The following information addresses frequently asked questions about the field of music therapy. A music therapist is a professional who designs therapeutic music activities to meet specific goals and objectives. We use music as a vehicle for promoting academic, socio-emotional, speech and language, and motorical goals and behaviors.
Music therapists work in a wide variety of settings.
As you can see, special education represents only a section of populations served by music therapists. Currently, the largest populations served by music therapists are in the areas of geriatrics and mental health. A music therapist must graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in music therapy. After completing this academic coursework, students are required to complete a 1,040 hour music therapy internship, usually lasting six months. At this time, students are eligible to take the board certification examination.