Discovering Music - Become a Music Therapist

A Music Therapist is concerned with the use of a variety of musical genres and methodologies for therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat, alleviate and stimulate a variety of people (disabled, elderly, intellectually disadvantaged) for a variety of problems. Autism patients have been observed to respond well to music therapy.

Music therapist work in a similar way to psychologists in that they need to be able to read and assess people initially and throughout the consultation. They need to have a comprehensive knowledge of music beyond playing ability as well as being able to understand and analyse the effectiveness of Music Therapy for any given patient.

Patience and compassion are highly important in this profession as well as being educationally qualified for the position. Education requirements can be achieved by undertaking either a Bachelor of Music, Music/Arts or a master or postgraduate program in art therapy, expressive therapy or music therapy. It is also mandatory that professional association accreditation be gained before and while practising.

Career progression is difficult to discuss as music therapy is a relatively new-age field. Some therapists can transfer into the closely related psychology field, become a consultant or move into a larger corporation with a management role. Salaries for Music Therapists vary; self employed therapists have the potential to earn more than clinical therapists. $49K is the average salary of a Music Therapist.

Find a position in the field of Music and Expressive Therapy and even more information here.