Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music used within a therapeutic relationship setting may address social, emotional, physical, behavioral, cognitive, and communication needs of individuals.
The therapist conducts a formal assessment of an individual’s strengths and needs to determine appropriate goals and objectives, which are then addressed during a therapeutic process of interacting in music experiences such as creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.
Music therapists must pass the national-board certification exam after completing an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved music therapy degree program of a bachelor’s degree or higher. In addition to the academic coursework which includes multiple clinical practicums, a prerequisite for the board certification exam is to successfully complete a supervised internship consisting of at least 1200hrs of clinical training.
All music therapists must abide by the Scope of Music Therapy Practice, and the American Music Therapy Association’s Standards of Clinical Practice, Professional Competencies, and Code of Ethics.
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
Certification board for Music Therapists (CBMT)