Music therapy programs prepare people to encourage healing in patients through music. Students learn music theory and performance. They learn diagnosis and therapy. In addition, they learn how to counsel patients.

There's really nothing like music to change your mood. You can put on a fast-paced song if you want to feel energized, or a fun dance song if you want to feel happy. You can even listen to a slow sad song if you're feeling a little sad yourself. And then sometimes, no song will do except the one you make up yourself!

Music therapists know that music is a powerful way to affect emotions. They use traditional counseling techniques combined with music to help patients with emotional problems or physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. They help patients to express themselves and promote healing through singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, or listening to different kinds of music.

As a music therapist, you can work at day-care centers, preschools, and public schools from elementary to high school. You can work in nursing homes, hospitals, and at outpatient programs for people with developmental disabilities. You can work with at-risk youth, the elderly, or adults with serious medical conditions.

In music therapy programs, you take courses in several different areas of music, including applied music, where you concentrate on one or more instruments or singing. You also take courses in music history, psychology, and counseling techniques. In addition, you take courses in assessment and evaluation. Some programs offer courses about working with specific age groups, such as youth or the elderly. Others also offer courses about specific conditions, such as developmental disabilities or mental illness.

You can become a music therapist by going to a four-year college or university. There are about 55 music therapy programs offered in the U.S. You can also get a certificate in music therapy if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field. In addition, many schools offer graduate degrees in music therapy. Typically they take two to five years to complete after your receive your bachelor's degree. Most people with graduate degrees in music therapy become administrators or professors.