Music Therapy Education and Training

The education and training of a music therapist is extensive. Not only must a music therapist have strong musical skills, but they must also be trained in how music is used in therapy. While coursework can vary between educational institutions,the Amercian Music Therapy Association has developed specific ciricular guidelines for AMTA approved programs. Such guidelines include:

• music courses (history, theory performance, conducting, instrumental technique, ensembles)
• music therapy courses (principles, psychology of music, practica experience)
• biological and behavioral sciences (anatomy, abnormal psych, sociology, exceptional children)
• general education and electives

Following the completion of academic coursework, music therapy students must complete a six-month clinical internship under the direction of a registered music therapist, in an AMTA approved music therapy program. For more information concerning clinical training contact the American Music Therapy Association

Music Therapy Board Certification

In 1983 NAMT established a certification board (CBMT) to insure accountability of the music therapy profession. Through the creation of a national certification exam, CBMT set the standards by which individuals who wish to enter, continue and/or advance in their field, practice music therapy.(CBMT, 1997)

For further information contact

the Certification Board for Music Therapists
1407 Huguenot Road
Midlothian, VA 23113
(800) 765-CBMT

KathySL@aol.com

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