Exploring the future development of professional music therapy in China

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relevance and impact of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) competencies in shaping music therapy education and practice in China. It explores how these competencies correspond to Chinese cultural values and professional needs and provides insights to inform culturally responsive training and clinical development. Four key questions guide this investigation: (1) Have AMTA competencies contributed to or influenced the development of music therapy education and practice in China? If so, how? (2) What is the relevance of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) competencies to Chinese music therapy education and clinical practices? (3) How do Chinese music therapy professionals view the compatibility of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) competencies with Chinese cultural values and needs? (4) What are the unique characteristics of music therapy in China? The study adopted a multiple-method design, consisting of a preliminary descriptive survey and a series of in-depth qualitative interviews. The survey provided background information and helped identify interview participants, offering descriptive context rather than statistical analysis. The interview phase involved six pioneers in professional music therapy in China, and the data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Findings indicate that AMTA competencies served as an early structural reference for the emerging profession in China, yet their application was selective and adapted to local realities. The study contributes to understanding how competency frameworks can be culturally interpreted and integrated, offering implications for education, professional development, and international dialogue in music therapy.