I'm a Music Therapist

As music therapy continues to grow as a field of interest, my number one piece of advice to those looking into becoming a music therapist is to watch a session in action. A first-hand view of music therapy can give an intuitive feel about whether this job is for you. Conversations with music therapists can give a lot of insight, but without being in a room when music therapy is happening, you may not understand the whole picture.

That being said, it can be difficult at times to find a music therapist with the resources to provide an observation experience to a potential student. Facility policies, concerns for client privacy, and scheduling conflicts may get in the way of a chance to see a session in person. Below are some ideas for those interested in music therapy to start landing observation experiences.

1. Tell everyone around you that you are interested in music therapy and observing a session. You’d be surprised by the degrees of separation between you and a music therapist. As a high schooler, I had no luck when I cold-called hospitals and asked to speak to their music therapist. When I began telling family friends about my dilemma, a mother of my piano student told me she had been a music therapist and graciously passed my information along to one of her colleagues. I was able to observe a session because I was “socially approved” as a trustworthy and discreet observer by my student’s mother. A stranger will not have as much social guarantee as a recommendation.

2. Reach out to the music therapy state and regional associations you live in. Most states have their own music therapy association in addition to the national American Music Therapy Association. These groups maintain email lists of members. If you’re willing to share your contact information, this can be spread to a big number of people and may get in you touch with music therapists that you otherwise may not have known about.

3. Volunteer you time with a music therapist. If you are willing to make a long-term commitment, volunteering can give you a foot in the door to observing music therapy in action. As a music therapy student, I reached out to music therapists in my area during summers at home. I was able to gain fieldwork observations at a children’s hospital and in a private practice setting that were both amazing. Offering your time and self, especially over weeks or even months, will allow you to establish yourself as a trustworthy person sincerely interested in learning more about music therapy.

4. Music therapists in private practice may have more flexibility. This last tip is by no means a guarantee. However, if a music therapist is working in a facility, he or she is bound by the policies of that workplace that often include strict rules for client privacy and safety. On the other hand, a music therapist traveling to clients homes’ may be able to ask individuals whether they feel comfortable having an observer visit for a session. During my first observation, the music therapist was able to take me into three clients’ homes who she conferred with ahead of time about my presence.

To anyone looking into music therapy as a future profession, I say good luck! Observing music therapy can be tricky at times, but know that even if you get turned away a few times, the music therapists are practicing ethical decisions that best serve their clients. Here’s hoping this list will help you see music therapy in action.