Sustainable Ways of Practicing Music Therapy in India: Education, Certification, and Regulations

Abstract

Music therapy is gaining recognition among professionals offering services worldwide as an experimental treatment approach. It is gradually picking up pace and being practised in India; thus, a proper framework is needed to make it more sustainable. This research paper aims to assess the current trends in music therapy in India, including its development, history, implementation, and practices in health and educational facilities. It affords a comprehensive guide to the academic progression of music therapists and offers information on undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate courses. It also elaborates on the certification processes and describes the main activities of such key certifying organisations that are necessary to meet the requirements of the certification procedure. The paper also documents the changing policies and laws that help ensure and uphold professional and ethical practice in music therapy. By discussing these areas, this paper intends to positively contribute to the future of Music Therapy in the context of sustainable practices in India.