tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.comments2024-02-05T01:56:59.483-05:00The Mindful Music TherapistRoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comBlogger498125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-20489856516975366322022-01-11T08:18:19.467-05:002022-01-11T08:18:19.467-05:00Thanks for stopping by, Mary. It's really just...Thanks for stopping by, Mary. It's really just an article at this point, but I'm glad it's an issue you're interested in. What kind of practice do you have?Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-86065149373953783182022-01-10T19:37:33.000-05:002022-01-10T19:37:33.000-05:00I am looking forward to reading your article and b...I am looking forward to reading your article and book. I have been struggling with the idea of consent for nonverbal clients in my practice and how to approach/receive it.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12370050918462904814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-28390126700146256992020-03-07T13:59:33.228-05:002020-03-07T13:59:33.228-05:00Hello, I'm currently considering a Music Thera...Hello, I'm currently considering a Music Therapy degree and you're blog is super helpful, but I still have some concerns, mainly about how talented you have to be in the field. Some background for context: I am 27 and only attended college before dropping out due to personal hardships, but I have always had a passion for music. I was in varsity choir in high school and taught myself to read music and play piano through sight-singing. I still sing on occasion, and used to participate in a church choir and in the school choir when I was in college. However, I never had formal training with other instruments, but have always wanted to play guitar and get better with the piano. My biggest fear about pursuing this career is failing or not being a good enough musician to succeed. I am already sort of in the medical feild (pharmacy tech) so I know healthcare is where I want to be, and I have spent time with a cognitively underdeveloped child and know I am not afraid to work with them. I have a passion for this that I cant shake, but I'm afraid to try because I have a very small musical background. What advice could you give me?neko143https://www.blogger.com/profile/06441275695314098043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-71918656153798575602019-04-19T17:38:15.779-04:002019-04-19T17:38:15.779-04:00Hello Roia! Thank you so much for writing this po...Hello Roia! Thank you so much for writing this post! Like probably everyone that has commented on this page, I am interested in pursuing a career in Music Therapy, but have been nervous about the job market. I am currently a licensed music educator in Western Massachusetts interested in making the switch from Music Education to Music Therapy. Before I do so, do you think you could enlighten me as to the difference between a career in Music Education and Music Therapy? Is it easier to find jobs in one or the other? Thanks in advance!Camila Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12188529978698896757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-27621806412371012442018-10-10T22:51:48.760-04:002018-10-10T22:51:48.760-04:00Hello i cant decide what i want todo. I really wan...Hello i cant decide what i want todo. I really want to major in music therapy. Ive been searching everywhere and all i found is that i shouldnt because its really hard to find music therapy jobs especially in Ohio. Any thoughts?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-79460918970395171692018-05-20T11:41:48.770-04:002018-05-20T11:41:48.770-04:00Hello, Anonymous! I'm so glad you found the po...Hello, Anonymous! I'm so glad you found the post helpful, and thanks for commenting! I got my MA in music therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia where, I'm pretty certain, you don't need to have an undergraduate degree in music therapy to apply. I am also fairly certain my classmates (who didn't have undergraduate degrees in music therapy) ended up with actual Master's Degrees (not equivalencies) in Music Therapy. So that might be an option. That said, be aware music therapy requires proficiency (based on a lengthy list of competencies you can probably access at www.musictherapy.org) in piano, voice and guitar, so you'll have to demonstrate you can use these instruments in a clinically meaningful way. I think (and I could be wrong about this, so you'd need to check it out) you can get a Master's degree and an equivalency in music therapy from Montclair State University (in New Jersey). Do some checking around, because I'm mostly familiar with the universities in the mid-Atlantic region, so there may well be other options. Good luck! Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-68928145093202547152018-05-19T21:37:46.478-04:002018-05-19T21:37:46.478-04:00Wow thank you for this blog! I am a singer/songwri...Wow thank you for this blog! I am a singer/songwriter and substitute teacher and am just learning about music therapy and it sounds like it could be a dream career for me as it combines the two things I love the most- music, and working with people with special needs. Unfortunately, my undergraduate degree was in film, and so I am looking into grad programs that will take students with non music degrees or getting doing a Bachelor's equivalency.<br />I notice even for some masters program, they still call it an "equivalency" if you did not get an undergraduate degree in music or music therapy. What exactly does this mean? Is it held in the same regard as a regular degree? Why the difference in name?<br />Also, I would prefer to go into a Master's program since it seems silly for me to get yet another Bachelor's degree when I could get a more advanced degree, but am wondering about how much coursework I would have to make up and if it would be more cost effective to just do a bachelor equivalency.<br />I took one guitar, one songwriting class, and two voice classes in college, but that is about it for college level music training. All of my other training has been private. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-31576118836164103622017-08-27T07:09:12.795-04:002017-08-27T07:09:12.795-04:00Hello, Katherine - I think it's fantastic you ...Hello, Katherine - I think it's fantastic you want to explore music therapy as a potential career option. That being said, the most useful thing I can say to you at this time in your life is this: you still have three more years of high school ahead of you. Who you are now may change significantly between now and senior year. Even if you *don't* do much changing, it would be such a shame to spend your entire time at high school stressed. <br /><br />As to your specific questions: you can either start to learn guitar now or you can learn when you're in school (every music therapy program has a guitar class of some sort). If you do decide you want to learn now, do it because you love music with a passion and you truly want to find new ways of being with music, not because you think it'll make you a better candidate for music therapy school. <br /><br />I got to be pretty good at focusing in sessions by practicing and being present. I'm old(ish), so I don't have a smart phone. So when I'm with people, I'm *with* people and listening to them. Sometimes, though, it can still be hard (after 30 years of doing this) to focus on everything at once. So I just notice that it's hard on a given day. <br /><br />It helps if you know how to read music (which, obviously, if you've been playing piano for so many years, you can). Maybe join a choir. It's always nice to have the experience of singing with other people. And it helps you listen. One thing I was able to do in my high school (through our career exploring department, I guess it was) was set up a day to go and shadow a music therapist. That helped a lot! <br /><br />Mostly, though, if you truly love music, just make as much of it as you can. But if you're doing it (making music, I mean) just for the sake of being "the perfect music therapist" (which is something that remains elusive for all of us professional music therapists, even after 30 years!), then don't do it. There are so many interesting things to learn in high school, so just be curious and notice what you're drawn to rather than forcing yourself down any particular path. Sending you peace as you commence this interesting journey! <br /><br /><br /><br />Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-63079949558188555152017-08-20T22:50:03.273-04:002017-08-20T22:50:03.273-04:00Hi Roia!!
