Education · 1 of 4

The path

You need to be a solid musician first. The therapy training builds on that.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Music at a strong level on at least one instrument, plus voice, plus piano or guitar. Programs audition you.

2. 2

   Music therapy degree

   2 to 4 years

   Six programs are recognized by the CAMT (Canadian Association of Music Therapists): Acadia, Canadian Mennonite University, Capilano, Wilfrid Laurier, Concordia and the University of Toronto. Some are 4-year bachelor's degrees, others are graduate programs for people who already have a music degree.

3. 3

   Clinical internship

   About 6 to 12 months

   1,000 supervised hours under an approved MTA (Music Therapist Accredited) supervisor, usually after coursework ends.

4. 4

   Certification exam

   After the internship

   Canadian graduates write the exam of the CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists), a US board, then apply to CAMT for the MTA credential.