Contemporary Issues in Music Therapy Training introduces approaches, practices and dilemmas in contemporary learning and teaching of music therapy with a focus on experiential learning, reflective practice and inclusion. The book starts by setting out the pedagogical context for music therapy training, weaving together trainers’ views with pedagogical theory and drawing in contemporary themes essential to music therapy education. This context leads to a detailed focus on the experience of music in training, work-based learning and the trainee experience. The final chapters consider the broader developing role of the music therapist beyond the work in the therapy room, presenting individual career case studies. Contemporary issues of pedagogy, diversity and sustainability are also thoroughly explored throughout. Drawing upon the voices of recent graduates, trainers and practice educators, this book is steeped in lived experience and practice. The book will be of interest to current and future trainees, practitioners, placement educators and trainers of music therapy. It will also be relevant to readers across the fields of education, healthcare and social work.

Rich with case material, this groundbreaking volume provides a comprehensive overview of music therapy, from basic concepts to emerging clinical approaches. Experts review psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and developmental foundations and describe major techniques, including the Nordoff-Robbins model and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. An expansive section on clinical applications examines music therapy with children and adults, as well as its recognized role in medical settings. Topics include autism spectrum disorder, school interventions, brain injury, and trauma. An authoritative resource for music therapists, the book also shows how music can be used by other mental health and medical professionals. The companion website features audio downloads illustrative of the Nordoff-Robbins model.

Written by a senior clinician and educator in order to meet the needs of prospective and current educators, clinical supervisors and students of music therapy, this book provides an overview and detailed commentary about all aspects of professional and advanced education and training in music therapy. Major topics include: (1) historical perspective and review of academic standards defined by both the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), faculty qualifications, levels of practice suggested by levels of educational programming, post-graduate training and distance learning. (2) incorporating, contextualizing and extending music and clinical foundations into music therapy coursework while teaching music therapy foundations at successive levels of depth. (3) detailed suggestions for training the student in practice competencies- both practicum and internship. (4) historical commentary on how competencies for advanced practice were composed and how revised standards will play a part in the development of masters and doctoral programs in the United States. (5) analysis of the coursework in 32 graduate programs across the United States in order to suggest the current use of coursework in meeting advanced competency areas. (6) reflection on relevant learning theory, learning styles, student development phases, and application to music therapy pedagogy and evaluation. (7) information related to admissions, advisement, retention, teaching and evaluation techniques in music therapy programs. (8) review of music therapy programs in 30 countries which concludes with a discussion of common themes and issues in the development of international education and training. As we consider the ongoing challenges in the United States and throughout the world to develop curriculum that is appropriate to various degree levels and changing professional entry standards, this book will prove an important resource. With a foreword by Dr. Suzanne Hanser and appendices which include a listing and analysis of sixty years of books published in music therapy, this book is an invaluable addition to the music therapy literature.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.

The book examines the origins and theory of AMT (including a contribution on the subject from Mary Priestley), before exploring its uses in various contexts. Chapters cover AMT in counselling and rehabilitation, with adults and children and with nonverbal clients. A concluding section discusses aspects of the training of music therapy students.

Music therapists from around the world working in conventional and unconventional settings have offered their contributions to this exciting new book, presenting spirited discussion and practical examples of the ways music therapy can reflect and encourage social change. From working with traumatized refugees in Berlin, care-workers and HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa, to adults with neurological disabilities in south-east England and children in paediatric hospitals in Norway, the contributors present their global perspectives on finding new ways forward in music therapy. Reflecting on traditional approaches in addition to these newer practices, the writers offer fresh perceptions on their identity and role as music therapists, their assumptions and attitudes about how music, people and context interact, the sites and boundaries to their work, and the new possibilities for music therapy in the 21st century. As the first book on the emerging area of Community Music Therapy, this book should be an essential and exciting read for music therapists, specialists and community musicians.

Music therapists, as in medical and paramedical professions, have a rich diversity of approaches and methods, often developed with specific relevance to meet the needs of a certain client population. This book reflects the many components of such diversity, and is a thoroughly comprehensive guide to accessing and understanding the ideas, theory, research results and clinical outcomes that are the foundations of this field. Providing a detailed insight into the field of music therapy from an international perspective, this book enables the reader to see the complete picture of the multifaceted and fascinating world that is music therapy.