I'm starting as a sophomore in high...Hi Roia!! <br />I'm starting as a sophomore in highschool this week and I'm really stressed about trying to find a profession to go into. I've heard about music therapy before and it has really intrigued me and so your blog post was really helpful for some information! <br />I know how to play piano fairly well ( as I've been playing it since I was 6) and I can sing a little bit, but I can't play guitar at all and I don't know if that would cause a problem if I go into this profession. <br />I can also sometimes have a hard time focusing on several things at once, and it would be really cool to hear if you have any tips for what you do to focus on so many things going on! <br />I also have a couple questions about schooling... do you have to take any prerequisites before majoring in music therapy? How long did you have to go to school and how long do you have to spend on learning new songs and other things to help your sessions? Are there any classes that I can take concurrently through my highschool if my school offers it? Thanks for the post and let me knowing you have a moment! :)Katherine pettitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-28695334893851319882017-07-01T23:43:48.033-04:002017-07-01T23:43:48.033-04:00Thank you, @Aniket, for your kind words. I also ve...Thank you, @Aniket, for your kind words. I also very much appreciate your recognizing there's a difference between sound healing and music therapy (often people *don't* so, really, thank you). You ask an interesting question, and, honestly - because it's not an area I'm familiar with - I don't really know the answer. Certainly, many people have tried to do what you're proposing, and many people have, for example, created meditation music. Have you tried connecting with any sound healing organizations (http://www.soundhealingcenter.com is one I noticed when I did a quick Google search)? <br /><br />That being said, I think we *all* want to make a difference in the world, and we wonder whether or not what we're doing is "enough." And when we live in a world with so much pain and suffering and anger and stress, it can feel as if what we have to offer is barely making a dent. Something I've had to learn as a music therapist (over and over and over again) is that, even when I feel overwhelmed with what feels like my own inadequacy, and when I worry I'll never be able to make any real difference in my clients' lives, I try to remember that even one meaningful relationship (even if it's someone saying hello with genuine warmth) can be life saving. <br /><br />We often don't know the impact we're having on each other. Perhaps your music, a song you've written and sung from your heart (commercial or not), has been received at just the right moment by someone. Don't sell what you do short. Something we music therapists are reminded of when we're struggling with a particular client/group is to "trust the music." Moreover, as you reflect on your work as a musician and songwriter, I suspect you are simply preparing to enter into a deeper understanding of and relationship with your art and your role as an artist. You will, ultimately, put this struggle you're experiencing into your music. Your art will grow and mature and evolve as you do, and that is meaningful and powerful of itself. Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-71725325925771009052017-06-28T14:28:07.428-04:002017-06-28T14:28:07.428-04:00Hey Roia. I'm so happy to see you do so well a...Hey Roia. I'm so happy to see you do so well and have read your blogs.So happy to see you find your purpose in life! I'm a commercial singer/performer/songwriter but lately been having issues in doing music purposelessly. I want to help masses realise their potential through music by blending commercial music with sound healing music and cure their anxiety, stress, etc and other problems too. I have been seeing articles on sound healing ( which I know is very different from music therapy ) and was wanting to know if you knew anything about it and could guide me in any way. One specific question though- Are there any examples of sound healing music being used in commercial music? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08866557489929052073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-26454091830433260892017-05-26T09:10:44.988-04:002017-05-26T09:10:44.988-04:00@Chad Wow! Those are some challenging questions yo...@Chad Wow! Those are some challenging questions you pose. Well. Without training as a music therapist (and, more importantly, without credentials) you can't really ethically practice as a music therapist. I'm not sure where you live, but more and more states are licensing music therapists, so that would put you in a pretty awkward situation. Here are the many options, but they all seem to require you have *some* kind of music therapy degree or equivalency: https://www.musictherapy.org/careers/employment/ <br /><br />That said, music therapists aren't the only people on earth who use music. There's an Association for Creativity in Counseling that may be helpful to you: https://www.creativecounselor.org <br /><br />There are Certified Music Practitioners and Music Thanatologists (here's a link to an AMTA document that compares these to music therapy: https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/TxMusicServicesAtAGlance_15.pdf.pdf) And apparently there are standards for becoming a therapeutic musician: http://www.nsbtm.org <br /><br />Either way, I wish you luck as you commence your counseling career. As music therapists, we always appreciate advocates, so don't underestimate your role as a strong advocate for creative arts therapies! You never know when a new opportunity will present itself and maybe your dream of becoming a music therapist will come true! <br /><br />Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-34324129988202927162017-05-25T22:51:00.368-04:002017-05-25T22:51:00.368-04:00@Emma I'm so sorry, but it sounds as if you...