Author

Wang Lu

Date of Award

8-2017

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

Music

First Advisor

Edward A, Roth, M.M.

Second Advisor

Dr. David Smith

Third Advisor

Dr. Ying Zeng

Keywords

Music therapy, satisfaction, internship, American, international

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey music therapy intern students and professionals across the United States to evaluate their satisfaction regarding their internship experience. 465 responses were collected for this study, 50 American music therapy interns, 353 American music therapy professionals, 12 international music therapy interns, and 50 international music therapy professionals. Data indicated that in the areas of “therapeutic relationship”, “professional role/ethics”, “therapy implementation,” and “documentation”, which are categories of the AMTA competencies, over 91% of the participants indicated that their expectations were mostly or completely met during internship. In contrast, the competency that respondents felt was least met during their internship training was “conducting skills” (42.73%). Statistically significant differences were found between American and International respondents related to expectations for the following competencies: major performance medium; keyboard skills; voice skills; exceptionality; therapy evaluation; interdisciplinary collaboration; therapy implementation; and professional role/ethics. Differences were also observed between interns and professionals Interns may have lower expectations for the internship experience compared with professionals based on their limited music therapy clinical experience, while professionals’ expectations may be impacted by work experience. This study may offer a reference for clinical training directors to evaluate their internships, taking nationality into consideration.

Included in

Music Therapy Commons

Share

COinS