A music therapist is an accomplished musician, able to play several instruments, to sing and to improvise in a variety of styles. The professional training is a five year degree program and is a combination of theoretical and experiential training. Music therapists are skilled in observation of various treatment approaches, observation, assessment, implementation and evaluation. After successful completion of study, the music therapist becomes accredited by the Canadian Association of Music Therapy. CAMT, Canadian Association Of Music Therapy.

The therapeutic purpose of having a handchime choir in long term care is to provide a meaningful opportunity for residents to improve their quality of life - through taking part in the making of music. It is to compensate for the deficits caused by disease so that residents can successfully combine social and physical achievement in playing the handchimes.