Music Therapy As Career Choice ChihChen Sophia Lee, Ph.D. MT-BC Director of Music Therapy Southwestern Oklahoma State University
What is Music Therapy? 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— American Music Therapy Association (AMTA, 2005)
Work Settings Served by Music Therapist Source: AMTA 2010Member Sourcebook, p.215
Age Groups Served by Music Therapist Source: AMTA 2010 Member Sourcebook, p.217
What Music Therapists Do Providing Music Therapy Services and interdisciplinary programming (Co- Programs) Coordinating with other disciplines for clients’ treatment/care plan Therapeutic assessment, evaluation, and consultation Recreational music programming Extra duties as assigned (ex. Marketing, etc.)
Areas of Concerns Addressed in Music Therapy Communication Cognitive/Academic Skills Sensorimotor/Motor Skills Emotional Skills Social Skills Musical Skills
Personal Characteristics for Music Therapists Good Musician & Good Therapist! Good physical health Emotional stability Sincere interest in helping others Accept that rewards in a helping profession are intangible
Job Advancement for Music Therapists Activity Coordinator/Director Activity Therapist Adjunctive Therapist Case Manager Clinical Therapist Creative Arts Therapist Director/Administrator/Supervisor Expressive Arts Therapist (University) Faculty
Job Advancement for Music Therapists (Continued) Music Educator Music Specialist Music Therapist Other QMRP Recreation Therapist Rehabilitation Therapist Self-employed Special Educator
Music Therapists’ Salary by Region (2010) RegionSalary Range Great Lakes$21, ,000 Mid-Atlantic$23, ,000 Midwestern$25, ,000 New England$30, ,000 Southeastern$30, ,000 Southwestern$25,000-97,000 Western$20, ,000 Outside the U.S.$20, ,000
Preparatory/Certification Process Attending Music Therapy Programs Accredited by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and National Association of School of Music (NASM)—4+yr. College Complete appx hrs. (6-month) Music Therapy Internship Pass National Board Certification Exam for Music Therapists (Credential: MT-BC)
Academic Preparation Prior to Majoring in Music Therapy Music (Major instrument, Keyboard/piano, Guitar, Voice, etc.) Biology/physiology Social studies/Psychology 2 nd language
For Further Inquiry About Music Therapy, Please Contact : ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, MT-BC Director of Music Therapy South Western Oklahoma State University 100 Campus Dr. Weatherford, OK Tel: (580) Fax: (580) SWOSU MT Website: