The psychosocial and medical challenges that change with society and the environment determine the areas of work for trained music therapists. In addition to fields such as special education and psychiatry, various medical areas such as geriatrics, neurology, pain therapy, neonatology, and oncology are the focus of the profession. Music therapists are also employed in social pedagogy fields and educational institutions such as schools and music schools.

Music therapy is not only provided in inpatient settings but is increasingly offered in partial inpatient and outpatient treatments. As a result, 40 percent of our graduates – the so-called alumni – work as freelancers. Institutional employers primarily include psychiatric and psychosomatic clinics for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as special education, neurological, and geriatric facilities.

In Germany, there is currently no legal regulation for the profession of music therapist. However, most employers expect a secure and high-quality education. Graduates of our program acquire the qualifications for recognition as music therapists according to the certification guidelines of the Federal Association of Music Therapy.

For freelance work (including as a contracted worker in institutions), an additional official authorization to practice healing arts is required. This authorization is granted by the federal state in which the music therapist resides. For example, in Berlin (Lichtenberg), there are specific guidelines from the Senat on this matter.

Further information on career prospects in music therapy can also be found on the website of the Deutschen Musiktherapeutischen Gesellschaft.