The
Music Therapy Concentration is uniquely
structured to provide not only an intensive study of
music, but also an in-depth understanding of the
behavioral and natural sciences (such as psychology,
anatomy and physiology) and sociology. Music used as
a therapeutic modality is frequently applied to a
wide range of people with psychological, physical,
emotional, social or cognitive disabilities. The
curriculum is structured to provide an intensive
coverage of these areas throughout the four-year
program.
An important aspect of the Music Therapy curriculum
is the practical field involvement of the student
from the sophomore through the senior years. This
high degree of clinical exposure culminates with a
six-month internship at an
AMTA
approved facility under a board-certified music
therapist. The internship can be taken anywhere in
the country upon completion of all degree
coursework. Upon successful completion of the
internship, the student is eligible to sit for the
national board certification exam offered by the
Certification Board
for Music Therapists (CBMT).
The Music Therapy Concentration at Radford
University involves research as well as clinical
work. The goal of the concentration is to produce
highly qualified and knowledgeable music therapists
who will become growing and productive assets to
their clinical program and profession. The field of
music therapy is an exciting one, utilizing a unique
combination of art and science to improve the
quality of life for persons with disabilities.
What exactly is Music Therapy?
While music has been used for
centuries as a therapeutic tool, the profession of music therapy as
we currently know it didn't develop until the middle of the 20th
century. By today's standards, we might view music therapy as the
use of music in the accomplishment of therapeutic aims: the
restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical
health.
Specifically, how does music work
in a music therapy setting?,
First, if we can extend the
definition of "music" in "music therapy" to include playing,
listening, creating, improvising, moving, singing or performing, we
can see that involving individuals in any of these aspects of music
might begin to address some specific clinical needs for that
individual. These needs may be physical, emotional, social,
cognitive or even spiritual. So it is not just the music itself that
is providing the specific therapeutic effect but also the context in
which the designated client is involved with the music.
How long will it take to complete a
degree with a concentration in music therapy?
The well motivated student can
complete all of the academic course work toward the degree in four
years. It is sometimes useful to consider the taking of one or two
summer sessions to contribute to the completion of this course work.
Additionally, the student is required to complete an internship.
Upon the successful completion of this internship, the student has
then fulfilled all of the requirements for the Bachelor's degree in
Music (B.M.) with a Concentration in Music Therapy and may sit for
the national certification exam.
What can you tell me about the
internship in music therapy?
At Radford University, once you
have completed all of the academic course work for the degree, an
internship must be completed before the actual conferring of the
degree takes place. This internship is typically six months in
length (at forty hours per week) and can be done anywhere in the
country that there is an approved site. Sites are approved by the
American Music Therapy
Association (AMTA) which is the same organization that approves
the music therapy program here at Radford University.
Where do most music therapists find
jobs when they complete the academic training?
Traditionally, music therapists
have been employed by state and private institutions that serve
people with disabilities and people with special needs. These can
include state and private psychiatric facilities, homes or
institutions for people with developmental disabilities and
Veteran's Affairs Medical Centers. However, trends over the past
decade find music therapists employed by school districts (working
with special needs children), nursing homes and extended care
facilities, general medical settings, hospice, physical
rehabilitation institutes as well as in private practice. As the
profession continues to grow and mature, the opportunities for the
application of music therapy techniques grows as well.
Which is more important in the
field of music therapy, being a strong musician or being a strong
therapist?
As with all music degrees, the
development of strong music skills is essential. In the profession
of music therapy, music is our tool. Music is, in a sense, our
co-therapist, and, as such, our relationship with the music carries
a high degree of importance. That relationship is, in part,
developed through the disciplined and demanding training in the art.
The musical skills of the individual are a very important aspect of
the total music therapist. In addition to music development, a music
therapist must possess good interpersonal skills. This includes an
ability to work with others, to be open minded and to value the
unique qualities of all people, young and old.
