1. Music Therapy As Career Choice
ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, LPMT MT-BC
Director of Music Therapy
Southwestern Oklahoma State University

2. 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)

3. Populations Served by Music Therapist
Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 15

4. Work Settings Served by Music Therapists
Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 15

5. Age Groups Served by Music Therapist
Source: AMTA 2017 Member Sourcebook, p. 16

6. 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.)

7. Areas of Concerns Addressed in Music Therapy
Communication
Cognitive/Academic Skills
Sensorimotor/Motor Skills
Emotional Skills
Social Skills
Musical Skills

8. 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

9. 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

10. Job Advancement for Music Therapists (Continued)
Music Educator
Music Specialist
Music Therapist
Other
QMRP
Recreation Therapist
Rehabilitation Therapist
Self-employed
Special Educator

11. Music Therapists’ Salary by Region (2017)
Salary Range
Great Lakes
$20, ,000
Mid-Atlantic
$27, ,000
Midwestern
$20,000-98,000
New England
$28, ,000
Southeastern
$24, ,000
Southwestern (OK: $45,333)
$23, ,000
Western
$27, ,000
Outside the U.S.
$25, ,000

12. 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)
In Oklahoma, apply for Licensed Professional Music Therapist (LPMT) at the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

13. Academic Preparation Prior to Majoring in Music Therapy
Music (Major instrument, Keyboard/piano, Guitar, Voice, etc.)
Biology/physiology
Social studies/Psychology
2nd language

14. For Further Inquiry About Music Therapy, Please Contact :
ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC
Director of Music Therapy
South Western Oklahoma State University
100 Campus Dr.
Weatherford, OK 73096
Tel: (580)
Fax: (580)
SWOSU MT Website: