Writing from 25 years of experiences as a music therapy clinician and educator, the author has provided the field with an invaluable, "hands-on" introduction to field work and practicum experiences. After defining the essential attributes of a music therapist, he discusses the various issues that students face in their developing years. Of particular interest is the section giving advice on how to cope with the inevitable anxiety of leading one's first actual session in a clinical setting. The book then offers practical suggestions on "how to" (1) verbally process a musical improvisation, (2) deal with difficult clients, (3) write progress notes, and (4) benefit from supervision. The last chapter is a collection of inspiring words from gifted music therapists with varying levels of experience, all answering the same question: If you had the opportunity to pass on something to a developing music therapist, what would you say to him or her? Already field-tested by the author with his own students, this long overdue book is a must-have for all fieldwork students and interns in music therapy, as well as their academic and clinical supervisors. It is also a valuable resource for practitioners, and especially those who are in training to become supervisors.. 2004; ISBN: 1-891278-21-5; 149 pages; $21

 

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James Hiller in Music Therapy Perspectives 2005, Volume 23 (1), 78-79.