Music Therapy | Therapist Training
What does a music therapist study in college?
A music therapy baccalaureate degree includes coursework in all of the following areas:
- acoustics
- anatomy
- behavioral sciences
- biological sciences
- disabilities
- general studies
- music
- music therapy
- physiology
- psychology
- research analysis
- social sciences
- special education
How do music therapy interns train?
In addition to two formal writing assignments, internship requires 1,040 hours, comprised of the following:
- 85 hours orientation
- 520 hours case study, documentation, music therapy direct service, presentations, special project
- 80 hours intern symposia, staff and in-service meetings
- 60 hours professional growth, self-awareness
- 52 hours formal/informal observation, supervision
- 130 hours administrative tasks
- 65 hours coordinating with team members, practicing music, session planning
- 48 hours illness, observance of holidays, personal discretion
How does a music therapist become board certified?
Successful graduation from one of more than 70 approved college music therapy programs as well as completion of a subsequent six-month clinical training internship qualifies a music therapist to attempt a national board certification exam, offered by the »Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Upon passing the exam, a music therapist earns the credential MT–BC (Music Therapist–Board Certified). The MT–BC credential requires either exam re-certification every five years or successful completion and documentation of 100 Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) units.
What postgraduate opportunities exist for music therapists?
Although a postgraduate degree is not required of music therapists, both master's degrees and doctorate degrees in music therapy exist.
MusicWorx Training Options
Toolbox CMTE Courses
MusicWorx offers an entire line of CBMT-approved self-study CMTE courses called Toolboxes, each targeting a specific music therapy audience.
World-Class Internship in San Diego
MusicWorx is a world-renowned AMTA-approved clinical training internship site that accepts eight domestically or internationally trained music therapy graduates each year.