A music therapist is a graduate of a music therapy degree program approved by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. Training includes extensive academic and experiential coursework, clinical experience, supervised practicums and a 1000 hour supervised internship. A music therapist is a person with strong musical talents and abilities, a dedication to the study of music and its functional adaptations for influencing changes in behaviour, and a commitment to assisting people toward healthy life adjustments. We assess and develop clinical goals, programming and interventions in consultation with clients, families and other team members. Click on one of the populations in the table below to learn more about the effectiveness of music therapy with different populations' needs and abilities.
Music therapists seek to promote wellness and enhance overall quality of life.
The nonverbal, structural, creative and emotive elements of music directly enhance the therapeutic process. We advocate for music therapists in matters related to standards of professional practice, salary scales, ethics, and promotion of the field with other organizations, government agencies, unions and employer groups. Our Mission To promote excellence in music therapy practice, education and development, to further the awareness of music therapy in B.C. and across Canada, and to serve as an organizational agency for its members. Music therapy continues to grow rapidly each year, with new positions being created all the time in a variety of settings, throughout the provinces. Music therapists often create their own positions by demonstrating the effectiveness of music therapy to administrators and clinical staff through inservices and workshops.