Music Therapist
A music therapist is a trained professional who utilizes music as a therapeutic tool to assist individuals in managing pain, addressing emotional issues, enhancing self-esteem, fostering communication skills, and promoting overall well-being. This profession is situated within the health science field and incorporates various activities, such as singing, playing instruments, and listening to music, tailored to meet the specific needs of clients. Music therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and mental health clinics, often specializing in populations with physical disabilities, cognitive challenges, or emotional struggles.
Typically, music therapists work full-time, engaging directly with clients to assess needs and develop treatment plans. They employ creative methods, such as songwriting and drumming, to facilitate therapeutic goals. A strong musical background, along with empathy, patience, and communication skills, is essential for success in this field. Music therapists generally hold a bachelor's degree in music therapy, with advanced degrees required for supervisory roles or private practice. The job outlook for music therapists is promising, with an expected growth rate of 9%, indicating a significant demand for their expertise in therapeutic settings.
Music Therapist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Music, playing instruments, singing, patient rehabilitation, planning and organizing musical activities, therapeutic programs and services
Earnings (Yearly Median): $63,650 annual, $30.60 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 9% (Much faster than average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Music therapists are trained professionals who work within the health industry to help people manage pain, overcome an emotional issue, build self-esteem, facilitate communication and social interaction, and improve well-being. Music therapy treatments may include singing, playing instruments, or listening to music. Practitioners of musical therapy are considered recreational therapists, along with art, dance, and writing therapists.
Work Environment. Music therapists work in private practice and in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health clinics, prisons, and other environments. They tend to specialize in clients with physical disabilities or illnesses, cognitive problems, or emotional issues. Some music therapists treat all conditions. Full-time therapists work about a forty-hour week, usually with some evenings, nights, and weekends. They might travel from site to site or work at one institution. They interact mostly with their clients and other professionals.
Occupation Interest. People attracted to the music therapy profession are usually musicians who are passionate about music and enjoy putting their talents and skills to use to help others. The ability to sing and play instruments and a familiarity with music theory, notation, and various genres (including classical, jazz, and popular music) are crucial. In addition to musical ability, therapists are excellent communicators, empathetic, patient, creative, and mentally and emotionally strong.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Music therapists spend most of their work time engaged in activities with clients. The first meeting with a client usually involves assessing their needs and setting goals.
If a client has been referred by a doctor or psychiatrist, as is often the case, the therapist begins by devising a treatment plan intended to meet the prescribed goals. For example, a child with autism may need to work on some cognitive issues, such as basic math skills or how to tie shoes, but is difficult to reach through normal methods of communication and traditional instructional techniques. The music therapist might select or compose songs to sing with the child that are both engaging and instructional.
Some music therapists work in hospices, where patients are often depressed and frightened of death. The therapist might play soothing tunes on an instrument, such as a guitar or harp, or sing songs that bring back positive memories. Others may work with dementia patients, helping to improve their cognitive functions, memory, and mood and providing socialization opportunities. Such therapy is usually most effective when patients listen to music, although some respond well to singing.
Other common treatment plans include drumming sessions, songwriting, and dancing to music, which might be done in conjunction with a dance therapist. Music therapists also sometimes teach clients how to sing or play an instrument. Occasionally, they may organize concerts involving groups of patients.
As part of the treatment plan, the therapist takes notes that will help them to evaluate its success and prepare assessment documents. Most therapists are also responsible for maintaining instruments and audio equipment. Therapists who own their own practices have additional business responsibilities.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Music therapists usually work inside, in recreation rooms, classrooms, studios, offices, or private homes, but they may choose to conduct sessions outside in good weather. Some locations may be soundproofed for noise and privacy reasons.
Human Environment. Music therapists spend most of their time interacting with their clients and collaborate regularly with other therapists, teachers, or health professionals. Unless self-employed, they report to a supervisor. They may oversee part-time employees or interns. Those who own their own practices may be responsible for scheduling or bookkeeping staff.
Technological Environment. Music therapists work with a variety of audio equipment, including portable stereo systems and digital music players. They may also use recording equipment, such as a computer outfitted with a microphone and interfaced with an electronic keyboard or electric guitar. They must also know how to play a variety of instruments. Music therapists who are also small business owners need to be proficient in accounting and scheduling software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A college preparatory program strong in the sciences, health, English, social sciences, and music courses will provide the necessary foundation for further studies. Interested high school students should supplement their coursework with extracurricular music activities, such as orchestra or choral group. A student must be proficient on at least one instrument—ideally piano, guitar, or voice—for admission into a music therapy program. Volunteer experience in a school, hospital, or recreational center is also recommended.
Postsecondary. A bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved program is the minimum requirement for board certification. The curriculum typically includes coursework in the social and behavioral sciences, biology, anatomy, music therapy, and music (theory, performance, piano, guitar, voice). These programs also require 1,200 hours of clinical training, including an internship.
A master’s or doctorate degree is required for advancement to supervisory positions and also for teaching, research, or administrative work. Most music therapists who establish their own practices have an advanced degree and many years of experience.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
Moreno-Morales, Celia, Raul Calero, Pedro Moreno-Morales, and Cristina Pintado. "Music Therapy in the Treatment of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne), 2020, doi: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00160. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Music Therapists." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1129.02. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 29-1125 Recreational Therapists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291125.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.