Music therapy?

[helloangel]

<p>So here's a quick rundown. I left a conservatory after my freshman year so that I could find a practical way to help underpriviliged individuals overcome difficult life circumstances. I was also searching for a place I felt more comfortable and less out of place. I went to Northwestern for the Double Degree program and started on my psychology degree. I also got pretty involved in community service (Habitat for Humanity, tutoring through OASIS, etc.) I ended up dropping the music degree after experiencing frequent depression/anxiety/panic attacks and chronic physical pain. In short, violin-playing (the social aspect) added to the intensity of those negative experiences.</p>

<p>Right now, I have a BA in psych and am finishing my year in an AmeriCorps program. I am trying to figure out what my next step should be. I have been considering medicine, social work, and clinical psychology. But many times I think back to music.</p>

<p>In the past, I have heard people mention Music Therapy, but I kind of shrugged it off. I didn't know how valid the field was, how legit the profession was, etc. Does anyone know much about music therapy? Anything would be helpful. Also, do you think it would be a good option for someone with my background? I ask this mostly because I find it funny that I would be using something that greatly increased my anxieties to help heal others.</p>

<p>Realistically, would that even work??</p>

[violadad]

<p>helloangel, welcome back.</p>

<p>Some background info here [Welcome</a> to the American Music Therapy Association Website](<a href=“http://www.musictherapy.org/]Welcome”>http://www.musictherapy.org/)</p>

<p>Definately pm the poster rudysmom if she doesn’t respond within this thread.</p>

<p>I’m assuming you’d be looking into grad programs in mt? A part of the process will involve pegging programs based on your current chops (from an audition standpoint) as well as music theory and other music aspects you took as an undergrad. I believe the link I gave you has a list of schools and programs.</p>

<p>The specific music therapy threads on the forum:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/663236-michigan-state-cutting-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/663236-michigan-state-cutting-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/423099-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/423099-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/305703-music-therapy-anyone.html?highlight=music+therapy[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/305703-music-therapy-anyone.html?highlight=music+therapy&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/414597-whats-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/414597-whats-music-therapy.html?highlight=music+therapy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Was your anxiety performance related or was it the competitiveness of an “over represented” instrument within a conservatory environment? I think your “will it work” question may well hinge on the answer. One need not be of conservatory/professional ability to be effective and fulfilled as a music therapist; the fright of the stage or achieving a “perfect” performance may not apply.</p>

<p>Edit: rudysmom provided links in an earlier post of your here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/602083-helping-professions-music.html][/url”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/602083-helping-professions-music.html][/url</a>]. IMO, you sound like a serious candidate to be perfect for music therapy.
The aspect of playing with pain may be an issue. Technique, practice methodology, hand positions may be at fault. Were you previously injured? Have you been medically/professionally assessed by a physician or therapist skilled with musician’s injuries as an undergrad?</p>

[violadad]

<p>Too late to re-edit. The last linked I posted above doesn’t work. This one does: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/602083-helping-professions-music.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/602083-helping-professions-music.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Additional music therapy links fro IU/Jacobs <a href=“http://library.music.indiana.edu/music_resources/mtherapy.html[/url]”>http://library.music.indiana.edu/music_resources/mtherapy.html&lt;/a&gt; with some musician’s health links as well.</p>

[helloangel]

<p>violadad–thank you so much for your help!</p>

<p>Was your anxiety performance related or was it the competitiveness of an “over represented” instrument within a conservatory environment? I think your “will it work” question may well hinge on the answer.</p>

<p>This is actually difficult to answer, because when I was at Juilliard, I was just fine (aside from the typical “butterflies” you get playing in studio class, at auditions, juries, etc.) My nerves then weren’t so severe as to interfere with my performance all too much. It was during my following summer at Banff and my years at Northwestern where I experienced problems. Although my left hand was fine, I was unable to control my bow. I learned that a lot of it had to do with breathing and releasing pent-up tension, which I have finally started working on this past year.</p>

<p>The aspect of playing with pain may be an issue. Technique, practice methodology, hand positions may be at fault. Were you previously injured? Have you been medically/professionally assessed by a physician or therapist skilled with musician’s injuries as an undergrad?</p>

