Dear Residents, Families, and Friends,
On March 1st, people around the globe come together to celebrate the healing power of music on World Music Therapy Day! This day aims to advocate for greater access to Music Therapy services and to promote research and education in the field. To celebrate World Music Therapy Day, I want to answer some frequently asked questions about Music Therapy.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. This is facilitated by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It may address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social needs of individuals. Music Therapists work with people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve therapeutic goals. These goals may include increasing social engagement, improving mood, improving communication skills, enhancing motor function, and/or fostering self-expression.
What do Music Therapists do?
Music Therapists utilize a variety of evidenced-based music interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. These therapeutic music interventions can range from listening to and discussing music, playing instruments, singing, songwriting, improvisation, and/or movement to music. The versatility of Music Therapy allows it to be beneficial in diverse settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, mental health care, and community outreach programs.
How do you become a Music Therapist?
A professional Music Therapist holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in Music Therapy from an approved Music Therapy program. In addition to completing the required academic coursework, Music Therapists complete at least 1,200 hours of clinical hours, including a supervised internship. Upon completion of the degree program, Music Therapists complete the national board certification exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified). In Maryland, Music Therapists must also obtain state licensure.
For more information on Music Therapy or Brain Wellness, contact Julia McCarren at jmccarren@kensingtonsl.com.