What qualifications are required to practice music therapy in Canada?
Music therapists are musicians who have completed a music therapy degree at an accredited University or College. Musicians audition for acceptance into a four year undergraduate degree or program and/or a two year master’s degree in music therapy. During their training programs, music therapists take theoretical and practical courses in the following areas: music performance; music history and theory; ensemble playing; improvisation; developmental, abnormal, clinical and neurological psychology; research methods; and social work. Following graduation, novice music therapists undertake a 1000 hour (6 months, full time) internship under the supervision of an experienced and accredited music therapist. During the internship, therapists hone their skills in observation, assessment, treatment planning, clinical documentation, and research and program evaluation. Following completion of the internship, music therapists may apply to the Canadian Association of Music Therapy (CAMT) (www.musict
