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Music Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Music Therapist 2

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

May assist with required paperwork. * Participates in music therapy research proposals, protocols, and publications, as appropriate. Assists with study development, recruitment/consent, implementing ...

Music Therapy Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do music therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for music therapy assistant in Rochester, NY is $18.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.87 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 Rochester, NY? For Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Music Therapy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Music Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Music Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Therapy Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,068 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500107 Patient Experience Ofc

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 209 H

Compensation Range:

$25.60 - $35.84

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Uses music to complement the healing process by addressing the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients, while also improving their quality of life. Provides quality individual and group music therapy interventions to individuals for whom music therapy consults have been made. Influences behavioral and psychological changes leading to restoration, maintenance, and improvement of health and increased comprehension of self. Develops specific treatment goals for each patient based on patient and family input, as well as feedback from the interdisciplinary team. Educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the role of music therapy in medical settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides individual music therapy sessions to patients on designated units/areas. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients on a daily basis. Utilizes evidence-based practice to assess patient and family needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses physiological, psychosocial and/or developmental needs of patients. Uses music therapeutically by incorporating professional expertise and knowledge related to human development and healthcare experiences. Continually evaluates effectiveness of interventions. Adheres to the Scope of Practice and Code of Professional Practice of The Certification Board for Music Therapists, as well as the Standards of Clinical Practice, Professional Competencies, and Code of Ethics of The American Music Therapy Association.

  • Prepares specific music interventions for caseload. Attends and participates in appropriate interdisciplinary team meetings/committees. Documents clinical outcomes, program statistics, patient/caregiver/staff satisfaction, efficacy, and research results, as appropriate. Presents to healthcare team on units/programs served at least once per year. Attends monthly supervision with Music Therapy Manager for minimum of one hour. Discusses successes/concerns with caseload and overall progress, as well any other issues that arise. Assists in the maintenance of equipment/supplies and adheres to infection control policies. Evaluates and purchases approved supplies and equipment, as needed. Complies with all hospital and department policies and procedures.

  • Provides group music therapy sessions to patients on designated unites/areas. Provides staff wellness events and special events as needed. Identifies and provides appropriate music resources to patients and their families and maintains these resources to ensure safety and accessibility.

  • Participates in educational experiences for students and/or professionals through interviews and/or presentations. May give presentations to departments/programs within the hospital, outside organizations, support groups, or collegiate classes, as well as interviews with high school students/community members expressing interest in music therapy. Provides shadowing opportunities for students/professionals after completion of six months of work experience at this facility, as determined by the Music Therapy Manager. Provides supervision of music therapy practicum students and/or interns after completion of one year of work experience at this facility, or as determined by leader. May assist with required paperwork.

  • Participates in music therapy research proposals, protocols, and publications, as appropriate. Assists with study development, recruitment/consent, implementing intervention, and/or data collection.

  • Participates in continuing education regarding medical music therapy or other related areas to maintain professional competency and meet continuing education requirements for board certification and licensure, as appropriate. Assists in program development and advocacy, including grant writing, and communicating with potential donors, as determined by leadership.

  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited college or university required

  • Master's degree and 2 years relevant experience preferred

  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Experience related to programming and schedule of music therapy preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Strong knowledge of medical music therapy, including developmentally appropriate practices, patient assessment, and evaluation required

  • Strong knowledge of relevant music and materials required

  • Competent with a variety of musical instruments and skills including transposition, improvisation, song writing, instrumental/vocal arranging, adapting instruments and therapeutic music activities required

  • Apply music therapy principles and techniques to a variety of patient needs, including pediatric, adolescent and adult required

  • Ability to evaluate interventions and demonstrate competencies by providing age-appropriate care to patients and their family required

  • Knowledge of research design and methodology required

  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required

  • Demonstrates basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and both Windows & Macintosh systems required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) Board certified by The Certification Board for Music Therapists (MT-BC) within 180 days required and

  • New York State licensure (LCAT) or limited permit eligible upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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