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: