Training, education, and professional issues in music therapy

Becoming a practitioner in music therapy occurs at multiple levels. At an individual level the student’s processes and learning are part of this becoming. At an interpersonal level the interactions between students as a group and in collaboration with their educators, fieldwork supervisors, and clients shape and frame the development of professional competencies. At the wider systemic level the values and processes of training are influenced by the provider institution, usually a university, and the management and department in which the music therapy training programme is housed. This systemic level also includes the external regulator such as state or national accreditation structures and the requirements of the relevant professional body. This chapter presents how the profession of music therapy has considered aspects of professionalism, professional practice, and accreditation.