Music Therapy - Radford University

Music Therapy from Radford University is a Campus Bachelor Alternative medicine degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. The Music Therapy Concentration is uniquely structured to provide not only an intensive study of music, but also an in-depth understanding of the behavioral and natural sciences (such as psychology, anatomy and physiology) and sociology. Music used as a therapeutic modality is frequently applied to a wide range of people with psychological, physical, emotional, social or cognitive disabilities. The curriculum is structured to provide an intensive coverage of these areas throughout the four-year program. An important aspect of the Music Therapy curriculum is the practical field involvement of the student from the sophomore through the senior years. This high degree of clinical exposure culminates with a six-month internship at an AMTA approved facility under a board-certified music therapist . The internship can be taken anywhere in the country upon completion of all degree coursework. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student is eligible to sit for the national board certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The Music Therapy Concentration at Radford University involves research as well as clinical work. The goal of the concentration is to produce highly qualified and knowledgeable music therapists who will become growing and productive assets to their clinical program and profession. The field of music therapy is an exciting one, utilizing a unique combination of art and science to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. What exactly is Music Therapy? While music has been used for centuries as a therapeutic tool, the profession of music therapy as we currently know it didn\\\'t develop until the middle of the 20th century. By today\\\'s standards, we might view music therapy as the use of music in the accomplishment of therapeutic aims: the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health. Specifically, how does music work in a music therapy setting? First, if we can extend the definition of \\\"music\\\" in \\\"music therapy\\\" to include playing, listening, creating, improvising, moving, singing or performing, we can see that involving individuals in any of these aspects of music might begin to address some specific clinical needs for that individual. These needs may be physical, emotional, social, cognitive or even spiritual. So it is not just the music itself that is providing the specific therapeutic effect but also the context in which the designated client is involved with the music . How long will it take to complete a degree with a concentration in music therapy? The well motivated student can complete all of the academic course work toward the degree in four years. It is sometimes useful to consider the taking of one or two summer sessions to contribute to the completion of this course work. Additionally, the student is required to complete an internship. Upon the successful completion of this internship, the student has then fulfilled all of the requirements for the Bachelor\\\'s degree in Music (B.M.) with a Concentration in Music Therapy and may sit for the national certification exam. Where do most music therapists find jobs when they complete the academic training? Traditionally, music therapists have been employed by state and private institutions that serve people with disabilities and people with special needs. These can include state and private psychiatric facilities, homes or institutions for people with developmental disabilities and Veteran\\\'s Affairs Medical Centers. However, trends over the past decade find music therapists employed by school districts (working with special needs children), nursing homes and extended care facilities, general medical settings, hospice, physical rehabilitation institutes as well as in private practice. As the profession continues to grow and mature, the opportunities for the application of music therapy techniques grows as well. Which is more important in the field of music therapy, being a strong musician or being a strong therapist? As with all music degrees, the development of strong music skills is essential. In the profession of music therapy , music is our tool. Music is, in a sense, our co-therapist, and, as such, our relationship with the music carries a high degree of importance. That relationship is, in part, developed through the disciplined and demanding training in the art. The musical skills of the individual are a very important aspect of the total music therapist . In addition to music development, a music therapist must possess good interpersonal skills. This includes an ability to work with others, to be open minded and to value the unique qualities of all people, young and old. View more details on Radford University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Alternative medicine courses.