Career in Music Therapy : By Mariah

1. Career in Music Therapy : By Mariah My career I chose was Music Therapy. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. I love music and it brings out a big part of me. Music has been my therapy. And now I want to share the art of music with other troubled children to help them grow and better themselves.

2. What Is Involved In the Work……..? Music Therapy is both an allied health profession and a field of scientific research which studies correlations between the process of clinical therapy and biomusicology, musical acoustics, music theory, psychoacoustics and comparative musicology. It is an interpersonal process in which a trained music therapist uses music and all of its facets—physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual—to help clients to improve or maintain their health. Music therapists primarily help clients improve their observable level of functioning and self-reported quality of life in various domains (e.g., cognitive functioning, motor skills, emotional and affective development, behavior and social skills) by using music experiences (e.g., singing, songwriting, listening to and discussing music, moving to music) to achieve measurable treatment goals and objectives.

3. Where Does the Work Take Place…..? Some jobs are located in a mental health or correctional facility.

4. What Are the Working Conditions…? Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

5. What is the size of the occupation……? Currently, there are more jobs available than there are music therapists to fill them. Over 5,000 music therapists are employed throughout the United States, with a continued increase predicted for the future. Music therapy positions are available in schools, nursing homes/assisted living, private practice, and inpatient psychiatric units, as well as noninstitutional settings such as outpatient clinics, home health care agencies, and hospice centers.

6. What type of training is needed to enter the field…? JOB QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities NOTE: Some knowledge in the area listed is required at the entry level, developing knowledge is required at the intermediate level, and considerable knowledge is required at the experienced level. Knowledge of musical theory, and music instruction methods. Knowledge of the principles and practices of music therapy. Knowledge of the various appropriate music therapy activities used for the therapeutic treatment of mentally or physically handicapped persons. Knowledge of the equipment used in music therapy work. Knowledge of the techniques of directing band, orchestra, and other instrumental ensembles. Knowledge of conducting and score reading.Knowledge of musical program planning. Ability to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic music program. Ability to work with other staff on the treatment team. Ability to get along well with and to gain the cooperation of residents/patients. Ability to work with professional and technical personnel in the area of the work performed. Ability to read music. Ability to play a musical instrument. Ability to test and classify voices. Ability to make simple musical arrangements. Ability to direct vocal and instrumental ensembles. Ability to obtain the cooperation of residents/patients. Ability to maintain records, and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work. Ability to communicate effectively with others. Ability to maintain favorable public relations.Possession of a bachelor's degree in music therapy.

7. What are the possibilities for moving to a higher position….? Position Code Title – Music Therapist-E Music Therapist 9 This is the entry level. As a trainee, the employee carries out a range of professional music therapist assignments while learning the methods of the work. Music Therapist 10 This is the intermediate level. The employee performs an expanding range of professional music therapist assignments in a developing capacity. Music Therapist P11 This is the experienced level. The employee performs a full range of professional music therapist assignments in a full-functioning capacity. Considerable independent judgement is used to make decisions in carrying out assignments that have significant impact on services or programs. Guidelines may be available, but require adaptation or interpretation to determine appropriate courses of action. NOTE: Employees generally progress through this series to the experienced level based on satisfactory performance and possession of the required experience.

8. What can you expect to earn when you start? After 10 years?  While the salary range varies from one geographical area to another, the overall entry-level salary ranges between $36,000-$42,000 per year in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.

9. Future Prospects For This Career….. Getting the Job In order to land a full time job as a music therapist, the therapist will first have to become certified according to state ruling. From there, most music therapists will use their internship or apprenticeship experience to find jobs in hospitals, mental health institutions, physical therapy clinics, or other clinical departments to work with patients who could benefit from music therapy

10. Writing and/or Speaking Skills……♥ ****To write music and help clients with using their voice and won writing skills to help each other and themselves. Teaching.

11. The End♥ So, that’s a Music Therapist. See, music can change a lot of things. In the end, it’s one of the most helpful things for some. I love to help people and especially through the expression of music.