensory integration Perceptual-motor skills Gross motor coordination Fine motor coordination Eye- hand coordination Adaption to physical challenge Breath control Lower blood pressure Regular gait Deep breathing Relaxed muscles Leisure Needs Daily living Sample Goals Self-help (eating, toileting, bathing, dressing, etc.) Independence Musical ability Musical potential Musical repertoire Freedom to express musically Peak, music experiences Use of free time Leisure time options Productivity Satisfaction Expressivity Creativity Spontaneity Mood Authenticity Presence Well-being Self-actualization Personal growth Acceptance Musical Cognitive Educational Physical Vocational Emotional Spiritual Quality of life Psycho-social Self-awareness Self-esteem Self-concept Awareness of environment Insight Adjustment Motivation Coping mechanisms Interpersonal interaction Family relationships Cooperation Compliance Self-discipline Impulse control Source: Hanser, S.B. (1999). The New Music Therapist’s Handbook: Second Edition. Boston: Berklee Press 2 Qualities a Music Therapist Should Have Music therapists are musically inclined individuals that want to help others. “Individuals who go into music therapy are typically musicians who have a sincere desire to use their love and talents for music to help others. Often there is an equal interest in music and psychology or medicine” (Bruscia, 1993). Music therapists should be mature, sensitive, and caring. They should also be emotionally stable and have a sense of self-awareness so they can also help others. Techniques Music Therapists Use Laura Touzin, a music therapist at Kennedy Krieger Private School in Baltimore, Maryland, explained techniques that she uses when working with autistic children include singing, instrument playing, song creating and writing, and movement to music. She said she also uses music relaxation and music yoga (L. Touzin, pers. comm). Another type of technique that can be used by a music therapist is called improvisation. Improvisation is a process in which one makes up the music. This opens up the client to different things (Wigram, 2003). Examples of musical and therapeutic processes in improvisation are shown in the chart below: Table 2: Practice examples for musical and therapeutic process in improvisation Process 1 Develops Transition: Plays with Transition Starts using Individual Starts theme rhythmic Loses pulse melody rhythm idea alone Process 2 (2 people) Starts Gets stuck ReactsLimbo Rhythmic Gets lost Client theme chaotic transition patterns music Overlaps Grounding Introduces Matching Reflecting Therapist Accompanies transition and structurecontaining tonal frame Process 3 (2 people) Starts Transition Dialogue Gets stuck Inspired Transition Client theme Transition Dialogue Framework Accompanies Transition Therapist Matches to end Source: Wigram, T. (2003). Improvisation : Methods and Techniques for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators, and Students. Retrieved April 14, 2009, from http://site.ebrary.com.proxytu.researchport.umd.edu/lib/towson/docDetail.action?docID=10082285 3 Employment Opportunities Now that you know what a music therapist does, the important thing to know is if there are jobs available for a music therapist. In this section you will find who employs music therapist, how many jobs are available for music therapist and their income. Who employs Music Therapists Music therapy can benefit many different kinds of people for many different reasons. Because of this there are many different places that hire music therapists such as:  psychiatric hospitals  rehabilitative facilities  medical hospitals, outpatient clinics  day care treatment centers  agencies serving developmentally disabled persons  community mental health centers  drug and alcohol programs  senior centers  nursing homes  hospice programs  correctional facilities  halfway houses  schools  private practice All of these places have different uses for musical therapists. Music therapists work with many different needs therefore they are beneficial to have in many different settings. How Many Jobs are Available for a Music Therapist? Because there are various ways music therapy can be used and it is offered to so many different populations, there are many job positions possible for music therapist. Often music therapists create their own job positions. This can be done by introducing yourself as a music therapist to administrators at places where music therapy can be helpful. Then explain to them how music therapy can help at that particular place or in that particular area. Laura Touzin expressed that there seems to be more clients wanting music therapy then there are music therapist. Every year there seems to be more jobs available for music therapist, as it is a growing profession. Income of a Music Therapist Laura Touzin says the income of a music therapist mainly depends on how much they are working and where they are working. The income may be as low as $15,000 a year to over 4 $135,000. The average amount music therapists make is $36,000-$42,000 per year (Pfeifer, 2009.) How To Become a Music Therapist Now you know all of the basics of what a therapist is and their employment. The hard part is knowing how to make it as a music therapist. To help you on your journey, below you will find what schooling is require, the experience needed, and steps to take to get into the program. Schooling Required To become a music therapist you must have obtained a Bachelor of