Is becoming a music therapist right for me?
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How to become a Music Therapist
Music therapists usually need at least a master's degree or the equivalent, with a major in psychology. A strong background in music and the arts is also essential. There are some undergraduate music therapy programs available for training at a lower level. In Canada, music therapists must also qualify for accreditation, which includes holding a bachelor's degree in music therapy, completing a 1000-hour supervised internship, and proof that they are well-rounded musicians.
In the U.S. music therapy is regulated by state. Some require a master's degree or higher, others use a specific qualification test for accreditation. The World Federation for Music Therapy is looking at development of professional standards that would be applicable world wide. Earning a degree in musical therapy may require proficiency in at least one musical instrument: guitar, piano, voice, music theory/history, percussion, and other instruments. More women than men tend to be music therapists, and most are self-employed professionals.