Employment and Membership Trends in the American Music Therapy Association, 1998–2009

Abstract

Literature ReviewEmployment trend analyses can have implications and consequences for professions and fields of study (Brown, 1995). Researchers have analyzed employment trends in the United States to determine geographic areas that are considered locations of growth (Gordon, Richardson, & Yu, 1998). Other researchers conducting employment trend analyses have found differences in reasons for increases in self-employment between women and men in Canada (Kuhn & Schuetze, 2003). Professionals have initiated related studies to identify trends in healthcare and spending (Levit et al., 2003), determine hospital employment trends (Anderson & Kohn, 1996), and predict that the United States is likely to experience a shortage of physician specialists in the (Cooper, Getzen, McKee, & Laud, 2002). Academics and educators can apply the results of these studies to influence training at the university level (Sorensen, 1995). These studies are also valuable as researchers, clinicians, and administrators can utilize data to predict trends, allocate funding, change or modify academic curricula, determine areas of strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for additional systematic inquiry. Although results could potentially be valuable to better identify trends in music therapy employment, to date, researchers have not conducted an analysis of employment trends specific to music therapy.Music therapy researchers have investigated employmentrelated areas, such as career longevity. Concerning music therapy career longevity, Decuir and Vega (2010) surveyed 231 music therapists with over 10 years of clinical experience. Results indicated participants did not perceive the professional competencies differently over time and the authors found an increase in longevity over time. Other researchers found that music therapists with graduate degrees remained in the field significantly longer than those with undergraduate degrees (Cohen & Behrens, 2002). Vega (2003) identified a number of factors contributing to music therapists remaining in the profession via interview methodology. These factors included initiating a new music therapy program, observing positive client changes, and conducting presentations. Vega also found that mentoring students and entry-level professionals contributed to a sense of inspiration and renewed enthusiasm.Specific to music therapy employment, Groene (2003) studied the workforce needs for music therapists and found an intense need for additional music therapists in the workforce both presently and in the future (p. 4). Groene found that there would be increased needs for music therapists working with persons who are elderly, children in public schools, and children diagnosed with autism. Concerning locations for music therapists to live and work, Decuir and Vega (2010) found that urban areas had more opportunities for music therapy employment than rural areas. As self-employment and private practice continues to grow, researchers have studied and written about this area in music therapy private practice (Silverman & Hairston, 2005; Wilhelm, 2004). Wilhelm (2004) studied financial issues and marketing skills relevant for music therapists in private practice. Additionally, Wilhelm found that most music therapists in private practice served children with developmental disabilities and older adults. Similarly, Silverman and Hairston (2005) found that most music therapists in private practice serve children with developmental disabilities, children in a special education setting, and residents in nursing homes.One of the unique aspects of music therapy as a profession is the diversity of client populations and clinical work settings. Although the field began in Veteran's hospitals (Davis & Gfeller, 2008), it has expanded and is still being utilized in innovative ways with an expanding base of clinical populations. However, to date, no published study has systematically evaluated music therapy employment trends. …