What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the systematic use of music to achieve therapeutic change for people of any age who may have a range of difficulties relating to coping, development, learning, cognition or pain. A well-established healthcare profession, music therapy may address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of people regardless of musical skill or background. The music therapy process is designed to facilitate and promote communication, relationships, learning, mobilisation and expression.
The music therapist is a trained and qualified specialist who understands the ways in which music has beneficial effects and is specialized in the use of techniques to achieve certain goals. In Australia, the recognised title of a qualified music therapist is Registered Music Therapist (R.M.T.). Only members who have successfully completed a course holding current accreditation with the Australian Music Therapy Association (A.M.T.A.), or a course approved by the National Registration Committee may use these letters.
What does a music therapist do?
Music therapists:
- Assess individuals and groups to establish their needs, in consultation with members of the team working with an individual or group
- Plan and implement appropriate musical activities to address these needs
- Document and evaluate programs to assess their effectiveness
There are several techniques music therapists employ to address the needs of individuals or groups they work with. These include:
- Improvisation
- Music composition/Songwriting
- Music and movement/dance
- Music listening
- Music facilitated discussion
- Recreating music
- Music and relaxation techniques
- Song singing
Each of these methods requires skills and training in order to use them effectively to achieve therapeutic outcomes
Where do music therapists work?
Currently, music therapists are employed in a variety of healthcare settings and in private practices throughout Australia. Below are some settings that employ music therapists in Australia:
- Special education facilities
- Aged care facilities
- Acquired brain injury units
- Community early intervention settings
- Royal Children's Hospital
- Organisations that address the needs of adults with intellectual impairments
- Private practices that work with children and adults with various neurological and physical impairments
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Palliative care
- Adolescent and adult psychiatric facilities
- Community drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs
About the Music Therapy Program at The University of Queensland
The Music therapy program at The University of Queensland was established in 1992. It is one of four training programs offered nationally that is accredited with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Graduates are eligible to register as a practicing music therapist (R.M.T.) with the national body. The music therapy program holds established links with other allied health departments within the University. It is committed to offering opportunities for on-going research and the development of the music therapy profession in Queensland. The music therapy program at UQ is also involved in collaborative projects on a national and international level including members from both the music therapy profession and related allied health fields.
Qualifications in music therapy at the University of Queensland can be obtained by completing the postgraduate coursework program
What courses are undertaken?
Master of Music Therapy program
The Master of Music Therapy program is a 2 year full-time (32 unit) program. The program is a fee paying program, FEE-HELP is available for domestic students. In addition to the music therapy courses, students take courses in other faculties. The program also includes courses in research methods and a minor research project. Students must also meet the prerequisite psychology courses (PSYC1020, PSYC1030 and PSYC1040 or their equivalents from other universities) or they may be undertaken concurrently with their Music Therapy studies.
See details of the Master of Music Therapy program courses:
Research
The Master of Philosophy in Music Therapy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are also offered within the School of Music and is entered into through discussions with the program coordinator and the head of school.
About the clinical placement program
The clinical placement program at the University of Queensland is unique in that it is the only program in Australia that employs a full-time Clinical Placement Coordinator. Due to this position, it is possible to offer many varied clinical training experiences to students in a wide range of facilities. This clinical placement component is vital in assisting students to relate the theory they learn in class to a specific client population and in further developing skills for being an effective therapist. It is a requirement of the program that 640 hours of clinical training be undertaken over the course of their degree. Students can expect to undertake clinical training in at least three different clinical settings, ranging from early intervention settings to special education facilities through to aged and palliative care, under the supervision of a dedicated team of Registered Music Therapists.
As a part of the clinical placement program, registered music therapists who are clinical supervisors attend various workshops and training seminars that address issues relating to supervision in music therapy. These are designed both to further develop the music therapist's skills in supervision and to foster the maintenance of strong links between the clinical placement sites and The University of Queensland School of Music.
What is required for admission to the program?
Preference is given to applicants who hold a Bachelor degree in Music or Allied Health and provide evidence of completion of introductory psychology courses. (These may be undertaken concurrently with their Music Therapy studies.)
Applicants will be required to attend an interview/audition, which aims to satisfy a panel that he/she is qualified to enter the program. A demonstration of the applicant's music skills will be required as well as evidence of 'therapeutic potential'.
Forms required for the Masters program comprise:
1. Application form submitted by 30th September 2009 to:
Music Therapy Co-ordinator
School of Music
The University of Queensland QLD 4072
Australia
k.morgan2@uq.edu.au
2. Two referee forms completed and sent to the above address.
Audition and Interview
An audition and interview will take place in November 2009 for all eligible applicants. Auditions will comprise:
- Essential: Performance on primary instrument - 3 pieces of contrasting styles.
- Desirable: Performance on piano/guitar at a level suitable to accompany singing
- Desirable: Vocal performance self-accompanied on piano and/or guitar.
International Applicants
International students must also complete a separate application form available from the UQ International Office, The University of Queensland 4072 Australia.or http://www.uq.edu.au/international/index.html?page=1084&pid=17799
Both the Music Therapy form and International application form plus an audio-visual recording eg. DVD should be forwarded to the UQ International Office.
The two referee forms should be sent directly to Music Therapy Co-ordinator at the School of Music (at the above address).
Further information for International Students can be obtained from: http://www.uq.edu.au/international/