Question:

One of my students’ parents has told me she is thinking of taking Music Therapy in the U.S. for college. But she has been advised to quit Rep (my show choir). As a music therapist, could you please explain:

• Why staying in show choir is a good choice to prepare her for her plans?
• How will acting, singing and dancing help with music therapy instead of just plain instrumental music alone?
• What skills does she need to really develop to prepare her for music therapy?

Answer:

Dear Mr. Nazareno,

Thanks for asking some fun questions!  To start, I wanted to share a bit of background about how Mr. Nazareno  influenced me in becoming a music therapist.  I was a student in his honor choir and I also participated in plays and the show choir.  The show choir was a special group, because it incorporated dancing, acting, speaking roles and singing.  A show choir is smaller than an average honor choir and members in the show choir posses stronger musical skills.  They must be confident in their musical skills to be able to sing and dance simultaneously.  Coordination, a very good ear, and strong vocal skill are necessary.  These are just a few of the desired traits that will come in handy when you are studying to be a music therapist.

Other skills that will be useful are a strong background in music theory and ear training.  You need an instrument such as voice or piano in which you excel.  Show choir was a great introduction for many opportunities for me in college.  It allowed me to perform in specialized groups such as women’s chorus and Gospel choir.  Because I was comfortable with singing, dancing and acting, I was able to audition with other groups.  My favorite group was opera chorus.  This was the closest to a show choir.  It’s useful to have strong vocal skills, dance, and performance experience.  To put it in simple terms, show choir is a great display of talent and diversity, which is very desirable when studying to become a music therapist.  You need to be comfortable performing in front of people and being confident in your actions.

It is important to pick a primary instrument that you can master. Piano is a great instrument to learn.  Almost everyone in the school of music will have to take basic piano.  Volunteer in places where you will experience working with children with special needs and the elderly population.  Experience is necessary to narrow down and help you decide which population you prefer to work with.  It is mandatory that you learn to play the guitar. It is the easiest instrument to transport.  You must be able to play and sing at the same time.  Learning to sing and transpose songs in various keys is something that you will learn in your training.  Find a college that will allow you to get field experience in your freshman and sophomore years in college.  That way, you can determine if this is a good career path for you.

The qualities that make a music therapist are flexibility, compassion and strong musicianship.  Mr. Nazareno is a perfect mentor because he displays these qualities.  He may not be a music therapist, but he provided the foundation and inspired me to follow my dreams to become one.  His passion for music and his dedication to his students makes him a valuable teacher.  I learned a great lesson from Mr. Nazareno. I remember him telling me long ago, “Never lose sight of your dreams”.

I hope this was helpful.

– My Buan