How to Become an Art or Music Therapist: Expert Guide to Certification & Training

Art therapy first appeared in the 1940s as a way to use artistic methods that improve mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. People have used art to express themselves for centuries, but its therapeutic documentation started during this period. Music therapy grew alongside it as a treatment backed by evidence that uses musical interventions to tackle various health issues.

Art therapy encourages people to express themselves through creative activities. Patients can choose from collaging, drawing, painting, photography, and sculpting. This approach lets people explore emotions, manage behaviors, and resolve conflicts. It helps reduce stress and builds self-esteem. Art therapists use pictures, art supplies, and visual symbols to help patients work through personal issues.

Music therapy combines active and receptive techniques. Patients create music, sing, play instruments, or listen and respond to music. These methods help them reach specific therapeutic goals while addressing physical, cognitive, and social issues that affect mental health. Music therapists create custom interventions that match each person’s needs and abilities.

Both forms of therapy have proven themselves as powerful tools to improve mental health. They give people unique ways to express themselves without words, which helps those who find it hard to state their thoughts verbally. These creative approaches lead to emotional healing, better self-awareness, and improved communication between therapists and clients.

Studies back up how well these therapies work to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Research shows art therapy lifts mood, fights depression, and makes life better overall. Music therapy has shown similar success with pain management, relaxation, and recovery after injury.

Modern art and music therapists work in hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, community centers, and private practices. They complete specialized training programs. Professional groups like the American Art Therapy Association (founded in 1969) and the American Music Therapy Association set the standards to certify and practice.

Education-to-Career Roadmap

A clear path leads aspiring art and music therapists to their careers through specific educational stages and requirements.

Art therapy students start with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or art. They take psychology courses while learning visual arts techniques. Music therapy students need a bachelor’s degree from one of over 80 AMTA-approved programs. Both paths help students build their creative skills and understand psychological principles.

A master’s degree opens the door to entry-level art therapy practice. Students dive deep into psychological development, assessment techniques, and research methods. Music therapy master’s programs also emphasize advanced clinical work and research.

Hands-on clinical training shapes both career paths. Art therapy students must complete 100 hours of supervised practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Music therapy students need 1,200 hours of clinical training that includes a supervised internship.

The next step leads to professional certification. Art therapists earn their credentials through the Art Therapy Credentials Board’s national exam. Music therapists qualify for the MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) credential after completing their degree and passing the national board exam.

Some states have additional requirements beyond national certification. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Oregon are among states that have 2023-old licenses specifically for art therapists. Other states include art therapy under professional counseling licenses.

The final step connects therapists with professional associations. These groups offer valuable networking with experienced professionals and ongoing education opportunities.

Core Skills Needed

Art and music therapists combine unique people skills with technical expertise to create environments where healing can happen.

Art therapists know how to connect with clients who face trauma, mental health challenges, or special needs through empathy, patience, and clear communication. They don’t have to be master artists, but they should understand art materials well enough to spark creative expression in their clients.

Music therapists should feel comfortable playing everything from hymns to Metallica, focusing more on adaptability than perfection. Research shows that successful music therapy depends on being genuine, knowing music theory, thinking creatively, and building strong bonds with clients.

Both professions just need people who:

• Really want to help others
• Can communicate well and create safe, supportive spaces
• Show patience and empathy for clients’ different needs
• Adapt to changing therapy situations
• Keep learning and growing professionally

Each field has its own technical requirements. Art therapists should know their way around 2D and 3D art materials. Music therapists must lead and accompany on voice, piano, guitar, and percussion. They also need to know how to align harmonies, change keys, and create music spontaneously in different settings.

These skills work together to help therapists guide their clients toward healing through creative expression.

A career in art or music therapy demands more than just formal education. Professional therapists often say that hands-on experience substantially shapes their growth in the field.

Many future therapists start by volunteering to get a feel for therapeutic settings. These early experiences help them confirm their career choice before they invest in advanced studies. Shadowing experienced therapists is a great way to get real insights into daily practices and client interactions.

