"The Working Conditions of Music Therapists: The Current State of Clinical Music Therapy"
SAKASHITA Masayuki
last update: 20151225
The Working Conditions of Music Therapists: The Current State of Clinical Music Therapy
SAKASHITA Masayuki
Abstract:
As the Japanese population ages and as the health system shifts its focus to prevention, there are increasing
expectations being placed on music therapy. However, there are problems facing music therapy as a profession,
including a lack of skilled workers and the low wages paid to therapists. The author has experience using music
therapy with elderly clients with cognitive dysfunction. Problems still remain, however, regarding the
employment and specialization of music therapists, and it is not always possible to make a career in this field.
Often, practitioners are engaged as volunteers or part-time workers. They may use music therapy techniques
while working as full-time health care providers or music teachers. This study involved interviewing music
therapists to discover the trends in their working conditions and lifestyles. In particular, gender issues are
highlighted.
Keywords: music therapist, specialization, national qualification, gender, motivation
REV: 20151225