Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I am a guitarist—can I become a music therapist?
A: To become a music therapist, you must attend an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved school, earn at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and complete 1200 clinical hours (including a 6-month, full-time internship), to be able to sit for the board-certification exam.

Q2: What are CMTEs?
A: Board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) earn Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) credits in order to maintain board-certification. The MT-BC credential is earned through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

Q3: Can I earn CMTEs through Riffs with Ryan?
A: Yes, Riffs with Ryan offers pre-approved CMTE courses designed to help you fulfill continuing education requirements while enhancing your guitar skills for music therapy. These courses are found in the “Courses” tab. No course fulfills the 3 credit ethics requirement for CBMT.

Q4: What is in the Riffs with Ryan Newsletter?
A: The Riffs with Ryan newsletter has exclusive guitar tips for music therapists not on social media, course discounts, updates, and other resources that make playing guitar enjoyable and meaningful. We intend to send a newsletter at least 2x a month and aren’t spammy.

Q5: Are the group guitar lessons only for music therapists?
A: Yes, The “I Don’t Want to Practice” Support Groups are exclusively for MT-BCs and MT students. This is to focus on helping music therapists learn in a supportive, community-focused environment. MT-BCs are eligible for CMTE credit as long as requirements are fulfilled to CBMT.

Q6: Can music therapy students join the group guitar lessons?
A: Yes, MT students can join The “I Don’t Want to Practice” Support Groups. Lessons are tailored for MTs with basic, functional guitar skills (e.g. smooth chord changes), but advanced players will also be given suggestions to increase difficulty of the lessons provided.

Q7: Where can I find guitar tips relevant to music therapy?
A: Follow Riffs with Ryan’s social media accounts for quick tips to improve your guitar skills for music therapy sessions. Follow @riffswithryanmtbc on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

Q8: What kind of content is covered in the Chats and Chops podcast?
A: The podcast features discussions, interviews, and practical advice focused on guitar playing within music therapy, helping you stay inspired and informed. Check out the first episode, here!

Q9: What guitar skill level is Riffs with Ryan tailored for?
A: Riffs with Ryan is tailored for music therapists and music therapy students with basic functional guitar skills. Some riffs and songs are more challenging than others, but each practice video is meant to give you the structure to be able to play any riff!