What Is Music Therapy
Image ID: A person sits on a porch fence looking at another person nearby playing the guitar.
The Origins of Music Therapy
Music therapy is a relatively new profession from the early 20th century; it originally began with a focus on using music to promote healing in hospitalized veterans. There were various short lived music therapy organizations, primarily the National Association for Music Therapy (active 1950-1997) and the American Association for Music Therapy (active 1971-1997).
Eventually, in 1998, the two associations merged to become the American Music Therapy Association which is still active today. Additionally, in 1987, the Certification Board for Music Therapists was founded and to this day continues to ensure quality and credibility from all certified care providers.
The State of Music Therapy Today
Since its initial development, music therapy has expanded its definition to include using music to help with various evidence-based therapeutic goals such as physical rehabilitation, mental health, general well being, and more. To become a music therapist, a therapist must complete a bachelor’s or master's degree in a nationally certified school, complete over 1200 hours in supervised clinical music therapy experience, and pass a certification exam. Once certified, every five years a music therapist is required to complete at least five continued education credits in ethics and one hundred total credits of continued education.
What Is Trans Voicework?
Trans voicework is working with transgender individuals to express their voice in a more authentic way. This can include gender exploration, supporting the mental health of an individual, vocal health, and helping individuals know how to use their voice in a way that reflects their inner gender identity.
What Will This Blog Focus On?
This blog will focus on the intersection of music therapy and trans voicework, including the various potential ways that music therapy can support trans voicework and developing personalized methods that can support each individual client’s unique goals.
