Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

Some may consider a music therapist's job the best one anybody could have. Not only do you get to sing and play instruments regularly, but you get see its positive affects on people as well. That's how Jennifer Buchanan, an accredited music therapist explains her career.

"What I love about this line of work is that it allows you to see the subtleties of human change," she told nextsteps. "From the two-year-old who says his first clear word during a favourite song, to a teen who smiles after creating a music improvisation, to a senior who has an opportunity to remember their life prior to disability or disease in a celebratory manner."

Buchanan, like other music therapists, uses music to help those with a variety of maladies, such as children with learning disabilities, adolescents with emotional stress, young adults who have acquired a brain injury, or seniors with dementia. For instance, singing can help those with speech impediments improve the movements of their mouths. Listening to music can help improve people's memory and their ability to listen to sequences and patterns.

Practicing music therapy since 1991, Buchanan knew as a teenager the career held something special for her. "When I was 15, I watched a program on the use of music with a young child with Down's syndrome. The term music therapy made an impact on me at the time as a career option due to the fact that I was highly involved in extra-curricular music activities but didn't want to be a music teacher."

While in university studying music, Buchanan began taking courses that would allow her entry in the two-year music therapy program offered at Capilano College in British Columbia. She completed her course work at Capilano and then moved to Calgary to complete the 1,000-hour internship required by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. Beginning as sole practitioner, Buchanan then opened JB Music Therapy which now has seven music therapists on staff. (Another part of her company, JB Music Express, provides music entertainment to things like private parties.)

Working in hospitals, group homes, private residents, schools, and senior's centres, music therapists have a set number of clients, or locations, they'll visit each day. And every work day differs depending on the type of client they're seeing and the location of the visit. While Buchanan thoroughly enjoys her work, she sees a trend that gives her cause for concern.

"What I dislike the most is that at times some individuals have difficulty understanding the importance of the arts with all people. I am constantly saddened that the arts are being taken out of the school system for all children - leaving a large gap of learning opportunities and social opportunities, integrating all children regardless of culture, age or arts background."

For those committed, however, Buchanan recommends you are not only accomplished musically, but also an engaging performer and have a desire to work with people who have special needs. "You should be ready for a great life, a career that ever-changes and remains very rewarding."