@Emma I'm so sorry, but it sounds as if you're not living in the US, and I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with things such as A levels. All of my music therapy education has been in the United States. I'd suggest finding the national association for music therapy in your country and asking them. I suspect they'd be a lot more helpful than I'd be able to be in this situation. Good luck! Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-54085299752976909982017-05-24T17:33:22.436-04:002017-05-24T17:33:22.436-04:00Hi Rola,
I appreciate this post. I am writing you...Hi Rola,<br /><br />I appreciate this post. I am writing you because, while I feel like I have what it takes to be a music therapist, I am feeling disheartened about the possibility of ever being able to become a credentialed music therapist.<br /><br />I found out about music therapy when I was a senior in high school. I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to shadow two music therapists at a school for special needs children. At age 17, my only instrument was guitar, and I was not classically trained, thus I felt like I would not be able to gain acceptance to any music school, and my dream was crushed. I went on to major in Psychology. <br /><br />Fast forward 15 years to today— I am months away from completing my second masters degree, this one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I plan to become a LPCA after graduation. <br /><br />Before I go further, I should say— due to my circumstances and place in life, I am simply not willing to pursue another bachelors degree. Also, my wife might literally kill me if I talk about more school, haha.<br /><br />So my question is this— if I do not earn a bachelors degree in music therapy or the equivalency training after a music degree, is there any way I can practice music therapy professionally/formally (ethically)? Additionally, are there any professional organizations and certifications out there other than AMTA? <br /><br />Do you have any advice on how I might be able to incorporate music into my practice as a LPC? <br /><br />- ChadChad Reedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08126098272027389604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-75727152191079187342017-05-22T12:41:26.208-04:002017-05-22T12:41:26.208-04:00What qualifications do you need at GCSE and A-Leve...What qualifications do you need at GCSE and A-Level to take on music therapy? Also, what college or uni did you go to to get this degree?...I'm currently on the brink of picking A-Levels and I need to know what this all consists off before finalising my choices for A-levelsEmmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16836331192583908137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-29227424477992330742017-04-13T23:22:07.771-04:002017-04-13T23:22:07.771-04:00Gosh, you're right, Tamara! I've been bana...Gosh, you're right, Tamara! I've been bananas and have neglected the blog for way too long. Partly it's because I spent the better part of a year writing and revising a chapter for an amazing book (coming out this very Monday, in fact), "Cultural Intersections in Music Therapy." Thanks for giving me a virtual nudge! Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-35347806199417469592017-04-09T21:46:50.142-04:002017-04-09T21:46:50.142-04:00Roia, I've been away too long and now I'm ...Roia, I've been away too long and now I'm sad to see you're not blogging any more :( Hope your voice resurfaces soon!Tamara G. Suttlehttp://www.tamarasuttle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-62103760997011107542017-04-04T12:01:30.381-04:002017-04-04T12:01:30.381-04:00Hello @Anonymous and welcome. I'm glad you fou...Hello @Anonymous and welcome. I'm glad you found the post helpful. I'm sure your psychology degree will help, because, really, everything we learn helps us in some way (okay, well...almost everything). Anyway, yes. It is important to be a skilled musician of some sort (instrumental or vocal), otherwise you won't be able to use the various musical elements as part of your work. Wishing you well as you pursue a fulfilling career! Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-11215887615744576892017-04-01T02:40:36.334-04:002017-04-01T02:40:36.334-04:00Hi,
