Music therapists utilize music and the relationships that develop within and through music as part of a therapeutic process to address physical, emotional, spiritual, developmental, behavioral, and social needs.

What Does a Music Therapist Do?

Music therapists are highly trained, board-certified practitioners who work with a wide variety of individuals to help manage pain, reduce stress, express emotion, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. Their patients include those with developmental disorders, mental health disorders, neurological conditions, trauma, and other medical needs.

Aspiring music therapists are required to complete an internship at a site that meets the standards of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and must take a board certification exam in order to practice music therapy.

Working alone or alongside peers in other therapeutic specialties, music therapists assess their patients, establish individual goals to pursue, and then design music-based interventions to meet those goals. Depending on the treatment goals and their clients' particular needs, a session might involve creating, improvising, listening to, and/or performing music. In addition to any specialty instruments, music therapists are expected to play guitar, piano, and hand percussion at a high level, and to be well-versed in a wide variety of musical styles and genres, all of which can be helpful in treatment.

Work Life Balance

Music therapists work different hours depending on their employment situation. A music therapist who works for a school may observe traditional daytime business hours, while one who works at a hospital, private practice, or community center may have a less consistent schedule. In rare cases, travel may be required.

Community

This is a field where strong interpersonal skills are vital. The best music therapists are exceptionally perceptive when assessing a patient's needs and designing creative music-based experiences. This job also often requires high levels of empathy, emotional openness, and self-care. More than anything, a genuine desire to help others empower themselves through music is a fundamental quality for a music therapist.

Finding Work

Music therapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including medical, mental health, hospice, rehabilitation, educational, and correctional facilities. Additionally, they may be employed in nursing homes, community centers, nonprofits, private practices, and independent music therapy companies. 

The world of music therapy is growing rapidly. Music therapists are advised to network within their field through alumni groups and industry organizations such as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), as well as by attending national and regional conferences.

Professional Skills

• Clinical musicianship on guitar, piano, percussion, and voice
• Songwriting
• Arranging
• Client assessment
• Establishing therapeutic relationships
• Treatment planning
• Research
• Foundations in music (theory, history, and conducting)

Interpersonal Skills

This is a field where strong interpersonal skills are vital. The best music therapists are exceptionally perceptive when assessing a patient's needs and designing creative music-based experiences. This job also often requires high levels of empathy, emotional openness, and self-care. More than anything, a genuine desire to help others empower themselves through music is a fundamental quality for a music therapist.

Industries

• Film, Video, and Television
• Technology
• Video Games
• Advertising
• Artist Services
• Music and Audio Tools
• Radio and Streaming Music
• Recording Industry
• Health and Wellness
• Theater
• Live Music
• Opera
• Dance
• Orchestra, Chorus, and Band
• Education
• Arts Administration
• Journalism
• Church and Worship

Top US Cities for This Role

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco Bay Area
• New York City
• Boston
• Nashville