Defining Music Therapy Musicianship: An Analysis of Music Therapists' Clinical Work

This study examines the uniquely situated characteristics of music therapists' musicianship. Undertaken through the lens of post intentional phenomenology, music therapy sessions and interviews with 11 music therapists were integrated into musicianship profiles that included identification of core musicianship constructs and music skills. These core constructs and skills were subsequently organized across profiles into 4 categories: (a) qualities and values of the music therapist, (b) session preparation, (c) session intention, and (d) musical engagement. Music therapy musicianship is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that exists in the shared musical space between therapist and client(s) - it is a way of being in the world musically with another person(s). Study findings have significant implications for music therapy education and training and invite careful re-evaluation of musicianship competencies identified by the American Music Therapy Association and National Association of Schools of Music.