High school students interested in music therapy should take a variety of music classes (including music theory) as well as courses in science, English, communications, and psychology.
How to Prepare for a Music Therapists Career: Participate in as many school and community music activities as possible. Sing and learn to play at least one instrument.Volunteer to work with children and music in day care centers, summer recreation programs, and community theater events. Contact the special education administrator in your school system and ask if a music therapist is on the staff. If so, request an appointment with the music therapist and ask about the profession.
Those who wish to become music therapists must earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from one of over 70 AMTA-approved colleges and universities. Entry-level study requires academic coursework and 1,200 hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship. For entry into undergraduate programs, a high school diploma is required, along with demonstration of musicianship. Candidates for the masters degree must hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in music therapy or be working concurrently toward fulfilling degree equivalency requirements.