Abstract

Although the profession of music therapy has made many advances since the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) was established in 1974, it is still a relatively new profession and, as such, faces a variety of challenges. However, it is not known how these challenges are perceived by Canadian music therapists who live in diverse regions of a geographically large country and work within different provincial and regional health care and education systems. Furthermore, it is not known how these diverse experiences impact upon Canadian music therapists' views of the profession. The purpose of this study was to examine Canadian music therapists' perspectives on the current state of music therapy as a profession in Canada. In Fall 2012, participants [N = 87) completed an online survey that examined their perceptions of the CAMT definition of music therapy, scope of practice, professional certification, government regulation, and professional advocacy. Results indicated that a majority of respondents believed that both the CAMT’s definition of music therapy and the Music Therapy Association of Ontario’s (MTAO) scope of practice statement are representative of the current profession and practice of music therapy in Canada. However, respondents’ perceptions were more varied in other areas of the survey. Potential implications and recommendations for the profession and for further research are discussed.