Music Therapist vs Musical Volunteer

What is the difference between a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Talented Volunteer Musician?


While many organizations benefit from the use of volunteer musicians, a Board Certified Music Therapist is specially trained and qualified to perform many more services.


Services Offered

Volunteer Musician

Board Certified Music Therapist

Provides Live Music for Patients

X

X

Improves Patient Quality of Life and Emotional Well-Being

X

X

Can Enhance Patient and Family Relationship

X

X

Medically Non-Invasive

X

X

Primary Focus is Recreation, Entertainment, and Diversion

X

 

Allied Health Professional Recognized by NHPCO

 

X

Educational, Clinical Training and Board Certification Required to Practice

 

X

Conducts Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

 

X

Develops, Implements, and Documents Individualized Treatment goals

 

X

Competent with Multiple Music Instruments and Genres

 

X

Consistently Utilizes Patient-Preferred Music

 

X

Addresses Goals In Physiological, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Domains

 

X

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Symptom Management

 

X

Assesses and Responds Appropriately to Adverse Responses to the Music

 

X

Overseen by National Organization

 

X

Adheres to Best Practices Evidenced-Based Treatment

 

X

Research Demonstrates Cost Effectiveness in a number of settings

 

X

Follows a Strict Code of Ethics

 

X

Appropriately Identifies Decline in Hospice Patients

 

X