British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
Although the job outlook for music therapists has been negative since 2004 (with an average decline of 1.61 percent per year), demand for Music Therapists is expected to go up, with an expected 5,870 new jobs by 2018. Music therapists who are employed in a school district or by the government earn higher salaries.
Find out what is the average Music Therapist salary Entry level positions start at $50,631 per year while most experienced workers make up to $92,957 per year.
Music Therapists are qualified therapists who use music interventions to assist clients to explore their feelings and improve their emotional-wellbeing and problem-solving skills. Music Therapists assist people with developmental and learning disabilities, and age-related conditions.
Music therapists usually play at least one instrument and sing. It’s also advisable to learn to play the guitar and piano, as music therapists frequently use these instruments in their interactions with clients, according to Temple University’s Department of Music Therapy .
Since that time, the field of music therapy has been steadily growing, making music therapy careers excellent choices for individuals interested in mental health with a passion for music .
Today’s music therapists use pieces of music as a healing power to reach patients who need specialized care. Music therapists develop music -based treatment programs with people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They teach clients how to use music to improve their well-being.
Becoming a Music Therapist requires the completion of a Bachelor’s degree through a Music Therapy program, which typically takes four years to complete. After graduation, you need to pass the national exam to become certified as a Music Therapist . You can then apply for jobs in the field.
Necessary Skills Music therapists should have knowledge of a wide variety of music history and the power of musical elements. They must also be able to play and perform on many different types of musical instruments. Additionally, music therapists must possess empathy, compassion, imagination, and patience.
A Music Therapist in your area makes on average $28 per hour , or $0.65 (2%) more than the national average hourly salary of $27.32. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Music Therapist salaries.
If you do NOT have a bachelor’s degree in music Many music therapy schools require an undergraduate degree in music to qualify for the music therapy equivalency program. There are some that will accept students with a degree in education or psychology plus a minor in music or a strong background in music .
The field of music therapy has been growing significantly as a result of its positive impact on babies in neonatal intensive care as well as people with Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, depression, substance abuse, pain, autism spectrum disorders, dementia, and other life challenges.
In a music therapy sessions , the client uses accessible percussion instruments and their own voice to explore the world of sound. The music therapist supports the client’s responses through improvised music . Most music therapy sessions consist of improvisation, musical “games” and occasional use of pre-composed song .
Average reported rates for group music therapy services across the country are $75 per hour. Average reported rates for group music therapy services across the country are $75 per hour.
The workplace is flexible, and can involve standard office hours in a range of settings, working with both adults and children. Locations can include: prisons, hospitals, schools, caregiving centers, community agencies, rehabilitation centers, daycares, senior centers and nursing homes.
Students looking to earn a music therapy bachelors degree online should know that very few programs are offered 100% at a distance. That’s because students must typically gain clinical experience working with patients before they can graduate from the program .