Music therapy practicum practices: a survey of music therapy educators

Music therapy program directors were surveyed about various aspects of their music therapy practica. The survey addressed various aspects of the structure of the practicum, on-campus clinics, faculty supervision, videotaped supervision, and evaluation of practicum students. Responses were received from 38 educators from undergraduate programs. Results indicate that there is wide variety in the number of practica required and in the amount of time spent in practica. Several populations are included in the practicum experiences offered by every university, although the means of achieving this variety varies. Results also showed variations in the way that practicum experiences are set up so that in some cases students observe and assist, sometimes eventually assuming full responsibility for the session, while in others the students are responsible for the entire session from the beginning. The content of classes that accompany the practica, when such classes exist, is similar from program to program. There are also wide variations in practicum supervision and faculty compensation for this supervision.