Experienced Music Therapists

I have contacted 2 of these practising here in Singapore, one of whom studied Music Therapy in the USA and the other in Australia. They both gave me lots of good tips on the what I need to look out for should I want to embark on this course of study.
In the US apparently there is an equivalency programme for degree holders who want to transition from a related field of study (e.g. music, psychology) to music therapy. Depending on the school, and the level of student's proficiency, the equivalency programme lasts for 1-2 years, and is followed by a formal internship which would give practical training in this field.
The Masters/Graduate Diploma programmes in Australia are similar, but there are basically two routes to be qualified - the research route or practical route. I have to read up more on each of the programmes offered by the 4 universities that qualify music therapists in that country to get some understanding on which may be more suitable for me.
For various reasons I'm leaning more towards possibly going to Australia, but it's still some way off before I actually decide on anything. Let's see what the further research would unveil.

Musical Movements

This interesting NY Times Op-Ed article, "Dancing in the Seats" was sent to me courtesy of Shanghai Mui in response to this blog.

Thanks a bunch! :-)

Music Therapy in Australia

Did some research: There are currently 4 Universities in Australia which have recognized, accredited programmes that qualify Registered Music Therapists. But to apply, all of these seem to require an audition and perhaps an interview, with practical experience in a therapy setting being favoured. Looks like there's lots for me to do...

Questions on Qualifications

Would a Piano Performance Diploma, a Music (minor) degree and some years of experience in working in a care-giving environment enable me to get accepted into a M.A. Music Therapy programme?

Music Therapy in Singapore

...is non-existent as a course of study here on this island. Currently there are no institutions which formally train music therapists, and neither does the Education Ministry issue a list of "recognized" qualifications in this field. Nonetheless, just from surfing around the web, I've discovered that in March this year, SGH has recently started a music therapy programme for hearing-impaired children. Quite exciting, something to find out more about. Addtional resources are also available on this blog: Music Therapy in Singapore.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a qualified professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

In other words, music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. Goal areas may include, but are not limited to, motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness, and spiritual enhancement.

Music therapists are found in nearly every area of the helping professions. Some commonly found practices include developmental work (communication, motor skills, etc.) with individuals with special needs, songwriting and listening in reminiscence/orientation work with the elderly, processing and relaxation work, and rhythmic entrainment for physical rehabilitation in stroke victims.

- wikipedia