Where do music therapists work?
Music therapists work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving developmentally disabled persons, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.
Music therapists work in a wide variety of clinical and educational settings including: public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes, community mental health centers, prisons and hospice programs. How can music therapy help a child who has Down syndrome? Music therapy can be powerful in the life of a child who has DS. The music therapist evaluates the child to assess his or her strengths and areas of concern. Music therapy goals often overlap and reinforce skill areas which are being addressed during the child’s other therapies. When possible, the music therapist collaborates with other professionals who are working with the child. For example music therapy activities could complement occupational therapy sessions for a child working on increasing hand strength. The music therapist would use a variety of instruments, beginning with tapping a drum or tambourine with the palm of the hand, to grasping the handle of a maraca or set of
Music therapists are employed in many different settings including general and psychiatric hospitals, mental health agencies, physical rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, substance abuse programs, forensic facilities, hospice programs, and day care facilities. Typically, full-time therapists work a standard 40-hour workweek. Some therapists prefer part-time work and choose to develop contracts with specific agencies, providing music therapy services for an hourly or contractual fee. In addition, a growing number of clinicians are choosing to start private practices in music therapy to benefit from opportunities provided through self-employment. Who Should Consider Music Therapy As A Career? People thinking about music therapy as a career must be accomplished musicians. They must be versatile and able to adjust to changing circumstances. Music therapists should demonstrate care and concern and be able to offer emotional support for clients and families. Pa
Music therapists work with over 60 different populations in nearly 60 different settings, and the role of music therapy is still expanding. Common settings for music therapy include psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, residences for developmentally disabled persons, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practices.