The right educational program needs careful thought. Art therapy students should look for programs with approval from the American Art Therapy Association or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Music therapy programs need American Music Therapy Association approval to guarantee quality education and internship options.

Your path to becoming a therapist should include building professional connections through:

• Student memberships in professional associations
• Attendance at conferences and workshops
• Participation in online forums and communities
• Networking with supervisors and instructors

A diverse portfolio that shows your therapeutic approach will help you land internships and jobs. Your documentation should highlight your grasp of therapeutic techniques and client-centered methods.

The journey to becoming a therapist needs ongoing self-reflection. Many recommend personal therapy sessions because understanding your emotional responses helps you guide others through creative therapeutic processes better.

Specialized Skills Needed

Art and music therapists need more than basic qualifications to excel in their field. Advanced practitioners show detailed knowledge of treatment methods and clinical patterns in broader therapeutic contexts.

These experienced professionals understand complex challenges and bring fresh approaches to their practice. They can:

• Use detailed knowledge of current assessment methods, treatment protocols, and evaluation techniques
• Create treatment programs for new client groups
• Show advanced verbal and nonverbal interpersonal skills
• Take on roles as lead therapists
• Help treatment with professionals from other disciplines

Art therapists at this level gain deeper insights into psychodiagnostics and multicultural diversity considerations. Their expertise helps them design specialized interventions based on patient’s developmental stages and integrate techniques like mindful breathing during art-making processes.

Advanced music therapists must show mastery across theoretical frameworks and therapeutic applications. They create precise interventions that match individual needs and use music for specific purposes like pain management and neurological rehabilitation.

Consultants possess specialized knowledge as pioneers in their field. They lead service improvements and development while shaping strategic policy and contributing to national workforce planning.

Both fields demand continuous professional growth through supervision, advanced training, and education to maintain state-of-the-art therapeutic skills throughout one’s career.

Salary and Job Expectations

The job market looks bright for both art and music therapists. Art therapy positions have increased by 32.76% nationwide since 2004, and experts predict 26,660 new positions by 2029. The music therapy field expects 6.8% growth between 2016-2026, creating opportunities for 3,900 new therapists in the next decade.

The American Art Therapy Association reports that art therapists make $40,000-$85,000 yearly, while music therapists earn an average of $58,973. These salaries can vary based on several factors:

• Location matters – California’s art therapists lead with $78,610 annually
• Experience plays a role – new art therapists start at $44,165
• Education makes a difference – music therapists with bachelor’s degrees earn $50,286
• Taking on administrative duties adds $6,417 to music therapy salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups art therapists under “therapists, all other” with a median wage of $55,900. New England stands out as the highest-paying region for music therapists at $70,789.

Studies show that money does matter in these professions. Music therapists who earn above $45,000 tend to be happier at work. This data proves that compensation levels play a key role in career satisfaction for therapeutic professionals.

Certifications and Licensing

Professional practice in art and music therapy builds on national certification as its foundation. Art therapists follow a tiered credentialing path. They start as Provisional Registered Art Therapists (ATR-P) and advance to Registered Art Therapist (ATR). The final step leads to Board Certified (ATR-BC) status after they pass a national exam. New requirements starting July 2024 make ATR-P mandatory before moving up to ATR.

Music therapists need to get their Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential. They must pass an exam given by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. The credential needs renewal every five years through ongoing education.

State rules change by a lot across regions. Regulated mental health profession in 15 states and the District of Columbia now include art therapy. Music therapy licenses are available in several states. These include Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.

Credentials stay valid through continuing education. Art therapists complete 100 continuing education credits every five years. Virginia requires music therapists to complete 20 hours each year.

Professionals should check specific requirements where they plan to practice. Rules vary between locations. To cite an instance, see Virginia’s requirements – music therapists must show MT-BC certification and pay a $100 application fee. Success in professional practice depends on understanding both national certification and state licensing rules.