<p>I did see a physical therapist specializing in musician’s injuries once while I was at NU, and basically she told me I needed to chill out. And apparently my back was as hard as a rock. At the time, I just felt hopeless, so I just gave up. Just recently, I have taken time to be more aware about how my mental and emotional conditions affect my physical state (e.g. doing breathing exercises, getting massages from friends, doing cardio, getting into yoga, etc.) I think I was just too overwhelmed at the time to address the issue adequately. I have also made sure to warm-up and pay special attention to any pain I feel while practicing (stupidly, I would play many times without warming up and I would practice for hours straight without resting or stretching.) And to be honest, I was recovering from the violent murder of a loved one at the time, and I think I tried to pretend I could just keep going under those circumstances when in reality I was falling apart… very stupid on my part.</p>

<p>Thank you again for taking the time to help me figure this out. Your questions have been very helpful in allowing me to reflect on this. I have actually been able to find a lot of videos on youtube about music therapy. One of the videos, annoyingly, made me cry! I couldn’t help it, it was just too sweet! It’s amazing seeing the baby, who went through the stress of laryngomalacia and surgery, smile so much!</p>

[violadad]

<p>The anxiety/pain issues may be separate, they may be intertwined. You may well need a professional to help you work through this. There are various experiences, suggestions and links within these threads.</p>

<p>Perhaps some of the other string parents/players on the board can give you additional instrument specific resources. Google is your friend in this regard, there are many online resources and links to info.</p>

<p>From a personal standpoint, my son has never had performance anxiety issues; he is completely comfortable within his skn as a performer (and actually thrives) on it. He does retreat internally before a performance or audition, and wife and I have learned to give him his space both before and after these events, and not interfere or ask questions. This was apparently early in his musical life, and continues now as he takes pro auditions.</p>

<p>Be careful with the pain. Many musicians (even at an advanced level) still do not know how to effectively practice. Son had a peer, an incredible artist even at the high school level who actually burnt himself out by bad practice habits. He had to abandon conservatory training and a potentially promising career due to damage he himself caused. He could not pick up a violin for two years, let alone play. He is now able to play recreationally, but only for short duration. Please be careful.</p>

<p>Your reaction to the link you posted solidifies that music therapy may well be a career option worth exploring for you.</p>

<p>As an aside and for informational purposes only, (I’m not a moderator, nor will I report the link) but this site’s TOS prohibits the posting of youtube and personal links. It also prohibits debate on moderator actions “on the board”. Posters are free to describe where to find the appropriate info however, such as google: “youtube/music therapy/baby” for example. ;)</p>

[KeyofH]

<p>Helloangel – in your first posting you were asking about Music Therapy programs. You might want to check out the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s Music Therapy program.</p>

[compmom]

<p>I have been working with a well-known music festival’s education outreach program, and this past year we started a new program for music therapy, offering interactive performances, with activities provided by music therapists, for children in a hospice program. We plan on extending this program to other populations.</p>

<p>In the course of setting this up, I have been so impressed by the knowledge, and caring, we have seen in the music therapy folks who have advised us and who have participated in the program.</p>

<p>The effect on the whole family was just amazing, so the “therapy” was not just for the patient. Music therapists also visit the homes, and carry the effects of our program forward on a one-on-one basis.</p>

<p>One program I know about is at Berklee in Boston. Also, Lesley College has an expressive arts therapy degree.</p>

<p>With your background in music, psychology and your personal experience with some obstacles that you are overcoming, I think music therapy would really appeal to you. MY impression is that the field is really growing.</p>

<p>One other thing: the music therapist whom I got to know the most, is also involved in some very interesting research work on music and the brain. You might want to read Oliver Sack’s newest book, “Musicophilia.”</p>

[Mezzo_sMama]

