Final answer:
True, a music therapist must be proficient and flexible in their musical abilities, benefiting from playing with skilled musicians. Victor Wooten stresses the importance of playing and embracing mistakes during the learning process, and being versatile in different musical instruments is key to adapting music therapy to individual client needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a music therapist needs to be a proficient & flexible musician is true. Being proficient in music allows the therapist to communicate and connect through the universal language of music, addressing the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Flexibility is equally important as it enables the music therapist to adapt to varying patient needs and situations, creating or improvising music in the moment that is therapeutic for the client.
When beginning musicians play with accomplished musicians, it can be immensely beneficial. According to Victor Wooten, language learners mostly speak to those who are proficient, mirroring that idea, beginning musicians should interact with skilled musicians to accelerate their learning. Some of your musical idols likely improved by playing with other musicians who challenged and inspired them. Wooten agrees that beginners should play more than they practice, embracing mistakes as a learning tool rather than something to be immediately corrected. Following a strict regiment under a skilled teacher can be beneficial, yet it may not be the best way for everyone, nor the quickest path to learning music. This complements the approach by Gupta and Machover in recognizing the intersection of music with broader social contexts and individualized expression.
As a demonstration of musical proficiency, typical Western musical instrument classifications include: wind instruments like the flute, woodwinds such as the clarinet, brass instruments like the trumpet, stringed instruments such as the violin, and percussion instruments like the drums. These categories showcase the versatility required for a music therapist to engage with various instruments potentially used in therapeutic settings.