Challenges and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey of music therapy educators

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic affected educational institutions and clinical organizations, with universities and clinical sites experiencing a complete lock down with unexpected changes to meeting students’ and clients’ needs within this new landscape. Consequently, music therapy educators had to pivot from their current teaching and practicum format to comply with university and governmental restrictions. Study aims: This manuscript explores how COVID-19 impacted music therapy teaching practices and learning delivery, identifying resources and tools implemented by music therapy educators, explicating changes in assessment of student learning, compliance with required guidelines and approvals, and innovations used or discovered during this time. Method: International music therapy educators completed an online survey about their music therapy education and teaching practices, including questions about their teaching practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Sixty-one music therapy educators from 19 countries completed a 55-question survey, including 6 questions specifically about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their teaching practices. Majority of respondents reported that COVID- 19 had a significant impact on their teaching practices, sharing the various changes implemented and tools and resources integrated into their online teaching platforms. Two exemplars further illustrate detailed processes necessitated by educators from two different universities. Discussion: Clearly, the pandemic impacted music therapy education and training, including integration and adaptation of new and existing tools into their teaching and assessment practices, plus changes to safety procedures in implementing guidelines. Lastly, innovative teaching practices introduced during the pandemic that educators plan to retain as a part of their teaching portfolio are explored.