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I plan on entering a Music Therapy program. What advice would you give to help prepare for the program. #Fall25?
I plan on entering a Music Therapy program. What advice would you give to help prepare for the program. #Fall25
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Ann’s Answer
I am not in this specific field, but a friend of mine is. He says music therapy is as much about people as it is about music.
Begin reading or learning about:
• Basic psychology
• Human development
• Counseling techniques
• Emotional intelligence
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Mental health disorders
• Communication theory
Books like “The Psychology of Music” or “Introduction to Music Therapy” are great starting points.
Strengthen Your Emotional & Interpersonal Skills
Music therapy requires empathy, intuition, communication, and patience.
Practice:
• Active listening
• Being comfortable with silence
• Observing behavior
• Asking open-ended questions
• Staying calm in stressful situations
Volunteering with diverse populations helps a lot.
Get Experience Working With People
You DON’T need to be a therapist yet — just get experience interacting with those you may one day serve.
Great pre-program experience includes volunteering with:
• Nursing homes
• Special education classrooms
• Disability programs
• Mental health centers
• Hospitals
• Community music programs
This helps you understand populations you’ll work with as a music therapist.
Good luck!
Begin reading or learning about:
• Basic psychology
• Human development
• Counseling techniques
• Emotional intelligence
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Mental health disorders
• Communication theory
Books like “The Psychology of Music” or “Introduction to Music Therapy” are great starting points.
Strengthen Your Emotional & Interpersonal Skills
Music therapy requires empathy, intuition, communication, and patience.
Practice:
• Active listening
• Being comfortable with silence
• Observing behavior
• Asking open-ended questions
• Staying calm in stressful situations
Volunteering with diverse populations helps a lot.
Get Experience Working With People
You DON’T need to be a therapist yet — just get experience interacting with those you may one day serve.
Great pre-program experience includes volunteering with:
• Nursing homes
• Special education classrooms
• Disability programs
• Mental health centers
• Hospitals
• Community music programs
This helps you understand populations you’ll work with as a music therapist.
Good luck!