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Music Therapy Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Music Therapy Intern

Patton, CA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Student Assistant - Music Therapy Intern Patton State Hospital, Human Resources Department is accepting applications for Temporary (6 month / 1056 hours), Intermittent, appointments to the Student ...

... Program Assistant and under the general lead and clinical direction of the Chief, Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Rehabilitation Therapist, State Facilities (Music-Safety): Use music media and ...

Music Therapist

Patton, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.4K/mo

... Program Assistant and under the general lead and clinical direction of the Chief, Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Rehabilitation Therapist, State Facilities (Music-Safety): Use music media and ...

... Therapy Assistant (COTA) EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: • Sensory integration theory and ... Indoor office or classroom, exposure to: student noise & music, odors of food & possible ...

Occupational Therapist - OTR

Irvine, CA · On-site

$43.25 - $57/hr

... to assist individuals in reclaiming their independence and enhancing their overall well-being? If ... Assess patient requirements and design tailored therapy programs that empower them to meet their ...

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Music Therapy Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do music therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for music therapy assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a music therapy assistant?

To become a music therapy assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience working with people in healthcare or educational settings. Some positions require a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in music therapy or a related field, along with strong interpersonal and musical skills. Certification is not always mandatory but can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

What qualifications do I need for a music therapy assistant?

A music therapy assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant coursework or experience in music and healthcare. Some positions require certification or training in basic music therapy techniques and good interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients. Additional certifications, such as CPR or first aid, may also be preferred.

What does a music therapy assistant do?

A typical day for a Music Therapy Assistant involves preparing instruments and materials, assisting with group and individual therapy sessions, and supporting client participation under the supervision of a certified music therapist. You may also be responsible for documenting session activities, helping to manage equipment, and ensuring a safe, comfortable environment for clients. Collaboration is key; you work closely with the music therapist to implement session plans and adapt interventions for client needs. This team-based approach allows you to observe and contribute to effective therapy, while gaining valuable experience for further growth in the field.

What is a music therapy assistant?

A Music Therapy Assistant supports certified music therapists in providing therapeutic music interventions for individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. They help set up sessions, engage clients in musical activities, and document progress under supervision. Their role may include playing instruments, singing, or facilitating group activities to promote well-being. This position is commonly found in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. While they do not create treatment plans, they play a crucial role in enhancing the therapeutic experience for clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music therapy assistant?

To thrive as a Music Therapy Assistant, you need a basic understanding of music therapy practices, knowledge of music, and experience supporting therapeutic or clinical activities, often gained through coursework in music, psychology, or health-related fields. Familiarity with instruments, audio equipment, and relevant documentation software is also helpful, and some settings may require CPR/First Aid certification. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with diverse clients are valuable assets. These skills ensure you can provide meaningful support to the lead therapist, help clients engage, and contribute to a safe, supportive therapy environment.

What are popular job titles related to Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Music Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Music Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Therapy Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,309 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Music Therapy Intern

California State Jobs

Patton, CA • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Student Assistant – Music Therapy Intern

Patton State Hospital, Human Resources Department is accepting applications for Temporary (6 month / 1056 hours), Intermittent, appointments to the Student Assistant – Music Therapy Intern classification. The Student Assistant - Music Therapy Intern is supervised by a Board-Certified Music Therapist and works under the clinical supervision and general lead of the Music Therapy Internship Director and the administrative supervision of the Chief, Rehabilitation Therapy Service.

The successful candidate must be academically eligible for Music Therapy Internship based upon completion of requisite coursework and pre-internship clinical hours through a university program approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

Candidates should possess and demonstrate the basic knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Music Therapy services, basic knowledge of the process of restoration, maintenance and development of capabilities, basic knowledge of the principles of mental health education, the scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies, characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, federal and state programs in these fields. Have ability to utilize and effectively apply required knowledge, establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the workplace, ability to secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically, compose clear, accurate and concise reports, interpret statistical data, analyze situations accurately and take effective action, ability to communicate effectively.

Additional Information: The classification is a temporary TAU appointment, and the Student Assistant may not work more than 1500 hours in a 12 consecutive month period. No health, dental, or vision benefits are provided for persons in this classification.

Special Requirements: The position(s) require(s) a 5–10-minute live audition during the interview to demonstrate functional music skills in singing while playing guitar and keyboard.

All interested candidates that meet the recruitment criteria should submit Form STD 678 Employment application and a copy of your current school schedule/proof of school enrollment to the Human Resources -Employment Unit no later than the final filing dates listed below.

One applicant will be selected for each term: (Please note the various cutoff dates)

(1) for the Winter Internship with a Final Filing Date of July 24, 2026

(1) for the Summer Internship with a Final filing date of January 4, 2027

Unless there is a specific request to be notified via USPS mail, our main contact will be via email. Email correspondence regarding this job posting will primarily come from PattonHREmploymentUnit@dsh.ca.gov. It is the applicant's responsibility to check their email inbox, including junk/spam emails for any correspondence regarding their application status. In addition, applicants are encouraged to keep their CalCareers profile updated with a current telephone number, mailing address, and email.