5 Steps to Becoming a Music Therapist
5 Steps to Becoming a Music Therapist
In total, it can take around 4.5 to 5 years or more to become a certified music therapist, including the time spent earning your bachelor's degree. With dedication and the right qualifications, you can embark on a rewarding career as a music therapist, making a positive impact on individuals' lives through the power of music. To become a music therapist, follow these steps:
- Start by earning a bachelor's degree in music therapy from a program accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) like Marywood University, which ranks among the top 5 most popular Music Therapy programs in Pennsylvania.
- Complete a supervised clinical internship, typically lasting six months, to gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations.
- Pass the certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). This step is crucial to becoming a certified music therapist (MT-BC).
- While Pennsylvania does not require its own state licensure for music therapists, some states do. Ensure compliance if you plan to practice elsewhere.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain your certification and stay updated with the latest practices in music therapy.
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Fall Theatre Production: Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill (Oct. 3-6)The Marywood University Music, Theatre, and Dance department will present Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill as its major fall theatre production. Performances will run from Thursday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 6.
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Nuns on the Bus & Friends Stopping at Marywood for "Vote Our Future" Town HallThe Marywood stop on Tuesday, October 1, is part of a nationwide nonpartisan voter education effort conducted by NETWORK, a national Catholic advocacy organization.
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Constitution Day Talk: History of Voting Rights in Pennsylvania (Sept. 17)Local historian EJ Murphy will explore voting rights in Pennsylvania in the late 1830s and the subsequent constitutional changes that came with the intense debates over suffrage and voting rights for Black Pennsylvanians.