Career Outlook for Those Who Have Earned Their Degree in Music Therapy

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There are numerous types of therapists who deal with specific aspects of life. To understand the music therapist, we first must know what they do. A music therapist provides services to adults and children with various psychiatric disorders, cognitive and developmental disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and neurological impairments, among others. In general, a music therapist usually works as a member of an interdisciplinary team who create plans to support the goals and objectives of each client within the context of the music therapy setting.

What is a Music Therapist?

A music therapist will treat and rehabilitate clients with physical, mental or emotional illnesses and certain disabilities. As a paradigm, music therapy can help improve a person’s wellbeing and engage them creatively through playing on instruments, joyously singing, even songwriting and guided imagery. People who are interested in this field can pursue degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The degree programs involved can combine courses in music with instruction in psychology, biology and even the behavioral sciences. The individual will examine various types of music therapy and the effect to expect on the client. Music Therapy master’s degree programs will usually have a research component to it. Graduates of the curriculum are eligible to take an exam to become certified in music therapy.

Are There Other Types Of Therapy Related?

Speech therapy is a related area that uses the normal process of life to engage in healing. Occupational therapists also deal with transition to normal life. Then, there are recreational therapists. All deal with specialized areas of therapy that is similar to Music therapy, although music therapy includes active participation with new areas for the client that expand them into new and permanent areas for their lifetimes.

What Types of Courses Do I Need to Take?

As part of your classes, you will take world music survey, an overview of music in therapy; you will need to know the psychology of music. In order to know how music affects the client, you will need knowledge of anatomy and physiology and aural comprehension and perception skills. All of this is to understand the use of music therapy for mental health processes. You may learn conducting and music theory as well as normal courses in psychology.

What is the Job Outlook for Music Therapists?

For the variety of therapists, the job outlook looks reasonable for the foreseeable future. As you pursue the degree in Music Therapy, it would be good to know how well the school you go to helps you find employment. As state, local, and federal budgets fluctuate, the job market may change, so it is best to keep abreast of it as you proceed.

The career in music therapy can be exciting and rewarding. It takes a unique talent to not only be creative in the music arena, but also able to help people heal their lives. This is a job that is rewarding as well as lucrative. Not a bad life’s work, considering the people you will help.