Complete Guide to Becoming a Music Therapist
Music therapy is a healthcare profession that uses music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals across all age groups. Music therapists work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and private practice settings. This comprehensive guide outlines the various pathways to becoming a credentialed music therapist, regardless of your current educational background or career stage.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice where trained professionals use music interventions to help clients achieve therapeutic goals. These goals might include improving communication skills, managing pain, reducing anxiety, enhancing memory, or developing social skills. Music therapists must complete rigorous academic and clinical training to become board-certified professionals.
Educational Requirements
All music therapists must complete an approved music therapy program that includes both academic coursework and supervised clinical training. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approves these programs, which are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. After graduation, candidates must complete a six-month clinical internship and pass the board certification examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Pathway 1: High School Students
If you're currently in high school and interested in music therapy, you have the most straightforward path available. Here's how to prepare and proceed:
Academic Preparation
Focus on maintaining strong grades in both music and science courses. Take advanced placement classes in psychology, biology, and music theory when available. Develop proficiency on your primary instrument and consider learning guitar and piano, as these are frequently used in music therapy settings.
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or disability service organizations to gain exposure to potential client populations. Participate in school music ensembles and consider joining a community service music group. Shadow a music therapist if possible, or attend local AMTA events to network with professionals.
College Selection
Research colleges with AMTA-approved undergraduate music therapy programs. Consider factors like program reputation, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and location. Use Music Therapy Source's comprehensive music therapy schools database to explore all approved programs and filter by specific criteria like degree level, state, and distance learning options. For in-depth information about making the right choice, consider Music Therapy Source School Guide (4th Edition), which provides detailed insights into program selection, application processes, and what to expect from different schools.
Application Process
Most music therapy programs require an audition demonstrating proficiency on your primary instrument, plus basic skills on piano and guitar. You'll also need to show vocal ability and may be asked to perform simple accompaniments or lead basic music activities.
Pathway 2: College Students Without Music Therapy Programs
If you're currently enrolled in a college that doesn't offer music therapy, you have several options to transition into the field:
Transfer Option
Research transferring to a college with an AMTA-approved music therapy program using Music Therapy Source's filterable database to find programs that best match your location preferences and degree requirements. Many of your general education credits will likely transfer, though you may need to complete additional music coursework. Meet with advisors at both your current school and potential transfer schools to create a smooth transition plan.
Prerequisite Completion
If transferring isn't feasible, focus on completing prerequisite courses that will be required for graduate music therapy programs. These typically include music theory, music history, applied music lessons, ensemble participation, psychology, biology, and anatomy and physiology.
Graduate School Preparation
Plan to apply for graduate-level music therapy programs. Most require a strong foundation in music performance and theory, so consider taking private lessons and participating in musical ensembles even if they're not required for your current major. Use Music Therapy Source's school database to explore graduate programs and their specific requirements, including equivalency programs for students with different educational backgrounds.
Gaining Experience
Volunteer in healthcare or educational settings to gain relevant experience. Some colleges offer service-learning opportunities that combine academic credit with community service in therapeutic settings.
Pathway 3: Music Educators and Professional Musicians
If you already have a music degree and experience in music education or performance, you're well-positioned to transition into music therapy:
Equivalency Programs
Many graduate music therapy programs offer equivalency tracks for students with music degrees. These programs allow you to complete missing prerequisite courses while beginning graduate-level music therapy coursework.
Leveraging Existing Skills
Your performance skills, music theory knowledge, and experience working with people through music provide an excellent foundation. Music educators, in particular, often possess classroom management skills and experience adapting musical activities for different learning styles.
Additional Prerequisites
You may need to complete courses in psychology, biology, anatomy and physiology, and abnormal psychology if these weren't part of your original music degree. Some programs offer these as part of their equivalency sequence.
Professional Development
Consider attending music therapy conferences or workshops to better understand the field and network with current professionals. The AMTA offers resources for career changers, including information sessions and mentorship opportunities.
