Attitudes of Undergraduate Music Therapy Students Regarding Master’s Level Entry
Attitudes of Undergraduate Music Therapy Students Regarding Master’s Level Entry
Bryan L. Hawk
MMT Candidate
Drury University
Review of Literature
To date there is a significant lack of research regarding the opinions of Undergraduate Music Therapy students concerning the requirements of a Master’s Degree for entry-level positions. When the Certification Board for Music Therapist (CBMT) was established in the 1980’s, this provided employers with assurance that we are qualified professionals. Every profession arrives at a crossroad in a certain point of its development (AMTA, 2011a). The crossroad that undergraduate music therapists have come to concerns the level of education required for entry-level positions in the field. In the history of education and clinical training in the music therapy profession, a baccalaureate degree in music therapy (or it’s equivalent) has been required for entry into the field. Looking at various health professions, it is evident that music therapy is one of the few remaining professions where entry level at the bachelor’s level. As the profession is now considering the possibility of moving to requiring a master’s degree in music therapy as a minimum requirement for professional entry, many questions have been raised in relation to what a master’s entry educational program might look like. This also raises many questions to the issues this would cause to institutions to have to completely restructure their curricula (AMTA, 2011b). There is a lack of research that surveys the opinions of undergraduate music therapy students concerning the Master’s level entry requirements.
In a study performed by Groene and Pembrook (2000) titled Curricular Issues in Music Therapy: A Survey of Collegiate Faculty, a survey was constructed to address three main concerns: (a) new knowledge and skills needed to be an effective music therapist in the next decade; (b) views regarding competency-based assessment; and (c) clinical training
Bryan L. Hawk
MMT Candidate
Drury University
Review of Literature
To date there is a significant lack of research regarding the opinions of Undergraduate Music Therapy students concerning the requirements of a Master’s Degree for entry-level positions. When the Certification Board for Music Therapist (CBMT) was established in the 1980’s, this provided employers with assurance that we are qualified professionals. Every profession arrives at a crossroad in a certain point of its development (AMTA, 2011a). The crossroad that undergraduate music therapists have come to concerns the level of education required for entry-level positions in the field. In the history of education and clinical training in the music therapy profession, a baccalaureate degree in music therapy (or it’s equivalent) has been required for entry into the field. Looking at various health professions, it is evident that music therapy is one of the few remaining professions where entry level at the bachelor’s level. As the profession is now considering the possibility of moving to requiring a master’s degree in music therapy as a minimum requirement for professional entry, many questions have been raised in relation to what a master’s entry educational program might look like. This also raises many questions to the issues this would cause to institutions to have to completely restructure their curricula (AMTA, 2011b). There is a lack of research that surveys the opinions of undergraduate music therapy students concerning the Master’s level entry requirements.
In a study performed by Groene and Pembrook (2000) titled Curricular Issues in Music Therapy: A Survey of Collegiate Faculty, a survey was constructed to address three main concerns: (a) new knowledge and skills needed to be an effective music therapist in the next decade; (b) views regarding competency-based assessment; and (c) clinical training
References: American Music Therapy Association. (2011a). Master’s level entry: Core considerations. Unpublished manuscript. American Music Therapy Association Bruscia, K. (1987). Professional identity issues. In C.D. Maranto & K. Bruscia (Eds.), Perspectives on music therapy education and training (Vol. 1; pp. 17-29) Brusica, K Groene, R. W., & Pembrook, R. G. (2000). Curricular issues in music therapy: A survey of collegiate faculty. Music Therapy Perspectives, 18(2), 92-99. Jensen, K. L., & McKinney, C. H. (1990). Undergraduate music therapy education and training: Current status and proposals for the future. Journal of Music Therapy, 27(4), 164-177. Taylor, D. B. (1987). A survey of professional music therapists concerning entry level competencies. Journal of Music Therapy, 24(3), 114-145. Wheeler, B. L. (2002). Experiences and concerns of students during music therapy practica. Journal of Music Therapy, 39(4), 274-303. Wyatt, J. G., & Furioso, M. (2000). Music therapy education and training: A survey of master 's level music therapists. Music Therapy Perspectives, 18(2), 103-109. Subject Eligibility: Undergraduate music therapy students at Drury University. What the Study Involves: As a survey respondent, you are being asked to complete the enclosed survey and forward it along with any other relevant information by April 13, 2012