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Music Therapy Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Music Therapist 2

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

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 ...

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Music Therapist

Penfield, NY · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Overview Harmony Creative Therapy is seeking a Board Certified Music Therapist to join our incredible team of professionals starting August or September of 2026. The therapist will be responsible for ...

Musical Therapist 2

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited college or university required. * Must be able to apply music therapy principles and techniques to a variety of patient needs. Must be able to ...

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Music Therapy information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$14

$27

$46

How much do music therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for music therapy in Rochester, NY is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Therapist, you need a strong background in music, psychology, and clinical therapy, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music therapy and board certification (MT-BC). Familiarity with instruments, music therapy assessment tools, and electronic record-keeping systems is essential. Compassion, creativity, and excellent interpersonal skills help build rapport and tailor interventions to individual client needs. These competencies are crucial for fostering therapeutic outcomes and enhancing client well-being through music-based interventions.

What qualifications do you need for music therapy?

Music therapists typically need a bachelor's degree in music therapy or a related field, along with supervised clinical training. Certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is often required to practice professionally. Some positions may also require a master's degree or additional state licensure depending on the region.

What can I do as a music therapist?

A music therapist uses music-based interventions to improve clients' emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. They work in settings such as hospitals, schools, or mental health facilities, often collaborating with healthcare professionals and requiring certification or licensure. Their activities include creating individualized treatment plans, leading music sessions, and assessing patient progress.

Is a career in music therapy worth it?

A career in music therapy involves using music interventions to address clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree and certification. It can be rewarding for those interested in healthcare, psychology, and music, with job opportunities in hospitals, schools, and mental health settings. However, it may involve variable hours and the need for ongoing professional development.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. It can help improve mental health, emotional well-being, and physical health through activities such as listening to music, songwriting, or playing instruments. Music therapists work with people of all ages to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This type of therapy is often used in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. The approach and techniques are tailored to each client's unique needs and preferences.

Where do music therapists get paid the most?

Music therapists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries also increase with experience, advanced certifications, and working in specialized settings like hospitals or private practices.

What is the difference between Music Therapy vs Music Education?

AspectMusic TherapyMusic Education
CredentialsMusic Therapists often hold a degree in music therapy and may be credentialed (e.g., MT-BC)Music Educators typically have a degree in music education and teaching certification
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, hospitals, clinics, special educationSchools, community programs, private lessons
Industry UsageHealthcare and therapeutic servicesEducational and developmental settings
PurposeUse music to improve clients' mental, emotional, or physical healthTeach music skills and foster musical development

While both careers involve working with music, Music Therapy focuses on using music as a therapeutic tool to improve health outcomes, often requiring specialized credentials. Music Education centers on teaching music skills and knowledge, primarily in academic or community settings. The two fields share a foundation in music but serve different purposes and client needs.

What are some common challenges music therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Music therapists often work with clients from various backgrounds and with a wide range of needs, which can present challenges such as adapting musical interventions to suit different cultural preferences, communication styles, and cognitive or physical abilities. Building trust and rapport may require extra sensitivity and flexibility, especially when clients have unique goals or complex medical histories. Continuous professional development and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are essential to effectively address these challenges and provide individualized, impactful care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY? For Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Music Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Music Therapy jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Music Therapy job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Therapy job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,160 per year, or $27 per hour.

$25.60 - $35.84/hr

Other

Posted 5 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

122nd of 616 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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Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

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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