Pathway 4: Non-Music Degree Holders
If you have a degree in another field but are passionate about music therapy, the path requires more preparation but is absolutely achievable:
Music Skills Assessment
Honestly evaluate your current musical abilities. You'll need to demonstrate proficiency on piano, guitar, and voice, plus have solid music theory knowledge. Consider taking private lessons and enrolling in community college music theory courses if needed.
Prerequisite Coursework
You'll need to complete extensive music prerequisites including music theory, music history, applied music lessons, and ensemble participation. Many community colleges offer these courses, and some universities have post-baccalaureate programs designed for career changers.
Graduate Program Preparation
Most graduate music therapy programs expect incoming students to have substantial music background. Plan for 2-3 years of intensive music study before applying to graduate programs. Some schools offer pre-professional sequences specifically designed for students changing careers.
Healthcare Experience
Your existing degree may provide valuable perspective, especially if it's in healthcare, education, or social services. Emphasize transferable skills like communication, empathy, and working with diverse populations when applying to music therapy programs.
Graduate School Options
Graduate-level music therapy programs are available for all pathway students and typically take 2-3 years to complete. These programs offer several advantages:
Comprehensive Training
Graduate programs provide intensive clinical training and often specialize in specific populations or treatment approaches. You'll gain hands-on experience in various clinical settings while learning evidence-based interventions.
Research Opportunities
Many graduate programs emphasize research skills, preparing you to contribute to the growing body of music therapy literature. This can be particularly valuable if you're interested in academic careers or specialized clinical practice.
Networking and Mentorship
Graduate programs provide opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty and connect with professionals in the field. These relationships often lead to internship placements and job opportunities after graduation.
Clinical Internship and Certification
All music therapy students must complete a six-month, 1,040-hour clinical internship at an AMTA-approved site. During this internship, you'll work under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist, gaining practical experience with various client populations and treatment approaches.
After completing your internship, you'll be eligible to take the board certification examination administered by the CBMT. This comprehensive exam tests knowledge of music therapy theory, techniques, and clinical practice. Upon passing, you'll earn the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).
Career Opportunities and Specializations
Music therapists work in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Some choose to specialize in specific populations such as children with autism, stroke survivors, or individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
The field offers opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles, program development, research, and education. Many experienced music therapists pursue additional certifications in specialized techniques or complementary therapies.
Financial Considerations
Music therapy education can be expensive, but various funding options exist including scholarships specifically for music therapy students, graduate assistantships, and federal financial aid. The AMTA Foundation and many individual programs offer scholarship opportunities.
Career earnings vary by setting and geographic location, but music therapists typically earn salaries comparable to other allied health professionals. Job growth is expected to be strong as awareness of music therapy's benefits increases and healthcare systems recognize its value.
Getting Started
Regardless of your current situation, the first step is researching AMTA-approved programs and connecting with current professionals. Use Music Therapy Source's comprehensive school database to explore all available programs and filter by your specific needs and preferences. For a deeper dive into program selection and application strategies, The Music Therapy Source School Guide provides invaluable insights from experienced professionals and includes bonus resources like FAQ sections and "Day in the Life of a Music Therapist" content.
Attend local AMTA chapter meetings, reach out to music therapists in your area, and consider attending the annual AMTA conference to immerse yourself in the professional community.
Remember that becoming a music therapist requires dedication to both musical excellence and clinical competency. The journey may be challenging, but for those passionate about using music to help others, it offers a deeply rewarding career combining artistic expression with meaningful healthcare service.
Resources
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA): www.musictherapy.org
Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT): www.cbmt.org
List of AMTA-approved programs: Available on the AMTA website
AMTA Foundation scholarships: Information available through AMTA
The path to becoming a music therapist varies depending on your starting point, but with proper planning and dedication, it's an achievable goal that can lead to a fulfilling career helping others through the power of music.