Exploring the Path of Being a Board Certified - Music Therapist
- Megan Oglesby
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
If you're reading this, it's probably because you have some questions!
What is a music therapist?
How do you become one?
What makes them different from a performer or music teacher?
What do music therapists actually do?
If you ask any music therapist what music therapy is, they will probably recite some version of the textbook definition that was engrained very early on in our education:
"Music Therapy is the clinical & 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."
Let's break down what that means.
Music therapists are allied health professionals that use music as the primary vehicle to achieve non-musical goals through evidence-based interventions. By tuning into the innate musical and rhythmic nature of the human body, individuals can feel more motivated, comforted, engaged, and willing to do the hard work that other modalities may struggle to impress.
While music is the primary focus, the second aspect of being a music therapist is the therapist part of the title.
Through comprehensive coursework and ongoing education, music therapists gain a deep understanding of the diverse individuals we support and the various methodologies required to advance their unique goals.
As a music therapist, I am knowledgeable about implementing safe approaches tailored to the populations I serve, setting attainable goals for their development, and maximizing their success within an engaging and supportive environment.
Becoming a music therapist is more than being proficient in playing an instrument or being a good musician.
To be a legally practicing Music Therapist, you need to complete the following requirements:
Go to an accredited college that offers a music therapy degree under the AMTA guidelines, gaining proficiency in various instruments, music theory, aural skills, therapeutic approaches, and so much more. See all requirements here!
Obtain and complete 1200 clinical hours through an internship with supervision and examinations/projects/thesis.
Study for and pass the board-certification exam for national certification.
Gather 100 CMTE's by furthering your education through seminars, courses, presentations, advocacy, and research to maintain certification across every 5 years.
So, who does a music therapist work with?
You can find us in schools helping students progress in their IEP's, in hospice supporting clients and their family process grief, co-treating with physical or speech therapist's to maximize progress in communication and motor functioning goals, hosting social and wellness focused groups for all ages, supporting recovery from addiction or traumatic brain injury or spinal injury, and in a variety of mental health focused environments to target regulation/coping skills, self-expression, empowerment and so much more.
Basically, if there is evidence that music is an effective tool to maximize progress towards a goal (whether that be developmental, educational or personal) music therapy could be for you. Who knows, you may find you are already doing some of the things we would teach you!
Speaking of which, what does a typical session look like?
Before we get into a session, clients typically receive an intake form that explores diagnosis, history, concerns, and strengths. Then the assessment session is scheduled. The assessment is to determine if music would be a viable therapeutic approach to target specific need areas, gain background information on the client and their preferences, as well as to begin establishing a rapport and navigating if it is a conducive therapeutic relationship.
Assessment Overview
Assessment sessions typically take place over one to two meetings, depending on the person's age.
These sessions aim to explore how the individual is doing in different areas of their life: mood/emotional, behavioral, cognitive, fine/gross motor, sensory, communication, developmental, and socially. Then the therapist opens up a conversation about potential goal areas - music therapy is client centered and thus brings the client into treatment decisions as often as possible.
Now that we've gotten into a music therapy session, what's next?
What types of interventions are primarily used?
The following interventions are adapted to fit a variety
of populations:
Active instrument play
Song writing (original and piggy-back)
Movement to or through music
Listening to music and processing it's contents (lyrical and musical)
Mindfulness/grounding
Improvisation on a variety of instruments
Psychoeducation on techniques and interventions used
Music education
The most important aspects of a music therapy session is the music is client preferred, a positive rapport has been established, and the client is encouraged to maintain and advocate for their autonomy as they explore new and evidenced-based ways to progress through their individualized goals.
Hopefully this answered some of your questions about becoming a music therapist!
Sincerely,
Megan
Megan is a Music Therapist at Anderson Music Therapy, often found working with children, teens, and adults.
If you feel like music therapy could benefit you or someone you care about, we'd love to support you. Schedule a phone call to get more information.
