Music Therapists are specialized therapists who use the techniques of music therapy to aid in the treatment of patients with mental or physical disabilities. They assess patients and review reports from psychiatrists, counselors, teachers, and physicians to determine their current and potential functioning level.
Music Therapists design treatment plans by providing personalized therapy sessions employing activities such as music appreciation and/or music performance. Music Therapists prepare individualized and group treatment plans independently or through consultation with other medical specialists.
They are employed by establishments such as educational institutions, hospitals and rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, prisons and day-care facilities. Frequently they work in private practice.
Skills
The Film & Video industry creates films, TV, documentaries, music video, corporate marketing and training materials and advertisements. This sector employs technicians, artists, managers, communications, marketing, PR, and other business professionals.
A Commitment To Learning
Arts Education is the combined effort of many committed educational managers, administrators and therapists. On the frontline of this instructional effort are the Creative Arts Educators. These instructors school their students in the techniques, methods, and cultural importance of creative arts. Areas of instruction include: music, dance, theatre, writing, film, and television production. Educators prepare and deliver lectures on the history and theory of creative arts, reviewing and analyzing the work of notable creators and innovators. They prepare assignments, advise on selection of materials and techniques, and evaluate student work. Educators provide audiovisual teaching aids (slides, movies, and hand-outs) and arrange for tours of cultural venues (theatre, art galleries, and museums). Educators are passionate advocates of their students, often arranging for the public presentation of their work.
Making A Difference
An educational role of growing importance is Arts Therapy. Art Therapists are employed by establishments such as, educational institutions, hospitals and rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, prisons, and day-care facilities. They are specialized educators who use the techniques of music, art, and acting/role-playing to aid in the treatment of patients with mental or physical disabilities. They assess patients and review reports from psychiatrists, counselors, and physicians to determine the current and potential functioning level of their patients. Art Therapists prepare individualized and group treatment plans independently or through consultation with other medical specialists. They implement treatment plans by conducting personalized therapy sessions employing techniques such as music study, painting, and/or performance.
Bringing It All Together
Educational Services Manager oversee arts education programs. They organize, direct, and evaluate organizations, schools, or institutions that deliver educational services. They establish objectives for the organization or institution and formulate or approve policies and programs, in consultation with a board of directors. Managers establish departments and their associated senior staff positions and allocate material, human and financial resources. Educational Services Managers ensure the continued delivery of arts education, therapy and development programs.
A university degree or college diploma in an area of study relevant to music therapy is required. Some universities have begun to offer a four year Bachelor of Music Therapy program.