How to become a Music Therapist

A psychological form of therapy that uses music to develop and to support clients' well being, the relationship between clients and the therapist, and ability to interact is known as music therapy. Music therapy is useful for who find it overwhelming to try to express their emotions verbally or clients who have difficulties with communication. Music therapists work on the basis of lead sessions with groups or on the basis of one to one. Music Therapists are qualified therapists who use music interventions to improve their emotional-well being, assist clients to explore their feelings and problem-solving skills. Music Therapy also help in assisting people with learning disabilities, developmental and age-related conditions. During the sessions the Music Therapist will sing and play a wide range of instruments including xylophone, guitar, glockenspiel, auto harp, piano. Music therapist instruct patients on techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation.Music therapy must multitasking by interacting with clients, playing music, making assessments and taking notes simultaneously.To work with adults and children who are affected by psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, physical, psychiatric or neurological disorders, learning difficulties, dementia, autism, behavioral or emotional problems

The roles and responsibilities include:

• To assess clients' needs
• To provide and plan appropriate music sessions
• To actively participating in music sessions
• To encourage clients to participate in music sessions.
• To explore a variety of sounds and musical styles with clients through percussion, singing, ethnic instruments and improvisation
• To maintain case notes and records

The skills required to become a music therapist includes maturity, excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, musical ability, intuition and creativity, the ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, outstanding people skills, excellent singing abilities, strong organizational and multitasking skills.