What does a music therapist do?

We use music to do non-music things. For instance we help disabled children with academic skills or help adults cope with pain or memory loss. Think of music therapy as another medical treatment or communication tool. Therapists determine a goal like learning to count or brushing your teeth, and use singing, songwriting, movement and/or listening to music to meet that goal. Each specialist has her own specialty. Some may work with teens, others with seniors. My company specializes in children with autism.

Why did you decide to become a music therapist?

I loved music and volunteering so in high school I tried on a bunch of careers like school teacher, flute teacher, and performer. One day I found a description of music therapy in a career booklet. There were only four sentences but I knew this is what I wanted to do: combine music with helping people.

Do you play an instrument?

I have played flute since sixth grade – yep, I was in marching band and community orchestra -- and that helped a lot. Music therapy majors must study the basics like biology, psychology, and counseling, plus have a strong music background because your degree is really in music. You have to audition to get in. Then besides your main instrument you also have to become proficient on piano and guitar! I’ve even learned to write songs on the spot – you put new words to a familiar tune, it’s called piggyback writing – thanks to my business partner who’s a real songwriter.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Wow! Every day is different. I may have two hours of meetings or catch up on paperwork, pay the bills, and do presentations at hospitals and schools. About 75 percent of my time is spent serving clients. I may see as many as eight in one day. In fact I’d guess I drive 2,000 miles a month! Then after each session I have to write up my notes – what goals did we meet, how is the client progressing, what did he say – just like a doctor filling out a medical chart.

What’s your favorite kind of music?

Most people assume I’m a fan of classical, but I really I love alternative music groups like James Blunt, White Stripes, and ColdPlay.

What’s one success story?

There have been so many but one little girl with some developmental disabilities never washed her hands after going to the bathroom.  So we wrote a song about hand washing and incorporated the steps for washing hands. We sang and practiced the steps until she started to do on her own.

How about another?

John, had a stroke in December 2006 which left him unable to both understand people talking and to speak. When I first met him the only thing he could do in our therapy sessions was to finish humming the melody of a familiar song that I started singing. Through the use of special music therapy techniques he is now able to imitate sounds and one-syllable words. We have used music to help him relearn simple commands and skills like how to shower and dry himself off. His best friend told me, "This is the happiest I have seen him since his stroke. Can you come every day? This is great."

Why did you open your own business?

I wanted to be in control of my hours and pick a range of clients. In the morning, I can work with a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who can’t walk, talk, or eat on his own but can play a drum or tambourine with his foot or knee. Then maybe I’m off to my clavinova classes at a senior retirement community. One of the residents, Howard, who had no musical background at all, learned within three years to master the instrument in his late 70s. Now he plays several times a week in the dining room entertaining crowds. I love that every day is different and challenging. It’s my career and my avocation.

Any advice for a future music therapist?

Find out as much as you can about the profession beforehand. Do volunteer work. Take as many music lessons as you can on any instrument (or voice) plus guitar and piano. And listen to as much music as you can. This is one time the folks can’t razz you for being plugged in to your iPod.

MUSIC THERAPIST: THE FACTS

Training: A bachelor’s degree in music therapy, plus internship and a national certification administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Empathy, patience, creativity, imagination and openness to new ideas are important qualities. Because music therapists are musicians as well as therapists, a love of music is a given. Visit www.musictherapy.org for more career information.

Salary Range: Overall average salary for music therapists is $43,937. Salaries range from $18,000 to $150,000.

Outlook: Excellent. Music therapists are employed in general and psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, day care facilities, nursing homes, and schools. Nearly 1.5 million people received music therapy services in 2005 says the American Music Therapy Association.