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Music Therapist |
Career OverviewMusic therapy is used to improve patients’ emotional and physical condition. It also facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and psychotic depression. Patients with personality disorders can also benefit from music therapy and it is often assigned as part of their treatment program.
People with damaged brain and learning disabilities, those with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities, and those who have suffered physical or emotional trauma benefit from music therapy.
The basic premise advocated by music therapists is that music and movement provide a constant interaction between the mind and body. These two entities register both pain and pleasure. Emotional pain experienced during anxiety and depression can be expressed outwardly, involuntarily, through posture, movements, muscle tension, and breathing patterns in response to music. Interaction with music diverts attention from their inner concerns and uplifts their spirits.
Music therapists work with physicians and other therapists to help restore the health of their patients. They observe and interpret the patient’s outward expressions to music and look to establish a meaningful contact.
Activities that encourage touching and rhythmic movement can help reconnect severely disabled and disturbed patients with their environments, which may be considered the goal of music therapy.
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Career RequirementsMusic therapists require a Master’s degree to work in the field. Most applicants major in psychology, music, dance, or physical education. A master’s degree is required from a college or university that is accredited to award degrees in music therapy.
Graduate work generally includes courses in psychopatology, human development, music theory and practice, and observation and research skills. Master of Arts in creative arts therapy is the most commonly awarded degree title for music therapists.
At present, there are no state or federal licensing requirements established for music therapists.
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Job OutlookAlthough music, dance, and art therapy, are relatively new specialties, they have been accepted in the medical community. The economy has exercised considerable influence in limiting the public funding available for arts, music, and drama programs, including therapy programs. However, these forms of therapy have shown consistently strong patient outcomes, particularly for the elderly population. The outlook for job growth and employment is thus considered to be very good because of the expected growth of the elderly population.
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Career TrackOpportunities for advancement are, as yet, limited. For the most part, where there is opportunity, those with appropriate skills and experience are promoted to supervisory positions or established as educators and researchers at learning facilities.
Most music therapists work in short-term and long-term care facilities, at nursing homes, and at psychiatric institutions of various kinds.
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CompensationStandard compensation for music therapists ranges between $25,000 and $50,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance.
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