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