I just started looking up this specific fiel...Hi, <br /><br />I just started looking up this specific field. I feel like I have been a bit lost in life. I graduated with a BA in psychology a few years ago. Afterwards, I could not figure out what to do with it. Since then I ended up working in the medical field but feel I do not belong where I am. <br /><br />Music has helped me at key points in my life, and today (while listening to music to get my son to sleep) I thought of having my son pick out a song everyday that spoke to him as a way of communicating his feelings that would otherwise be hard to talk about. As soon as I realized what I was thinking of the pieces clicked together. Maybe, this is what I am supposed to do! (I admit that I may have gotten a bit too excited lol) <br /><br />I still have some research to do but your article gave a clear description of what music therapy is. I am hoping my degree in psychology isn't too old since it is an ever changing degree. I am wondering if the degree will help the process of becoming a music therapist? Should I focus mainly on the music part now since I would need to learn how to play and read music? Thanks for all the helpful information!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-41183044198220047282017-03-21T21:28:25.103-04:002017-03-21T21:28:25.103-04:00Hey again, Graham - the LMHC is usually helpful if...Hey again, Graham - the LMHC is usually helpful if you're interested in doing psychotherapy-focused work. It's helpful to have, I'd say. That said, again, Lesley and FSU have very different philosophical approaches. FSU has always had a more behavioral approach and Lesley is more humanistic/relational in its approach (I believe - you'd have to speak with both schools to get a better sense of which one feels right to you). Personally, I tend more toward the relational/psychotherapy approach. If you're aiming to do more of a psychotherapy thing, you're better off getting the LMHC while you're still in school. At least that would be my opinion. If you wait until you're done it's just extra expense, and you're out of the habit you've already established of doing school stuff. So, yes, of course you could wait and become an LMHC after you're done, but do you have a specific reason for not just doing it while you're in school? <br /><br />And I'm glad to be of service. I look forward to meeting you at a conference some day! :- )Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-32143600596671385632017-03-20T13:32:00.826-04:002017-03-20T13:32:00.826-04:00Thank you for the previous ideas on scholarships! ...Thank you for the previous ideas on scholarships! I had one other question I thought you might be able to help with. Lesley includes works towards an LMHC, but FSU does not. Do you feel this type of license is very important to have as a music therapist, and if so, is there a way to get it after school instead? Thanks for all the help! You are an amazing resource Roia !Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15116848634917456985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-58646757201833761772017-02-20T08:45:14.696-05:002017-02-20T08:45:14.696-05:00Congratulations, Graham! That's exciting indee...Congratulations, Graham! That's exciting indeed! And, gosh, you couldn't have found two more different schools in terms of philosophy (at least as far as I'm aware). Honestly, finding money is not my area of expertise. It's been a while since I was in school, but don't they still have the FAFSA to fill out? Are you eligible, perhaps, for scholarships? I'm sorry I can't be much help in this. Wishing you much luck! ~RoiaRoiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-7325116782608231522017-02-16T13:36:35.160-05:002017-02-16T13:36:35.160-05:00Hello Roia,
you helped me a few years back when I...Hello Roia,<br /><br />you helped me a few years back when I commented about starting to look into studying music therapy. I have since been accepted into the graduate programs at Florida State and Lesley University. I am currently in the process of finding scholarships and funding, but am finding it quite hard on my own. The schools are fairly large, and not very helpful when it comes to anything but loans. I was hoping you might have some advice!<br />Thank you!<br /><br />-GrahamAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15116848634917456985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-78041108715859761242017-01-04T20:39:03.656-05:002017-01-04T20:39:03.656-05:00I am 100% a “Reflector”! I am very good at observ...I am 100% a “Reflector”! I am very good at observing first and absorbing all of the information, and then saying a succinct briefing of my perspective. I am good at getting along with a lot of different personalities due to my easy-going nature. I don’t always speak up when I feel I should though, so I guess I’ve always thought that I’m not very good at advocating. But after reading this article I realized I advocate, just in my own way! I am quieter than some, but once my passion for music therapy is unleashed I will tell anyone all about it whenever the opportunity arises. Jennifer Chutehttp://www.danceinhisshoes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906560836708126523.post-68551300876782015022016-10-19T21:41:30.512-04:002016-10-19T21:41:30.512-04:00Hey, Abigail - Welcome! Gosh, it's hard to ans...Hey, Abigail - Welcome! Gosh, it's hard to answer your question. I'd say if your wish is to be a music therapist then there really is no need to have an undergrad degree in music ed. The approach is pretty different, and, as of this moment, you can practice as a music therapist with an undergraduate degree. Good luck in your quest! Roiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12840915191850723381noreply@blogger.com