Essential competencies for the practice of music therapy

Author(s): Hesser, Barbara, Boxill, Edith H.

Journal/Book: Music Therapy. 1981; 1: 43-49.

Abstract: Analyzed existing music therapy curricula and job descriptions to prepare an inventory of musical, clinical, and therapeutic competencies for music therapists. The competencies were selected to be essential, entry-level, universal, and professional. Needed musical foundations include a knowledge of music theory and history; composition and arrangement skills; performance skills on a major instrument or vocally; technical proficiency on other instruments (keyboard, guitar, voice, and nonsymphonic); and skills in movement, conducting, and improvisation. Clinical foundations include understanding of exceptionality, dynamics of therapy, and the therapeutic relationship. Groundings for music therapy include foundations and principles, client assessment, treatment planning, therapy implementation and evaluation, termination, communication about therapy, interdisciplinary collaboration, supervision and administration, and ethics. (9 ref)

Note: competency inventory; musical therapists

Keyword(s): Music therapy; professional standards; adulthood

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