What is Music Therapy?
Share this career option with your students.
Musicians need to know the various ways they can use their musical talents.
Music therapy is one of those options. But what is it?
The American Music Therapy Association states:
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
What do music therapists do, exactly?
- In hospitals, music therapists help people manage their emotions or their pain issues.
- In nursing homes, music therapists sometimes incorporate movement, which helps improve physical functions.
- In hospice facilities, music therapists help soothe and support the dying as well as their families.
- In high schools, music therapists help with children’s development. In all cases, they use music to do it.
What do you need to become a music therapist in Michigan?
A Bachelor’s degree in music therapy is required. You are strongly encouraged to become board certified if you wish to practice privately. While not legally required in everywhere, it's strongly recommended—especially if you plan to work independently or in clinical settings. The Certification Board of Music Therapists is the organization that board-certifies individuals .
What are the job prospects?
Over the next ten years, according to the. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, recreational therapists (under which music therapy falls) will see an increase of 2.5% in job growth nationwide.
What about job satisfaction?
According to the National Institute of Health:
In general, music therapists have a high level of both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. The lowest level of job satisfaction was found in music therapists with trainee contracts and the highest in music therapists with senior positions.
What’s the pay?
The average salary is about $57,000 USD. Private practice and specialized clinical work may lead to higher earnings.
May this be helpful and informative.
