1. Music Therapy Advocacy: A Career in Music Therapy

2. What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is an allied health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the needs of clients, the music therapist implements different interventions including: creating, moving, singing, relaxation, active music making, and song-writing. Goal areas are established and the clients abilities strengthened and transferred to other areas of their life. Music therapy can also provide an avenue for communication to those that find it difficult to communicate with words. (American Music Therapy Association, 2011)

3. Personal Qualifications Interest in working with people Able to establish relationships with people of varying age, race, sex and ability Patience, creativity, open Self aware Background or love of music Multi-tasker Hard worker

4. Your Music Therapy Education 4-year undergraduate degree minimum Masters degree (LCAT) in New York State 4 semesters of practicum fieldwork Clinical internship at approved site: 1,040 hrs Completion of national board certification exam

5. The Undergraduate Curriculum Acceptance into an approved program through an audition on primary instrument and interview Coursework in: – Music Therapy – Psychology – Music, music theory, music history – Biological, social, behavioral sciences – Disabilities – General Studies – Instrument study in: Voice, guitar, piano, orchestra

6. Where Do Music Therapists Work? Just to name a few… Medical hospitals Treatment centers Psychiatric hospitals Schools Community mental health centers Substance abuse programs Older adult facilities Hospice Care Correctional Facilities Private practices

7. Who Do Music Therapists Work With? NICU infants Children Adolescents Adults Elderly Persons with mental health needs Developmental and learning disabilities Alzheimers Disease Substance abuse Brain Injuries Physical disabilities Acute and chronic pain Cancer Patients Autism Parkinsons

8. YOUR Career in Music Therapy Music Therapists are typically members of an interdisciplinary team who support the goals of clients. Enriching community of professionals and pre-professionals. Ample opportunity for employment through a facility or your own business. Rewarding career working with a variety of people.

9. Questions?

10. Experiential Active Music Making Relaxation

11. Thank You! For more information, a list of programs and universities, or additional questions please visit: www.TheEclecticGuitar.com www.MusicTherapy.org