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Music Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed music therapy activities designed to positively influence patients' psychological or behavioral status. * Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed ...

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. * Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

NY · On-site

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. * Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

Music Therapy Internship Are you interested in a Music Therapy internship at Park Nicollet? Come join us and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families ...

Music Therapy Internship Are you interested in a Music Therapy internship at Park Nicollet? Come join us and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families ...

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. * Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. * Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

The Music Therapy Internship at MSA UpperLocation is designed for a second-year graduate student from SUNY New Paltz completing advanced competencies in music therapy. This internship provides a ...

NY · On-site

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs. * Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy ...

Music Therapist

La Crescenta, CA · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Paid time off * Training & development At LA Musica Therapy , we believe in the power of music to transform lives. As a rapidly expanding company, we are seeking passionate and dedicated ...

Provides comprehensive music therapy assessment and treatment interventions for patients, families, and community served by Akron Children\'s. Responsibilities: * 1. Plans, develops, and implements ...

The Music Therapy Internship at MSA UpperLocation is designed for a second-year graduate student from SUNY New Paltz completing advanced competencies in music therapy. This internship provides a ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Therapy information

See salary details

$14

$27

$47

How much do music therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for music therapy in the United States is $27.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Is a career in music therapy worth it?

A career in music therapy involves using music to improve clients' mental and physical health, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree and certification. It offers opportunities in healthcare, schools, and rehabilitation centers, with job growth driven by increasing recognition of music therapy benefits. The profession requires strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of music and psychology.

What do you do in music therapy?

A music therapist uses music-based interventions to address clients' emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. They may sing, play instruments, or create musical activities to improve well-being, often working with individuals who have mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or medical conditions. Certification and knowledge of music and therapy techniques are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get as a music therapist?

Music therapists can work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers, providing therapy to patients with various conditions. They may also find employment in schools, nursing homes, or private practice, designing individualized treatment plans and using instruments or singing as therapeutic tools. Certification from a recognized board, such as the Certification Board for Music Therapists, is often required for these roles.

What qualifications does a music therapist need?

A music therapist typically needs a bachelor's degree in music therapy or a related field, along with certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Many states also require licensure or registration to practice professionally. Strong musical skills, knowledge of psychology, and experience working with clients are essential components of the qualification process.
More about Music Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Music Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Music Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Music Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Music Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Music Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Music Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Music Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,893 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

MUSIC THERAPIST

Lenox, MA • On-site

HOSPICECARE IN THE BERKSHIRES
51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

What will you do as a Pediatric Palliative Care Music Therapist
  • Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed music therapy activities designed to positively influence patients' psychological or behavioral status.
  • Plan, organize, or direct medically prescribed music therapy activities designed to positively influence patients' psychological or behavioral status.
  • Adapt existing or create new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs.
  • Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy approaches.
  • Review research or literature in music therapy or related disciplines. Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, or other abilities.
  • Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
  • Confer with professionals on the client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
  • Design music therapy experiences to meet clients' goals or objectives. Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.
  • Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.
  • Gather diagnostic data from sources such as case documentation, observations of clients, or interviews of clients or family members.
  • Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.
  • Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.
  • Plan or structure music therapy sessions to achieve appropriate transitions, pacing, sequencing, energy level, or intensity in accordance with treatment plans.
  • Play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments. Compose, arrange, or adapt music for music therapy treatments.
  • Provide music therapy experiences to address client needs, such as using music for self-care, adjusting to life changes, improving cognitive functioning, raising self-esteem, communicating, or controlling impulses.
  • Select or adapt musical instruments, musical equipment, or non-musical materials, such as adaptive devices or visual aids, to meet treatment objectives.
  • Write treatment plans for case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients. Assess the risks and benefits of treatment termination for clients.
  • Potential to supervise practicum for students, or interns engaged in music therapy activities.
  • Conduct or assist in the conduct of music therapy research.
  • Identify and respond to emergency physical or mental health situations.
  • Integrate behavioral, developmental, improvisational, medical, or neurological approaches into music therapy treatments.
What are the qualifications to be a Pediatric Palliative Care Music Therapist
  • Must be able to function independently in the home care setting while maintaining team collaboration.
  • Must be able to provide music therapy assessments and interventions to children from a diverse background of ages, needs and abilities. 
  • Must be knowledgeable about a wide variety of health care experiences that pediatric palliative care patients may encounter
  • 1-2 years’ experience in areas like mental health, pediatrics, education, special needs, and/or social services. 
  • Excellent communication, listening and observational skills
  • A high level of musical ability and knowledge
  • The ability to relate to people from all backgrounds
  • The ability to handle sensitive and difficult issues
  • Emotional strength and ability to cope with challenging situations
  • Empathy and the ability to gain clients' trust
  • The confidence to work with people on their own and in groups
  • Qualifications include bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from a college or university program approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), Board Certified Music Therapist (CBMT), and computer proficiency. 
  • Knowledge of special needs and behaviors of infants, children, and adolescents
  • Ability to analyze behavior related to developmental stage and make sound judgements based on the needs of the patient.
  • Valid driver’s license with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.