What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)
What does a music therapist do?
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
Who can benefit from Music Therapy?
Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.
Where do music therapists work?
Music therapists work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving persons with developmental disabilities, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.
What is the Music Therapy Association of Georgia and who does it serve?
The Music Therapy Association of Georgia provides a state-wide connection for all of the music therapists practicing in Georgia. We provide continuing education opportunities, state-wide and regional meetings, and networking opportunities to join therapists from all across our wonderful state. MTAG also works hard to connect our music therapists with clients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, interdisciplinary teams, and various organizations they serve. We work to promote professionalism through our organization and advocate for all music therapists across Georgia.
Where can I find a music therapist in the state of Georgia?
You can find a music therapist who is part of our state organization through our “Find a Music Therapist” section of the website. MTAG members have contributed links to their companies and affiliated partnerships in order to provide you with a list of therapists from around our great state of Georgia. You can also find a therapist local to your area through the Certification Board’s website link.
Additionally, if you have job opportunities for a music therapist at your facility, you can contact us to add to our membership portal. We would love to update our members with your potential opportunity to increase your candidate selection.
If I want to hire a music therapist, how will I know if someone is qualified?
Anyone who is a certified music therapist will have a MT-BC credential granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). You are able to confirm a MT-BC’s status at this webpage or by calling the CBMT office at 1.800.765.CBMT (2268).
In Georgia, all music therapist practicing in the state must obtain a license through the Secretary of State Licensing Division.
Where can I find additional information about obtaining licensure for music therapy in Georgia?
The licensure application from the Secretary of State Licensing Division, as well as a copy of the law enacted on January 1, 2014, are available through the “Licensure” section of our website. The page offers additional information on the requirements to maintain licensure throughout the biennial renewal cycle. It also explains the ramifications for a person practicing in the state of Georgia without a license through the Secretary of State. You can read more about the importance of licensure and state recognition through the link on that page.
Where can I study Music Therapy in the state of Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, you can attend the University of Georgia and Georgia College & State University to receive a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy. An equivalency degree and Master’s program are offered through these universities as well. To learn more about these degree programs and what training opportunities they provide, for the links through the “GA Academic Programs” section of our website.
I am interested in speaking with a music therapist to learn more about the profession – who do I contact?
Any of our executive board members would be able to speak with you about music therapy and answer any additional questions through the “Contact Us” section of our website. If you would like to connect with a music therapist in your area, please reach out to a music therapist in your area by visiting the “Find a Music Therapist” section of our website. Please note: many music therapists cannot accommodate observation requests due to confidentiality issues.