Science in music therapy at an undergraduate university or accredited school. “Music therapy students can major in any performance medium, however most training programs place additional emphasis on piano, guitar and voice, as these media are used most frequently in the clinical setting” (Bruscia, 1993). To obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy you must attend a school approved by the AMTA. Here is a list of schools that the AMTA approves (AMTA, 1999b):                            Canada- University of Windsor Alabama- University of Alabama Arizona- *Arizona State University California - Cal State Northridge California - *University of the Pacific Colorado- *Colorado State University District of Columbia - Howard University Florida- *Florida State University Florida- *University of Miami Georgia- *Georgia College & State University Georgia- *University of Georgia Illinois- *Illinois State University Illinois- Western Illinois University Indiana- *Indiana University-Purdue UIndianapolis Indiana- Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne Indiana- *St. Mary of the Woods College Indiana- University of Evansville Iowa- Wartburg College Kansas- *University of Kansas Kentucky- University of Louisville Louisiana- *Loyola University Massachusetts- Anna Maria College Massachusetts- Berklee College of Music Massachusetts- *Lesley University Michigan- Eastern Michigan University Michigan- *Michigan State University Michigan- *Western Michigan University                             Minnesota- Augsburg College Minnesota- *University of Minnesota Mississippi- Mississippi University for Women Mississippi- William Carey University Missouri- Drury University Missouri- *Maryville University Missouri- *University of Missouri-KC New Jersey- *Montclair State University New York- Molloy College New York- Nazareth College New York- *New York University New York- SUNY - Fredonia New York- SUNY - New Paltz North Carolina- *Appalachian State University North Carolina- *East Carolina University North Carolina-Queens University of Charlotte North Dakota- University of North Dakota Ohio- Baldwin Wallace College Ohio- Cleveland State University Ohio- *Ohio University Ohio- The College of Wooster Ohio- University of Dayton Oklahoma- SW Oklahoma State University Oregon- Marylhurst University Pennsylvania- *Drexel University Pennsylvania- Duquesne University Pennsylvania- Elizabethtown College Pennsylvania- *Immaculata University 5          Pennsylvania- Marywood University Pennsylvania- Seton Hill University Pennsylvania- Slippery Rock University Pennsylvania- *Temple University South Carolina- Charleston Southern University South Carolina- Converse College Texas- Sam Houston State University Texas- Southern Methodist University Texas- *Texas Woman's University       Texas- West Texas A&M University Texas- University of the Incarnate Word Utah- Utah State University Virginia- *Radford University Virginia-*Shenandoah University Wisconsin- Alverno College (*) Indicate the school also has a graduate program for music therapy. This list can also be found on the AMTA website along with the addresses and phone numbers of each school. Experience Needed Prior experience is preferred in this field before being placed in a job. It is much easier to get a job if you have experience. How do you gain this experience you ask? A great way is by interning in the field or doing practicums. Receiving music therapy is also a great way to gain experience. This way you can experience hands on what music therapy accomplishes. It can also give you an idea of how effective different techniques are. Receiving music therapy can also help you become more stable in order to help others. Steps to Take to get into the Profession The article “How to Become a Music Therapist” by eHow Careers and Work Editor gave a short five step list of what to do to become a music therapist. These included: 1. Enter and complete a degree program in music therapy that is approved by AMTA. 2. Complete a six month internship. 3. Do your research on ways that music therapy can help those who are ill or in pain. 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.” Also begin looking for positions where you can start your career. 5. Know that music therapy is effective. Music Therapist Wanted On the following page is an advertisement for a job as a music therapist. By looking at this advertisement you can get an idea of what type of job it is and what they are looking for in the applicant. 6 Music Therapist Job Advertisement Music Therapist Job Date: May 5, 2009 Location: Brookfield, WI Title Music Therapist Description HCR ManorCare provides a range of services, including skilled nursing care, assisted living, post-acute medical and rehabilitation care, hospice care, home health care and rehabilitation therapy. Demonstrate problem solving and decision making abilities. Knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology of alternative therapy appropriate for terminally ill clients. