Reading Rika Ikuno's column "A True Turning Point: Report on the Process of State Approved Certification of Music Therapist in Japan" (See http://www.voices.no/columnist/colikuno271003.html), while I am interested in this new development of Music Therapy in Japan, I am concerned about the future of Music Therapy itself, because it seems to me that we may be prematurely rushing for the state-approved certification. It is as if we are concerned about the exterior establishment before developing the interior. By developing the interior I mean the importance of laying the firm foundation of music therapy which requires solid academic conditions. This will give us the right resources, for example, to further research for proving the therapeutic effects of music.
I was somewhat concerned that the state certification title will be "ongaku-hoken-fukushishi (worker for health and welfare with music)" and not Music Therapist and that placing the training of "ongaku-hoken-fukushishi" to Junior colleges or special schools is being considered, as if music therapy is simply about acquiring technical skills. This could lower the quality of music therapists, because two years of training may not be enough. Becoming a music therapist entails not only the proficiency in music, understanding patient psychology, and practical techniques, but also growth in one's understanding of inner self as a person. To achieve this the aspiring music therapists need sufficient time and the right ambience in their academic settings. My current experience here in the U.S. has taught me that to become a professional Music Therapist, we need two aspects, namely, professional and personal growth. These two aspects are always closely interrelated. For example, in class we are first thrown into a real situation in which we are spontaneously involved in improvisation, then we discuss the theories, and we write up a process note in which we must include not only the objective analytical insights but also the personal reflections on the improvised situation. Sufficient length of academic settings such as four-year universities, colleges, and graduate schools give us the opportunities to mature in these two aspects. Before working as professional music therapists, I believe, we need to take time to explore ourselves and cultivate therapeutic relationships with others. Therefore if we are to have a broader perspective for the future of music therapy in Japan, perhaps we should give a higher priority to building up and strengthening the foundation by developing and enriching the academic curriculum than obtaining the state-approved certification.
Although I mentioned the importance of laying the solid academic foundation and am glad along with Ikuno that Dr. Murai suggested a 95-credit curriculum, I cannot help but worry about the future of the already certified music therapists who do not have a degree in music therapy. Four years ago, my colleagues and I could get certification as music therapists in Japan provided that we had more than three years of experience, took some courses approved by Japanese Music Therapy Association, did official presentations, and passed an interview, without a degree in music therapy. Although I did not study music therapy at the academic level at the time, I learned psychology or general medicine as an auditor in courses. Many of us are now working as music therapists. If the state-approved certification requires a longer curriculum leading to a proper degree in music therapy, what would be the fate of those who are already working, but without the degree? Their life situations are such that it would be very difficult for them to return to school to fulfill the academic requirements. Will they need to be recertified? If so, how will that be done? Will they be required to take more courses? If not, will they be deemed less qualified than those who will come out of the new curriculum with the degree? This calls for a careful consideration about this issue as well.
As one of more than 700 certified music therapists, I am concerned to think about the future of music therapy in Japan.