Music therapy is a fascinating field that combines the power of music with therapeutic techniques to support people in improving their health and well-being. In this issue of the A-Z of Allied Health, we explore the role of music therapists.

We’ve all experienced the impact of music on our health and well-being. Whether it’s the calming effect of a favorite song, the energising beat that inspires us, or the steady rhythm that dictates our running pace, music profoundly affects our minds, hearts, and bodies. Singing or playing music, alone or in a group, can help us feel connected, recall old memories, and express thoughts and feelings that words often can’t capture.

Music therapists draw on this this power to enhance health and well-being. While listening to or performing music can sometimes be enough to help us relax, exercise, or stay calm, more complex physical, emotional, or social needs often require the advanced skills and expertise of a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).

RMTs apply their specialised knowledge to create tailored interventions that address a variety of health concerns. By leveraging the therapeutic potential of music, they support individuals in achieving better mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes.

What do music therapists do?

Music therapists are allied health professionals who use music to improve the health, well-being, and functioning of individuals of all ages. These skilled musicians are trained to understand the therapeutic effects of music on our bodies, behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and actions. They provide tailored, evidence-based therapy to enhance the mental and physical health and overall quality of life of their clients.

Music therapy employs a range of interactive and therapeutic musical approaches to help individuals achieve their goals. These goals may include improved communication, cognition, physical function, mood, well-being, and spiritual well-being.

Music therapists work within multidisciplinary teams, assisting people with various health conditions, including acquired brain injury, autism, ADHD, anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, disability, depression, dementia, PTSD, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Some techniques used by music therapists include using live or recorded music, composing music and writing lyrics with clients, and other specialized methods designed to address specific therapeutic needs.

Where do music therapists work?

Music Therapists work in many different countries. The World Federation of Music Therapy is an international network of music therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers across eight broad regions encompassing Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. National music therapy associations work together via the World Federation of Music Therapy to share information and research, promote international collaboration and advocate for the profession.

Music therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals (from neonatal intensive care to geriatric mental health units), schools, rehabilitation facilities, residential aged care facilities, palliative care, community health, private practice, childcare centers, disability services, detention centers, and prisons. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams. Some hold 9-to-5 positions in healthcare or educational settings, others work part-time across multiple locations, and many operate their own private practices.

What personal qualities would make me ideally suited to become a music therapist?

In addition to advanced musical skills and knowledge in contemporary research, theory, and clinical practice, music therapists often possess several key personal and relational attributes. Ideal candidates for this profession are typically flexible, open-minded, and authentic, with a strong sense of self-awareness and clear personal boundaries.

Music therapists are also creative and empathetic, showing respect for both their colleagues and clients. They focus on fostering trust, independence, and empowerment in their therapeutic relationships. If you possess these qualities and have a passion for using music to improve others’ lives, you may be well-suited to a career in music therapy.

How do I become a music therapist?

Australia and the UK: In these countries, aspiring music therapists attain their qualifications through postgraduate university education. Prospective students typically need an undergraduate degree in music or a related field such as education, psychology, or another health-related discipline, provided they can demonstrate high-level musical skills.

In Australia, Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) must complete a Master’s program from an accredited institution, including over 600 hours of supervised professional practice. They must also be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Australian RMTs graduate with advanced research skills and contribute significantly to both national and international research.

Canada: The pathway to becoming a music therapist involves completing a Bachelor of Music Therapy from a Canadian Association of Music Therapists-approved institution. This is followed by 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice through an internship and passing the Music Therapist Certification Board examination.

USA: Aspiring music therapists must demonstrate musical proficiency and can pursue either an undergraduate or graduate education program. The undergraduate course involves internship-style education with study in music therapy units and clinical practice training in an approved setting. Graduate programs require completion of music therapy-specific units from the undergraduate curriculum and may include a research component.

New Zealand: To practice as a music therapist, one must complete a Master’s degree in Music Therapy or an overseas equivalent. Registration with the Music Therapy New Zealand Registration Board and holding a current practicing certificate, based on an annual review and supervision, are also required.

Regulation and Accreditation: Music therapists in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are largely self-regulated. However, in Canada, recent changes to the government regulation of psychotherapy and counseling are beginning to impact music therapy.

In Australia, the Australian Music Therapy Association is a member of the National Association of Self-Regulated Health Professions (NASRHP). Consequently, RMTs must adhere to benchmark regulatory and accreditation standards, ensuring that consumers receive safe and quality services from certified and registered music therapists.

Music therapy workforce considerations

Music therapy is a small allied health profession and deemed to be under-utilised in several settings where people stand to benefit from this form of therapy (e.g., aged care, disability and mental health settings). Due to increasing demand for music therapy, there is pressure on the available workforce. There is sufficient demand to warrant additional university places for music therapy. Advocacy for the music therapy profession and the population groups that stand to benefit from music therapy is a key priority for Music Therapy Associations internationally.

Find out more about music therapy

Here are some links to websites and resources for and about music therapists:

• Australian Music Therapy Association
• British Association for Music Therapy
• Music therapist – HEIW (nhs.wales)
• Canadian Association of Music Therapists
• American Music Therapy Association
• Music Therapy New Zealand

 

If you have questions about the music therapy profession, or if you wish to share your experiences as a music therapist, please leave a comment below.

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