Music Therapists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Clinical sessions are built around singing, rhythm, and live playing on keyboard, guitar, or percussion to meet a client's goals. Work may target communication, impulse control, cognition, life changes, or self-care, and programs are tailored for schools, medical units, mental-health care, geriatrics, or disability services. Sessions include talking with clients about their reactions and progress, and assessments look at musical, sensory, social, and other abilities as well as overall functioning. Evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes are written for individuals or groups. The work suits people who enjoy live music-making tied to a plan, close attention to how a client responds, and steady documentation.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$77'930
Median Wage Market Position
$77'930
What you might do
- Assess perceptual, musical, and cognitive strengths and needs
- Design music experiences that target communication or impulse control
- Sing or play keyboard, guitar, or percussion with clients
- Tailor programs for schools, hospitals, or older adults
- Discuss clients' reactions to the musical experience
- Document evaluations, treatment plans, and progress reports
Skills that matter
- Singing or playing instruments with clients
- Designing music experiences around treatment goals
- Reflecting with clients on musical reactions
- Customizing programs for geriatric or medical settings
- Assessing communicative and cognitive functioning
- Documenting evaluations and case summaries
AI & the future of this role
Clinical music work hinges on live, responsive interaction tailored to each client's needs and goals. Scheduling aids or note-taking tools could absorb some admin tasks, but hands-on intervention, clinical judgment, and in-person rapport are likely to remain central.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details