Music Therapists
Career Snapshot
Orpheus, according to Greek mythology, utilised the power of song to rescue his lost love from the depths of the underworld. Music therapists of today use music's healing potential to reach out to patients who require specialised care. Music therapists create music-based treatment programmes for persons who are disabled, injured, or ill. They educate clients how to utilise music to improve their well-being; it can help people adjust to life changes, feel less nervous or depressed, and have more pleasant emotions in general. Experienced musicians with the ability to sing and perform instruments such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion enter this sector. They assess clients' needs... and their interests in various aspects of music... in order to design a specific musical experience that may include playing instruments, singing, moving or dancing to music... or a therapist may play music to patients and invite them to draw, meditate, or simply listen. General hospitals, psychiatric institutions, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and schools are common places for music therapists to work. Some music therapists run their own businesses. The majority of music therapists hold a bachelor's degree in their discipline. National certification is preferred by many employers. These specialists combine therapist knowledge with great music talents to elicit a level of healing that words alone might never achieve for some patients.