Music Therapy uses musical Involvement to
encourage and develop the physical and
psychological skills necessary for well-being. The
field of music therapy includes aspects of
physiotherapy, psychotherapy, dance and play
therapies, learning theories, and psychodrama, as
well as music education, improvisation and muSic
interpretation. Activities and programs ar.e
designed to activate the resources needed by each
participant In order to overcome. specific
handicaps.
Music Therapists are employed in hospitals, day

treatment facilities, community health centres,
and special education programs for cbildren or
adults with psychiatric, physicaf or learning
�lsorders. Music therapists may be part of a team
qr work independently. They are generally
class Ifled as adjunct therapist�. and are placed In
the wage bracket of a relat� servJe such as
occupational therapist or child car.e wor.ker.

In Cenada the field of music therapy is only now

The core music therapy coursework Includes:

•phllosophy and role of therapeuUo Intervention

•music therapy goals, principles and activities
•requisite skills and techniques in performance,
Improvisation, Interpretation;
Interpersonal
communication, empathy training, leadership;
program design, observatiein, recording and
reporting
•diagnostic and dr�g terminology and lmpllcationa
- eg. symptoms, !stan�ard tr�tment
•exposure to,other therapeutic :tr:eatment mo�eer
physto and psychothetapy, play, art, dance,
psychodr11r;r,�
•typical •'14 atyplcat life ex�rlences of peopt•
wi�h varifOs dlsorder.s
•prof.-.k>ti�t deVelop!J]�nt - staff and
admlnlstrathe, comrmm1C$tlon skllls,
research (Jesign

getting established. Canadian music therapists
hav� formed a prof8$Slonal association (OANIT. 6
Dr�ton Rd., Pointe Clal�e. Que.) and two
Canadian traihlng programs are being offered .. In
ingllsh at Capilano COiiege, and In French at the
lln;iverslty of Quebec. Previously, Canadians
Interested in this occupation received trafrtjng hi
England or the U.S., where programs have Ueer'I
established for 15 years. In 1978 the CAMT set
national standards for certification.
Capilano College Is offering a 2 year tra111lng
program in music therapy. Students must have a
background of studies tn music, psychology or
education before they enter and may � required
to supplement the music therapy courie wor,C In
these areas to satisfy the requirements of the
CAMT curriculum guide.

basic

of

Ms. Nancy McMaster
Calltlario Col-.Oe
2058 Purcell Way

North Vancouver, B.C.

V1J3H5

981-1911 lac. 288