Profession: Music Therapist
Qualification and registration requirements
An Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) accredited course: Graduate Diploma of Music Therapy, Master of Music Therapy or Master of Arts in Music Therapy. Registration with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Completion of ongoing Compulsory Professional Development requirements.
What is a Music Therapist?
Music therapists acknowledge illness and hospitalisation cause stress and anxiety for patients and their families. They use music to minimise stress and help patients cope positively with their healthcare experience. Music therapy interventions comprise both individual and group sessions for infants, children, adolescents, young adults and their families, utilising a family-centred care approach. Music therapists work in multidisciplinary teams to address the unique emotional, developmental and cultural needs of each patient and their family. The role of music therapists is supported by a significant body of international evidence-based research illustrating clinical efficacy for facilitating and achieving a wide range of outcomes in diverse healthcare context from acute care to rehabilitation.
What does a Music Therapist do?
Music therapists utilise a range of musical applications including: music technology, improvisation, instrument playing, singing/vocalising, composition, song/lyric writing, music and movement, listening, performance and music imagery. Through these interventions we address a variety of objectives, i.e. promotion of socialisation, communication (verbal/non verbal), relaxation, pain or stress management, emotional expression or coping, self-expression, self-esteem, motivation, independence, fine and gross motor and cognitive skills.
Related links
For information on how to gain recognition of Allied Health qualifications obtained overseas, please contact the relevant professional association as per web links above