Become a Music Therapist with Samantha Foote: Time We Discuss
Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Music Therapist with Samantha Foote
In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist and founder of Boise Music Therapy Company. With over a decade of experience helping neurodivergent individuals, Samantha shares detailed insights into what music therapy is, how it works, and what it takes to build a career in this unique therapeutic field.
If you've ever wondered how to become a music therapist, what kind of people music therapy helps, or how this field intersects with speech or occupational therapy—this episode is for you.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical use of music interventions to achieve non-musical goals. Samantha explains that it's about using music to support development in communication, motor skills, social behavior, cognition, and emotional regulation. It's not about teaching music, but about leveraging it therapeutically and functionally to help clients meet personal and developmental goals.
A Day in the Life of a Music Therapist
Samantha's day involves home visits and in-clinic sessions, using instruments like guitar, ukulele, and percussion depending on client preference. Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes and are customized based on each client's treatment plan.
She mainly works with children and adults who are neurodivergent—especially those with autism and ADHD—but notes that music therapists also work in schools, hospitals, recovery centers, and prisons.
What Instruments Are Used in Music Therapy?
Portable instruments like guitars, ukuleles, and percussion are most commonly used. However, client preference determines the choice. If a piano is available and suits a therapeutic goal, it's used. Samantha points out that the therapy is centered on function, not musical skill.
Is a Music Education Background Required?
While having a strong music background is helpful, it is not essential. Samantha holds a master's in music therapy, and emphasizes that to be a board-certified music therapist, one must complete a bachelor's or master's degree specifically in music therapy, pass a certification exam, and complete required practicums and a 6-month internship.
Working as a Contractor vs. Employee
Many music therapists begin as independent contractors or start their own practices. Samantha did both before transitioning into employing other therapists. She now runs a business with employees paid hourly, offering paid time off and benefits—a rare but growing model in the field.
Collaboration with Other Therapists
Samantha often works with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavioral therapists. She shares a story of a client who couldn't understand spoken language but responded to sung questions. Over time, therapy helped build new neural pathways so the client could understand speech alone.
State Licensing and Insurance Coverage
Music therapists are nationally certified, but licensing varies by state. Idaho, for example, doesn't require licensure, while neighboring Oregon does. Insurance coverage is limited—Medicaid waivers often cover music therapy for neurodivergent clients, but private insurance rarely does.
Becoming a Music Therapist Later in Life
For career changers, Samantha suggests exploring master's equivalency programs if you already have a related degree (music, psychology, etc.). These programs reduce time spent repeating undergrad courses. However, the internship is a major commitment—usually full-time for six months, making it difficult to balance with full-time work.
Boise Music Therapy and Parent Support
Samantha's company now offers:
- Music therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Parent coaching and consulting
- Online parenting courses
- A community for neurodivergent families
Her goal is to support both the children and their caregivers. She also hosts the “Every Brain Is Different” podcast to educate and connect with families navigating autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges.
Conclusion
This episode of Time We Discuss offers a comprehensive, compassionate look into the world of music therapy. Whether you're considering a career in this field or seeking alternative support for a loved one, Samantha's expertise highlights how music can unlock connection, growth, and healing.
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