Music Therapy Programs in Georgia
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession in which qualified music therapists use their musical abilities to promote physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing of clients. Utilizing various approaches and techniques, music therapists work with children, adults and seniors alike, tailoring therapies around individual needs through musical engagement within a therapeutic setting.
Infants and toddlers can benefit from music therapy when it comes to stimulation, interaction, motivation and participation. Furthermore, soothing music may reduce irritability, pain and anxiety levels for these same individuals.
Music therapists working with young adolescents can explore a variety of musical activities, such as song writing and improvisation. Furthermore, they may use technology to produce customized audio/visual projects that encourage self-expression, creativity, and provide an outlet for feelings.
Music therapists typically utilize active engagement methods, such as singing or playing instruments. However, many prescribe passive solutions too – like listening to guided imagery recordings with musical elements included.
Music therapists sometimes utilize technologically assisted interventions, such as digital psychotherapy platforms that send patients’ smartphones or tablets on pre-set schedules. This can be an invaluable resource for providing therapy outside of regular sessions, like during breaks from school or vacation time.
Music therapists also offer support to their clients’ families and friends by helping them understand the mental health issues of their loved ones. For instance, music therapists may offer grief counseling and offer comfort to those grieving the loss of a child or family member.
Students of music therapy typically undergo training in the Nordoff-Robbins approach, a holistic model that emphasizes developing self-esteem and personal strengths through music and other artistic expression. Furthermore, they learn to think strategically, applying their creative abilities for beneficial change and healing outcomes.
If you are considering a career in music therapy, Georgia offers several affordable bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with an outstanding music core curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and high placement rates among graduates. These schools provide exceptional value to prospective students.
The University of Georgia is widely regarded as the best college in Georgia for music therapy degrees, boasting an impressive five-star teaching rating. This top ranked school boasts a robust music therapy department that provides intensive clinical training and an emphasis on community outreach.
Converse College is another excellent option, ranking as Affordable Schools’ 36th best accredited music therapy degree program with $19,500 annual tuition. The Petrie School of Music provides a low-priced Bachelor of Music Therapy degree to undergraduate women to prepare them for MT-BC certification and give them valuable experience working with sick and disabled people through song.
A four-year music therapy program begins with a four-year academic course of study and six months off-campus internship. During this period, the student is mentored by a GCSU graduate music therapist and an on-site supervisor working together with their academic intern supervisor. In addition to coursework, interns participate in fieldwork at Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
