What is a Registered music therapist?

Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) are highly skilled musicians trained to facilitate music participation in ways that positively impact brain function, behaviour, physical, social and cognitive processes and emotions. RMTs work collaboratively with individuals, family members, support workers and other health professionals to determine and evaluate goals to achieve better health, wellbeing and participation outcomes for their clients. RMTs:

·  Have a Bachelor or Postgraduate degree in music therapy from an Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) accredited university training course

·  Are required to be registered with the AMTA and abide by the AMTA Code of Ethics

·  Complete a regular Continuing Professional Development program to maintain their registration

·  Use methods that are informed by research and practice from around the world

·  Work collaboratively towards specific health and wellbeing goals assessed as appropriate for an individual or group Music Therapy.

what does an Rmt do?

RMTs use a range of techniques and music-making methods including singing, song writing, musical improvisation, receptive music listening and other speciality techniques within a therapeutic relationship to achieve specific goals. These goals may include psychosocial, communication, physical, cognitive and/or social goals. RMTs are employed in a variety of sectors including health, community, aged care, disability, mental health, early childhood, and private practice

Bibb, J., Bower, J., Murphy, M., Baker, F.A., Hogan, B., Abad, V., Eager, R., Butcher, K. & Tamplin, J. (2018) Music Therapy in Disability: Information Booklet