E-Book of Articles - World Federation of Music Therapy

Wheeler, Barbara: WMFT Proceedings of the Education Symposium
3. A degree in music or its equivalent. Some programs provide gradual training. For
example, the first two years may be devoted to a basic background in music and other
subjects, while the next two years focus specifically on music therapy. One school, for
example, devotes the first year to general creative studies, and only allows students to
choose a specific creative modality afterwards.
4. Other acceptance criteria are: maturity and experience, appropriate personality,
personal interview, official and dynamic testing in music, usually including an
audition.
It seems to me that, notwithstanding differences in acceptance criteria, there are many
similarities in the course requirements. In this particular case, developing a basic
standard may be easier than I had imagined. In fact, this is one of the topics I propose
for today's discussion.
Duration of Program
Depending on the beginning level of the program, I suggest that two
full years of studies be set as the minimum requirement for candidates who
have already earned a Bachelor degree in music and have a sufficient
background in one of the health professions. Another possibility is a degree
in one of the health professions and high level of music.
Main Therapeutic Approach
Most programs have based their approach on one of the wellestablished
psychological models: Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic,
Humanistic, Developmental-Integrative, Gestalt, Eclectic. Generally
speaking, there is no possibility of dictating any standard orientation or
philosophy, as programs are initiated and established by individuals who
stand behind a specific approach. Since this is a very interesting issue in
itself, I would suggest organizing a seminar in which program directors deal
with the impact of the original philosophy on their music therapy program.
Academic Studies and Workshops
In sum, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Many programs lack medical courses. Since music therapy by nature influences
locomotion, senses/sensations, vocality - as well as emotions, cognition and
socialization - a training program in the field must provide tools for proper treatment
of psychological/neurological/physical/medical disabilities. For this purpose, a basic
paramedical background is obligatory. From my point of view, we are talking about
subjects such as: anatomy, neuroanatomy, pathology, sensory-motor integration,
kinesiology, development of speech and language and, of course, psychiatry. 59
2. Special Education is not always considered important. Taking into consideration
the damage that learning disabilities and other childhood problems might cause to the
life of the adolescent and adult, courses in special education (at least some main
topics) are highly recommended.
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