<p>Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, has an excellent Music Therapy program with a really great placement rate for graduates. They have just finished work on a brand-new facility and I know that their Mus.Ther. dept has taken full advantage of the building, now having the ability to bring the teaching aspect of the major “in house”, so to speak.
Here is a link to a list of schools with Mus. Ther. programs:
[College</a> Search - Music Therapy](<a href=“College Search | College Finder | Colleges by Major & Location”>College Search | College Finder | Colleges by Major & Location)</p>

[rudysmom]

<p>helloangel,</p>

<p>It sounds as if you’re on the right track. I bet if you start asking around and openly discussing MT, you will actually discover that more and more people either have a relative or know someone who is a MT. We’re finding this out almost weekly. </p>

<p>My son, who just graduated HS this week, has decided to pursue a degree in MT and will attend Loyola New Orleans in the fall. He did the research and job shadowing and particularly ruled out pediatrics and prefers neurological MT, adults with brain injuries. He was profoundly effected negatively by observing pediatric MT depts. at several local children’s hospitals. He is prone to some mild depression and found helping adults less depressing. (This is not a profession w/o some intense response. So be sure to take this into consideration.) </p>

<p>It is quite possible that you would even change your primary instrument to something that causes less pain. It is more about the knowledge and music background rather than a performance level in you primary instrument. My son is a cellist but is leaning heavily toward piano as a secondary instrument. IN MT, I believe you will need to be at least proficient in several instruments. </p>

<p>We are new to this so I can’t offer much. Read everything you can get your hands on. Facebook has several MT groups which will put you in touch with others who specialize in certain areas. </p>

<p>Professor Vega, at Loyola New Orleans, was a tremendous help in answering questions for us when we first started this research. As a matter of fact, every MT program director we contacted was more than helpful in answering questions.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

[Allmusic]

<p>That Oliver Sacks book, referenced by Compmom, is fantastic!</p>

[MuppetMom]

<p>I just sat through a presentation/lecture at Penn State this week about Music for healing. The gentleman who was presenting is a Music Practitioner. He works in the Moffet Cancer Center (in Tampa…I believe). He goes into patients’ rooms and plays music for them on his double bass. He tries to help the patient be soothed or cheered up or relaxed enough to sleep…whatever the patient seems to want. He will be the first to tell you that he is not a music therapist. He is a certified Music for Healing and Transition Practitioner. You would have to attend some classes…not a long degree thing…not sure about all of the details. However, his story and yours are very much alike. Try googling MHTP (Music for Healing and Transition Program). It might be that you could try it to see if it worked for you. You might also try googling Lloyd Goldstein. On his “about” page he has an email address. He could give you a lot more information than I could.</p>

[compmom]

<p>MuppetMom brings up a good point, which I had forgotten. When we first researched approaches for our hospice program, we found two strands of music for healing: music therapy, for which a Master’s degree is offered at many schools, and which often has clinical therapeutic goals; and music practitioners, often harpists, who offer music to ease suffering and especially ease “transition” when someone is dying. (I believe Lesley University in Cambridge MA has a program in the latter, and Berklee’s program is for MT).</p>

<p>To have the most options in the field, I would think that MT would be the way to go, but that depends on your goals.</p>

[helloangel]

<p>

@violadad

From a personal standpoint, my son has never had performance anxiety issues; he is completely comfortable within his skn as a performer (and actually thrives) on it. He does retreat internally before a performance or audition, and wife and I have learned to give him his space both before and after these events, and not interfere or ask questions.

</p>

<p>I used to retreat like that–it works like meditation/mental prep. When you say he thrives on it, it makes me think that some people are and aren’t meant for the stage. I don’t know, what do you think?</p>

<p>

@KeyofH

You might want to check out the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s Music Therapy program.

</p>

<p>Thank you for the suggestion–I have read great things about this program.</p>

<p>

@compmom

The effect on the whole family was just amazing, so the “therapy” was not just for the patient. Music therapists also visit the homes, and carry the effects of our program forward on a one-on-one basis.

</p>

<p>That seems like such an amazing environement to be in! Thank you for sharing that!</p>

<p>

@Mezzo'sMama

Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, has an excellent Music Therapy program with a really great placement rate for graduates.

