Music Therapists

What They Do

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

Typical Tasks

• 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.
• Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.
• Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.
• Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.
• 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.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Thinking Creatively
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Developing Objectives and Strategies