Change
Written by Kelly, MA, MT-BC   
Friday, 06 November 2009 00:00

Change is often hard for most people. Whether it is a change in job, change in location, or change in clientele, change can be difficult but can provide many unexpected rewards!

As Director of the Music Therapy Department, I talk to my employees on a regular basis about their favorite populations to work with and how to build upon their successes. It is my firm belief that employees have to be happy and do what they love! However, we always say that, "The only thing constant here at West Music is change." Just when you get comfortable, things seem to change.

I have been a music therapist for almost 5 years now. When I started, I was fortunate enough to be able to work primarily in the schools with elementary students. Every ounce of my being loved working with the students, and that is where I really felt the most qualified to work.

Recently though, I have decided to challenge myself to explore other populations. So in an effort to do so, I just transitioned all of my school kids to a different therapist, and I am now working primarily in hospice. I also work with older adults in a rehabilitation unit at the hospital and with a substance abuse group. None of these populations include children at all. And even though I was not sure about throwing myself into these new situations, I have found that I do really enjoy working with older adults.

Perhaps it is the challenge of learning all new music, or learning how to interact with people that can talk back and have more life experience than myself? All I know is that I feel like I am a brand new therapist again, but I know once I get through this change, I will be better off for it! And my newest clients have already provided me with so much wisdom, advice and humbling situations that I can't imagine any other place I would rather be!

Change is definitely hard, but I have found that the rewards outweigh the discomfort of the change! I am lucky to have a job that allows me the flexibility in what experiences I am able to take on so that I am able to grow as a therapist!

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Change is good
written by Michelle Marti, November 06, 2009
I enjoy the challenge of new students and new situations. We are all learning all the time, you have a good attitude.

Kelly, I have a friend who is a musician, has a psychology degree and has worked in hospice and elderly-care environments. How would she go about getting qualified to do music therapy?
Becoming a Music Therapist
written by Kelly F, November 12, 2009
Hi Michelle-

Thanks for reading the blog, I always love challenges and have yet to back down to one, so that is one of the many reasons I love my job here at West. In regards to your friend who is interested in becoming a music therapist, the answer is a little bit tricky.

My suggestion would be to first read the blog entry "Education and Training of a Music Therapist" describing the Education and Training of a Music Therapist.

After that, if she is interested in learning what educational requirements she would need in order to complete either a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy or an Equivalency in Music Therapy (if she already has an undergraduate degree in music), she could contact a professor at one of the approved schools. She can find a list here: http://www.musictherapy.org/handbook/schools.html

Any and all of the professors at those schools would be more than happy to discuss her particular situation. Otherwise, if she wanted to contact me directly for more general information, I would be more than happy to give her some insight into the music therapy world! She can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thanks!


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