by Kathleen Bowsher, MT-BC, Music Therapist-Board Certified

How does one become a music therapist? This is one of the most common questions asked of all music therapists.

To be able to call yourself a music therapist, one must complete an approved music therapy degree program, offered from over 70 undergraduate or graduate colleges and universities. The minimum degree requirement is a bachelor’s degree and successful completion of a supervised internship. Approximately 40% of qualified music therapists hold advanced degrees.

While in school, a music therapy major will study their primary instrument, and also will need to pass proficiency exams in voice, piano, and guitar. A knowledge of other instruments, such as percussion, autoharp, Q-Chord, and Orff instruments, is necessary. Music therapy majors study composition, music theory, music history, conducting, and improvisation along with their music therapy coursework. In addition, classes in psychology, anatomy & physiology, and statistics are required.

Clinical work is also a large part of the education of a music therapist. Students are placed in a clinical setting and practice putting their new skills and knowledge into use. These supervised practicum are essential in helping the student develop needed clinical skills and broadening their understanding of the many different settings professionals work.

After a student completes the music therapy coursework, a supervised internship at a facility approved by the American Music Therapy Association is required. The internship is generally 6 months long, and gives the student full-time work experience in a clinical situation, while still being under the supervision of a fully trained music therapist. During the internship, the student will continue to develop musical and clinical skills, while also completing music therapy assessments, documentation, and other paperwork required of clinicians.

Once a student has successfully completed the internship, s/he is now ready to take the final step to becoming a professional. The Certification Board for Music Therapists is the only organization to certify music therapists to practice music therapy nationally. Upon successful completion of the exam, the individual then receives the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified).

Because one’s education is never truly done, of course, and new research is being completed all the time, The Certification Board for Music Therapists requires all of its members to complete 100 hours of Continuing Education every 5 years. Journals such as the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives also help keep professionals abreast of current research, so that we can continue to offer our clients the best service possible.