Hi all,

I am wondering what would be the most efficient (and "fast") way to become a music therapist in the Washington D.C. area and if my background and training would allow me to obtain equivalence for at least part of the program.

A brief introduction: I am 30 y.o., a French lawyer married to an American citizen, with one child, and we are considering moving from Paris, France, to Washington D.C. in the coming months. Although I am doing well as a lawyer, I am considering taking this move opportunity to implement a professional change as well, to work in a field using some of my personal skills that I find too underused in my current job.

As an experienced musician (amateur - played the piano for 25 years, former student of the National Regional Conservatory of Versailles, France for several years including courses in piano and music theory), with a good ability to connect with people (notably children), I have been considering doing something related to helping children/adults with challenges (notably autistic children) and involving music. In my 25 years of piano practice, whether at the conservatory or afterwards, I have experienced the great power of music to develop intellectual skills, expression, imagination as well as its healing power.

During a recent discussion, an American student in Art Therapy told me about Music Therapy, which seems a very interesting possibility.

I have checked various websites (including the one of the American Music Therapy Association) to find out about the training, and it seems that there are various ways to get there, but basically an undergraduate degree (3 or 4 years) then a Masters degree (2 years).

As much as I would like to go through a training, the process described seems very long and impractible for someone with a family to support. I would therefore be very interested in knowing whether there is a "fast track" (say, 1 year of intensive courses/training) or if it is possible to train part-time while already having a demanding job (i.e. take classes for instance one evening per week or half a day in the week-end).

Would my musical training and skills (as described above) and current degrees (one Master's degree in Finance including notably courses in philosophy, two Master's degrees in International Law and Business Law, all from prominent French universities and business schools) allow me to obtain an equivalence in any way for part of the training? What would be your recommendation? (It being specified that we will have to be in the D.C. area).

The question is basic, but since it may significantly change the course of my career path (and life), that's a big decision to make and I would be very grateful for any advice that you may have.

I will be in Washington D.C. between 13 and 23 May - if you have any recommendation about people I should meet to discuss this matter further during my visit, please let me know.

Thank you very much in advance an best regards,

jb