Music Therapy As Career Choice

1
Music Therapy As Career Choice

• ChihChen Sophia Lee, Ph.D. 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
  programAmerican Music Therapy Association (AMTA,
  2005)

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Work Settings Served by Music Therapist
Source AMTA 2010Member Sourcebook, p.215
4
Age Groups Served by Music Therapist
Source AMTA 2010 Member Sourcebook, p.217
5
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.)

6
Areas of Concerns Addressed in Music Therapy

• Communication
• Cognitive/Academic Skills
• Sensorimotor/Motor Skills
• Emotional Skills
• Social Skills
• Musical Skills

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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

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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

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Job Advancement for Music Therapists (Continued)

• Music Educator
• Music Specialist
• Music Therapist
• Other
• QMRP
• Recreation Therapist
• Rehabilitation Therapist
• Self-employed
• Special Educator

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Music Therapists Salary by Region (2010)
Region Salary Range
Great Lakes 21,000-115,000
Mid-Atlantic 23,000-102,000
Midwestern 25,000-111,000
New England 30,000-120,000
Southeastern 30,000-120,000
Southwestern 25,000-97,000
Western 20,000-156,000
Outside the U.S. 20,000-125,000
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Preparatory/Certification Process

• Attending Music Therapy Programs Accredited by
  American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and
  National Association of School of Music
  (NASM)4yr. College
• Complete appx. 1040 hrs. (6-month) Music Therapy
  Internship
• Pass National Board Certification Exam for Music
  Therapists (Credential MT-BC)

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Academic Preparation Prior to Majoring in Music
Therapy

• Music (Major instrument, Keyboard/piano, Guitar,
  Voice, etc.)
• Biology/physiology
• Social studies/Psychology
• 2nd language

13
For Further Inquiry About Music Therapy, Please
Contact

• ChihChen Sophia Lee, PhD, MT-BC
• Director of Music Therapy
• South Western Oklahoma State University
• 100 Campus Dr.
• Weatherford, OK 73096
• Tel [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• Email Sophia.lee_at_swosu.edu
• SWOSU MT Website www.swosu.edu/music/therapy