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Demonstrated ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team. Ability to develop and maintain rapport with the client and family. In return for your expertise, you’ll enjoy excellent training, industry-leading benefits and unlimited opportunities to learn and grow. Be a part of the team leading the nation in healthcare. Position Requirements At least one year or more work experience in music therapy in a multidisciplinary setting is preferred. Figure 1: Music Therapist Job Advertisement Educational Requirements Music Therapist – Registered and Board Certified in appropriate state Source: HCR Manor Care, http://www.nursing-rehab-jobs.com/job/Brookfield-Music-Therapist-JobLocation WI-53005/308393/?utm_source=SimplyHiredppc&utm_campaign=Therapy_Wisconsin 4658 - Heartland Hospice Services, Brookfield, WI About the Organization Professional Development EEO/Drug-Free Employer Finally, it will be helpful to be aware of the professional organizations and certification program inNearest Major Market: Waukesha you in this section. You will also find an example career path of this field. That is provided for Nearest Secondary Market: Milwaukee a Job Segments: Creative, Healthcare, Music, Therapy music therapist. Professional Organizations The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making the benefits of music therapy known and to help increase the quality of music therapy around the world. There is a membership for AMTA and there are nine categories of the membership. These categories are, professional, associate, student, inactive, retired, affiliate, patron, life, and honorary life. AMTA also holds conferences annually for professional presentations and for business purposes. On the AMTA website you can find a vast amount of information about music therapy and music therapists (AMTA, 1999a). American Music Therapy Association, Inc. 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA Phone: (301) 589-3300 Fax: (301) 589-5175 www.musictherapy.org 7 Certification Program To practice music therapy nationally one must be certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapist (CBMT.) In order to obtain your certification you must take an exam at a testing center. To find a testing center near you please visit, http://www.goamp.com/CandidateInformation.aspx, or call 1-800 765-2268. To take the exam it cost $220 for new candidates and $100 for recertification. You can find all of this information and more at the CBMT website, www.cbmt.org. This organization also works as a refresher to people in the field of music therapy. CMBT works to (CBMT);  Define what music therapist do and the knowledge required in the profession.  Create and administer a program that makes sure one knows and understands the knowledge needed in the field and continues to do so  Issue the credential of MT-BC to individuals that demonstrate the required level of skill and knowledge  Promote music therapy certification Certification Board for Music Therapists 506 E. Lancaster Ave, Suite 102 Downingtown, PA 19335 1-800-765-CBMT (2268) 1-610-269-8900 www.cbmt.org E-mail: info@cbmt.org Description of an Example Career Path Laura Touzin loves her job as a music therapist at Kennedy Kreiger Private School. At the school she works with autistic children. Most of the children she works with have social problems. Touzin describes what she does by explaining that as a music therapist she takes skills that are maladaptive in the children and changes them with music. To reach her dream she first obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Science in Music Therapy from Towson University. She also completed six practicums at various places before getting her dream job as a music therapist. Conclusion Music therapists have very unique and interesting careers. They use their love for music to help people in need. If you have a passion for music and you love helping others, then this is a perfect career for you. Begin by getting hands on experience in the field, get your degree and begin working in the career of your dreams. You’ll be helping others of all ages with various needs. 8 Hopefully, this career guide gave you a better idea of the field and what to expect and you are now ready to begin your musical journey to being a music therapist! References About the American Music Therapy Association. (1999a). The American Music Therapy Association. (http://www.musictherapy.org/) AMTA School Directory, (1999b). The American Music Therapy Association. (http://www.musictherapy.org/) Bruscia, K. E. (1993). Music Therapy Brief. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from http://www.temple.edu/musictherapy/program/faq.htm#a HCR Manor Care, http://www.nursing-rehab-jobs.com/job/Brookfield-Music-Therapist-Job-WI53005/308393/?utm_source=SimplyHiredppc&utm_campaign=Therapy_Wisconsin Hanser, S.B. (1999). The New Music Therapist’s Handbook: Second Edition. Boston: Berklee Press. How to Become a Music Therapist. (n.d.) Retrieved April 16, 2009, from http://www.ehow.com/how_2059821_become-music-therapist.html Major: Music Therapy. (n.d) Retrieved April 16, 2009, from http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/majors/51.2305.html Music Works (2004). http://musicworkswonders.com/ Pfeifer, S.M. (2009).Music Therapy. Careers and Colleges: Your Guide to a Successful Future. Retrieved April 14, 2009, from http://www.careersandcolleges.com/tp2/cnc/articles/view.do;jsessionid=A99E5CB7A6DFE88D2 FCCC5664426272F.worker2?cat=cnc.c.careers-in-health-medicine&article=a-glimpse-at-theprofession-music-therapy Quotes About Music Therapy, (1999c) The American Music Therapy Association. (http://www.musictherapy.org/) Wigram, T. (2003). Improvisation : Methods and Techniques for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators, and Students. Retrieved April 14, 2009, from http://site.ebrary.com.proxytu.researchport.umd.edu/lib/towson/docDetail.action?docID=10082285 9