Music Therapist Interview Preparation Guide
Elevate your Music Therapist interview readiness with our detailed compilation of 50 questions. Each question is crafted to challenge your understanding and proficiency in Music Therapist. Suitable for all skill levels, these questions are essential for effective preparation. Access the free PDF to get all 50 questions and give yourself the best chance of acing your Music Therapist interview. This resource is perfect for thorough preparation and confidence building.50 Music Therapist Questions and Answers:
1 :: Explain me about a successful patient you have either cared for or witnessed being cared for?
I had a gentleman who I saw for the length of his stay at the hospital. When I first arrived, his GCS was fairly low with little responses made, but music seemed to spark something in him. I continued to see him and also worked with his wife and soon learned a lot about his life. His treatments and conditions at the hospital were touch and go, but his sessions with music created something different and extremely special between himself and his wife, as if they weren't in a hospital room, and were reliving some of their fondest memories through the music. Over time, he eventually got well enough that he was able to be discharged around the same time I was finishing my internship.
2 :: Tell us what music therapy strategies have you used? Which one was most effective?
What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a Music Therapist?
3 :: Tell us what do your therapy sessions look like?
My sessions usually start with a “hello” song. I use this song to connect with my client and work on greetings and other therapeutic goals. I then use specific songs and activities that are tailored to the individual strengths and needs of my client. Although I always go in with a plan, I keep myself open to following my client’s lead. This improvisational form of music therapy can open unexpected doors to development and progress. It can also strengthen the therapeutic relationship, which is the foundation of all my work.
4 :: Tell me what made you choose this field? Why?
After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I started looking into graduate programs and discovered the filed of music therapy. I knew it was the perfect fit since it combined my passion for music, psychology and helping children.
5 :: Tell us what goals do you try to accomplish with children via music therapy?
The traditional goals include speech/communication, gross motor, fine motor, academic, social and behavioural development. Although I focus on these goals, I also use music therapy to build a child's self-esteem, confidence and spirit.
6 :: Tell us which type of music is effective for autistic child?
It all depends on the child. Music therapists will try different styles and tempos of music with a client to assess their preference.
7 :: Tell me where do music therapists work?
Well, many of us work for contracting companies. The company where I am, we have a few main contracts. One is with the nursing home. Another is with the County Board of Mental Retardation Development, and they have a huge caseload of children. We do in-home services for them. We have a few consulting contracts in schools, through which we teach the teachers techniques to help them integrate music into what they are doing. We also have a contract with a clinical psychologist, and we take referrals from his office.
8 :: Explain how many days does Music Therapy need to be applied for?
Continuous weekly sessions between 30 and 60 minutes long work well. Most of my clients continue to need therapy so it is not uncommon for me to see a client for years. At a minimum, I would want to see a child once a week for 4 months.
9 :: Tell us how old must a child be before she or he can start music therapy?
A child is ready for music therapy as soon as she or he shows a positive response to music. I once worked with an 8-month-old girl who had global developmental delays and I would play the guitar to encourage her to make sounds. When she started making sounds, I figured out what pitch she was producing, adapted the key I was in to match this pitch and used it in a song. It led to an increase in her vocal development which was one of her therapeutic goals.
10 :: Tell us what type of patient receives musical therapy? Why does that person qualify for therapy?
There are music therapists working with many different populations. A few examples people with special needs, seniors in nursing homes, people in the hospital setting and individuals recovering from strokes and other brain injuries. If someone has a therapeutic goal, then chances are that they qualify and would benefit from music therapy.