High School
To become a music therapist, you will need a bachelor's degree, so take a college preparatory curriculum while in high school. You should become as proficient as possible with music, musical instruments, and musical theory. When therapists work with patients, they must be able to concentrate completely on the patient rather than on learning how to use tools or techniques. A good starting point for an aspiring music therapist is to study piano or guitar.
In addition to courses such as drama, music, and English, you should consider taking introductory classes in psychology. Also, communications classes will give you an understanding of the various ways people interact, both verbally and nonverbally.
Postsecondary Training
To become a music therapist you must earn at least a bachelor's degree in music therapy. There are more than 70 American Music Therapy Association–approved college and university music therapy programs in the United States and Canada. Typical courses in a bachelor's degree program in music therapy include professional music therapy, music therapy theory, assessment, evaluation, populations served, ethics, and research and clinical interventions. Undergraduates will also take supporting courses in music, psychology, and human physiology.
In most cases, however, you will also need a graduate degree to advance in the field. Graduate school admissions requirements vary by program, so you would be wise to contact the graduate programs you are interested in to find out about their admissions policies. For some fields, you may be required to submit a portfolio of your work along with the written application. The AMTA provides a list of schools that meet its quality standards on its Web site, https://www.musictherapy.org/careers.
In graduate school, your study of psychology and music will be in-depth. Classes for someone seeking a master's in music therapy may include group psychotherapy, foundation of creativity theory, assessment and treatment planning, and music therapy presentation. In addition to classroom study, you will complete an internship or supervised practicum (that is, work with clients). Depending on your program, you may also need to write a thesis or present a final artistic project before receiving your degree.
Certification
Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in music therapy. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. One example is the music therapy post-baccalaureate certificate program that is offered by Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Some of the courses in the program include Introduction to Music Therapy; Music Therapy Techniques; Clinical Practicum in Music Therapy; and Introduction to Counseling. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs
Other Education or Training
The American Music Therapy Association offers continuing education e-courses. Topics include professional ethics, management issues, career enhancement, and music therapy interventions, applications, and strategies. Contact the association for more information.
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