</p>

<p>I will definitely take a look at this, thank you!</p>

<p>

@rudysmom

He is prone to some mild depression and found helping adults less depressing. (This is not a profession w/o some intense response. So be sure to take this into consideration.)

</p>

<p>I can definitely see how working with children with terminal illnesses/ailments would be very depressing. In general, seeing children in negative circumstances is all-around depressing. I know, though, that this is the population I would like to work with, for so many reasons.</p>

<p>

@rudysmom

We are new to this so I can’t offer much. Read everything you can get your hands on. Facebook has several MT groups which will put you in touch with others who specialize in certain areas.</p>

<p>Professor Vega, at Loyola New Orleans, was a tremendous help in answering questions for us when we first started this research. As a matter of fact, every MT program director we contacted was more than helpful in answering questions.

</p>

<p>I have started contacting MT departments in hopes of getting in touch with someone who can tell me all about the programs. That is very good advice, thank you! I will also take a look at the groups on facebook.</p>

<p>

@-Allmusic-

That Oliver Sacks book, referenced by Compmom, is fantastic!

</p>

<p>This is now on my list of books to look for at the library!</p>

<p>

@MuppetMom

He is a certified Music for Healing and Transition Practitioner. You would have to attend some classes…not a long degree thing…not sure about all of the details. However, his story and yours are very much alike. Try googling MHTP (Music for Healing and Transition Program). It might be that you could try it to see if it worked for you. You might also try googling Lloyd Goldstein. On his “about” page he has an email address. He could give you a lot more information than I could.

</p>

<p>That is very interesting and good to know! That could be a definite alternative to the two-year degree program. Thank you for letting me know about this!</p>

<p>

@compmom

When we first researched approaches for our hospice program, we found two strands of music for healing: music therapy, for which a Master’s degree is offered at many schools, and which often has clinical therapeutic goals; and music practitioners, often harpists, who offer music to ease suffering and especially ease “transition” when someone is dying.

</p>

<p>I am about to research the music practitioner programs (along with Lloyd Goldstein.) Thank you!!</p>

[Mezzo_sMama]

<p>Angel- here is an unexpected link which came in an e-mail that was just sent to me; it is about the history of music therapy. A woman who is well known in the field will be giving a talk at CIM. If I can, I will include that link since her bio, and education, would be of interest to those looking to enter the profession:
[History</a> of Music Therapy](<a href=“http://www.musicasmedicine.com/about/history.cfm]History”>http://www.musicasmedicine.com/about/history.cfm)</p>

[MusicJosh]

<p>This is all awesome stuff guys. I am really considering pursuing a career in Music Therapy, thank you all so much for putting this information up, I appreciate it.</p>

[Little_Mother]

<p>As a music therapist in a past life (for 13 years), I can strongly recommend MT as a wonderful field that is so gratifying. I did my BA in music and English and knew that I wanted to have music in my professional life, so I got my MME at the University of Kansas where the pioneers in the field were located. (National HQ for the MT Assn. was based in Lawrence, KS, at the time.) This was after working as a paraprofessional music therapy worker in the Pacific Northwest for about a year and a half - that helped solidify my decision to pursue my grad degree.</p>

<p>Music therapy has been around since the 1950s. It’s a field highly recognized for having the capacity of effecting change in its clients. I worked primarily with children and adolescents - those with emotional disabilities and those with severe to profound multiple disabilities - and did some work with adults - geriatrics as well as adults with emotional disabilities. It was so rewarding to witness change in my clients. I transitioned out of MT because I was raising my own kids and found it physically and emotionally draining to spend 5 hours a day in the field and then come home and have the energy for my own little ones.</p>

<p>Feel free to PM me if you have any MT questions.</p>

[SRUMusicTherapy]

<p>These are some great suggestions! You might also consider doing a post-bacc certificate in music therapy. This would prepare you to sit for the board certification exam ([Certification</a> Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) - Music Therapists](<a href=“http://www.cbmt.org%5DCertification”>http://www.cbmt.org)) after you completed the equivalent undergraduate coursework & 6-month internship in music therapy. Many school offer this as an option, so check them out as you are looking into schools.</p>