How do I become a music therapist?

To become a board-certified music therapist, one must complete an approved collegiate academic program.  To view a list of approved schools, click here.  In addition to the coursework, a music therapy student must complete 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience.  A good portion of those hours take place in a supervised internship, which may occur in any of a variety of settings.  Most internships are approved by the American Music Therapy Association, and must meet their standards.

Where does a music therapist work?

Music therapy is proving to be effective in more and more settings.  Listed below are common environments in which a music therapist may find employment.

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Geriatric facilities
• Adult day care
• Psychiatric facilities
• Hospice and Bereavement services
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Forensic facilities
• Private practices
• Academic and research appointments