Survey of duties and responsibilities of current music therapy positions

Survey questionnaires examining the duties and responsibilities of current music therapy positions were mailed to 200 active registered and nonregistered music therapists randomly selected from the 1978-70 NAMT membership directory. The information was sought to: (a) enrich communication among active music therapists and persons interested in the field; (b) act as a possible reference basis for curriculum development; and (c) examine the potential of a classification plan for music therapy positions entailing similar duties and responsibilities. Surveys completed as directed were received from 127 (63.5%) of those music therapists sampled. Analysis of these surveys identified several practical skill areas common to many of the respondents. Certain position responsibilities were identified as significantly related to existing levels of music therapy positions, as implied by official job titles. These findings warrant further discussion of a national classification plan for music therapy positions.