A music therapist is among the individuals who use holistic methods to help solve different ailments. Music therapists are highly respected due to the significant role they play in finding safe and cheaper medical solutions. This post will look at who music therapists are, their main responsibilities and how you can become one.
A music therapist uses the clinical and evidence-based concepts of music to achieve individualized goals in a therapeutic relationship. Music therapists assess the factors that affect the emotional well-being, physical health, communication capabilities and cognitive skills using an individual’s musical response. They design music sessions with the aim of creating a positive impact and an effective solution to these problems. This may include improvising new musical codes, using receptive music listening, writing songs, discussing lyrics and participating in live musical performances. The therapist may also employ interdisciplinary treatment planning and participate in ongoing evaluations to ensure the individual accomplishes the desired results.
Who Can Benefit From a Musical Therapist?
Children, adolescents and adults with physical, emotional and mental problems can all benefit from the treatments designed by a musical therapist. This includes those with depression, anxiety, grief, cognitive problems, stress disorders and social issues. Music therapists may also work with individuals who have autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke. People who want to achieve personal growth can also find music therapists useful.
The therapist will first evaluate their client to determine the root cause of the problem. This may be in the form of a physical examination, verbal interviews or written pieces. The therapist will use the information collected to try and measure how much certain types of music affect the clients emotionally or physically. They will then choose the type of music that suits their clients best.
A music therapist has to meet his clients on a regular basis to monitor their progress. This could be daily, weekly or monthly. They may also encourage their clients to embrace music in their daily routines for effective results.
Where Does a Music Therapist Work?
Music therapists may work in psychiatric hospitals as volunteers or salaried employees. They may also be found in medical hospitals, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions and senior healthcare homes. Some people may also choose to open their own music therapy centers.
How to Become a Music Therapist
Everyone who want to enter this profession should obtain a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. This degree program requires you to complete courses in both music and therapy. The courses may include primary instruments, voice, ensembles, music theory, music convocation, music therapy research, psychology of music, clinical training and ethical practice in music. Degree programs take between three and four years. Individuals who want to advance their careers can enroll for master’s degree programs.
Music Therapist Job Outlook
Music therapists are categorized as recreational therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recreational therapists earn an average salary of $46,410 per year. The Bureau projects the employment rate to grow by 12 percent in the next 10 years.
Related Resource: What Jobs are Available with a Master of Science in Psychology?
The increasing demand for alternative means of treating mental, physical and emotional ailments presents a bright future for music therapists. The items discussed above will help you know who a music therapist is, his main responsibilities and how to become one.
