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Occupation AtlasMusic Therapists

O*NET · 29-1129.02

Music Therapists

Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.

Also called Activity Therapist · Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) · Certified Music Therapist · Community Music Therapist · Creative Arts Music Therapist · Creative Music Therapist · Expressive Music Therapist · Home Care Music Therapist
12 more

Hospice Music Therapist · LCAT · LCAT (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist) · MT-BC · Music Art Therapist · Music Dance Therapist · Music Rehabilitation Therapist · Music Therapist · Music Therapy Specialist · Neurologic Music Therapist · Public School System Music Therapist · Therapist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SAI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SAISocial · Artistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social5.23
  • A Artistic4.76
  • I Investigative4.18
  • C Conventional3.15
  • E Enterprising2.51
  • R Realistic2.36

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree73%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate12%
  • Master's Degree15%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (50%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (42%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Social Perceptiveness4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Active Listeningbasic4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Service Orientation4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Speakingbasic4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Monitoringbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Writingbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Instructing3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Coordination3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Negotiation3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Persuasion3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Systems Analysis3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Troubleshooting2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Sciencebasic1.80.9
  • Equipment Selection1.60.8
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Operation and Control1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

30 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.4.9
  2. Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.4.9
  3. Design or 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.4.9
  4. Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.4.9
  5. Customize treatment programs for specific areas of music therapy, such as intellectual or developmental disabilities, educational settings, geriatrics, medical settings, mental health, physical disabilities, or wellness.4.7
  6. Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.4.7
  7. Document evaluations, treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.4.7
  8. Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, or other abilities.4.6
  9. Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.4.6
  10. Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.4.5
  11. Gather diagnostic data from sources such as case documentation, observations of clients, or interviews with clients or family members.4.4
  12. Engage clients in music experiences to identify client responses to different styles of music, types of musical experiences, such as improvising or listening, or elements of music, such as tempo or harmony.4.3
Show the other 18
  1. Plan or structure music therapy sessions to achieve appropriate transitions, pacing, sequencing, energy level, or intensity in accordance with treatment plans.4.3
  2. Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.4.2
  3. Confer with professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.4.2
  4. Select or adapt musical instruments, musical equipment, or non-musical materials, such as adaptive devices or visual aids, to meet treatment objectives.4.2
  5. Integrate behavioral, developmental, improvisational, medical, or neurological approaches into music therapy treatments.4.2
  6. Participate in continuing education.4.2
  7. Compose, arrange, or adapt music for music therapy treatments.4.0
  8. Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for therapy.3.8
  9. Identify and respond to emergency physical or mental health situations.3.8
  10. Collaborate with others to design or implement interdisciplinary treatment programs.3.8
  11. Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy approaches.3.7
  12. Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.3.7
  13. Apply selected research findings to practice.3.7
  14. Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns engaged in music therapy activities.3.7
  15. Assess the risks and benefits of treatment termination for clients.3.6
  16. Adapt existing or develop new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs.3.5
  17. Apply current technology to music therapy practices.3.5
  18. Conduct, or assist in the conduct of, music therapy research.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Psychology4.96.4Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
  • Therapy and Counseling4.96.4Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
  • Fine Arts4.85.9
  • English Language4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service3.95.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Sociology and Anthropology3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Computers and Electronics3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
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  • Administrative2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and Media2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.92.7
  • Philosophy and Theology2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Administration and Management2.62.9
  • Sales and Marketing2.53.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign Language2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.6
  • Mathematics2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Biology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Telecommunications1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Engineering and Technology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Transportation1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.4—
  • Geography1.4—
  • Physics1.4—
  • Production and Processing1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Chemistry1.3—
  • Mechanical1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Clarity3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Fluency of Ideas3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.83.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Originality3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Auditory Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Near Vision3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Memorization2.82.8
  • Perceptual Speed2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Control Precision2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.62.8
  • Visualization2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Speed of Closure2.52.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Trunk Strength2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Reaction Time2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Sound Localization1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively5.05.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.85.6
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.85.7
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Getting Information4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.24.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Working with Computers3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.8
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Physical Proximity4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Telephone Conversations3.9
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections3.8

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (1)

  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (6)
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools
  • Electronic health record EHR software
  • Email software
  • Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
  • Virtual instrument software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Art Therapists
  2. Recreational Therapists
  3. Occupational Therapists
  4. Speech-Language Pathologists
  5. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
  6. Marriage and Family Therapists
  7. Physical Therapists
  8. Mental Health Counselors
  9. Psychiatrists
  10. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.