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Music Therapist

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March 29, 2024 Updated May 12, 2025 16 minute read

Embarking on a Career as a Music Therapist

Music therapy is a recognized healthcare profession that uses the evidence-based practice of music interventions to achieve individualized therapeutic goals. A credentialed music therapist works with individuals of all ages and abilities, designing sessions to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. This field blends the art of music with the science of healing, offering a unique and powerful way to support human development, health, and well-being.

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Salaries for Music Therapist

City
Median
New York
$69,000
San Francisco
$99,000
Seattle
$95,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$69,000
San Francisco
$99,000
Seattle
$95,000
Austin
$55,000
Toronto
$77,000
London
£37,000
Paris
€29,000
Berlin
€61,000
Tel Aviv
₪94,000
Singapore
S$45,000
Beijing
¥168,000
Shanghai
¥194,000
Shenzhen
¥712,000
Bengalaru
₹496,000
Delhi
₹318,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Music Therapist

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We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Music Therapist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Featured in The Course Notes

This career is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Music Therapist:

Reading list

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This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and emotion, covering topics such as the history of the field, the different theories of emotion, and the empirical research on the relationship between music and emotion. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and emotion, covering topics such as the history of the field, the different theories of emotion, and the empirical research on the relationship between music and emotion. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this topic.
This dictionary is another comprehensive resource on all aspects of music, including music and emotion. It is an essential reference work for anyone interested in music.
This set of guidelines provides evidence-based information and recommendations for music therapy practice with various populations, including adults in medical care, individuals with developmental health needs, and those in mental health and pediatric care. These are essential reference tools for practitioners, offering best practice guidelines.
Addresses ethical considerations in music therapy practice. The second edition comprehensive resource for navigating ethical dilemmas and decision-making in the field. It must-read for all music therapy students and professionals to ensure ethical and responsible practice.
This handbook key resource for understanding the application of music therapy in neurological rehabilitation. It provides a scientific foundation and clinical applications of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). is essential for those interested in the neuroscientific basis of music therapy and its use with neurological populations, suitable for advanced students and professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field of music therapy, including chapters on the history of music therapy, the theoretical foundations of music therapy, and the clinical applications of music therapy for a variety of populations.
Explores the relationship between music and the mind, covering topics such as the perception of music, the cognitive processing of music, and the emotional response to music. Blacking argues that music powerful force that can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of music, covering topics such as the perception of music, the cognitive processing of music, and the emotional response to music. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the psychological aspects of music.
This companion volume explores the key themes, composers, and contexts that define 20th-century music, offering a balanced and accessible overview for students and researchers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music therapy, including chapters on the history of music therapy, the theoretical foundations of music therapy, and the clinical applications of music therapy for a variety of populations.
Classic work in the field of music and emotion. Meyer argues that music language that can express emotions in a way that is unique to music. He provides a detailed analysis of the musical elements that are used to express emotions, and he offers a theory of how music can evoke emotions in listeners.
Offers an overview of music therapy clinical practice in the 21st century, structured around the ways music therapists engage clients in music experiences. It includes numerous case illustrations from clinicians working with diverse populations, making it a practical introduction for those new to the field. It is particularly useful for gaining a broad understanding of how music therapy is applied in real-world settings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music psychology, including chapters on music perception, cognition, emotion, and therapy. It valuable resource for researchers and students in music psychology, music therapy, and related fields.
This handbook serves as a go-to resource for music therapy students and professionals, offering an introduction to the profession, guidelines for practice, and descriptions of clinical applications and case studies. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the practical aspects of being a music therapist.
This comprehensive textbook is considered a standard reference for music therapy research. It covers both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, essential for students and professionals seeking to understand and contribute to the evidence base of music therapy. It is particularly valuable for those pursuing graduate-level studies or engaging in research.
This resource from the AMTA provides information and bibliographies on music therapy interventions with various specific populations, such as those with autism spectrum disorders, mental health needs, and medical conditions. It practical guide for tailoring music therapy approaches to different client groups.
Presents a collection of case studies illustrating music therapy in practice with diverse clients and settings. It offers practical insights into the therapeutic process and various approaches, making it a valuable resource for students and clinicians. It complements theoretical knowledge with real-world examples.
Explores advanced methods in music therapy, including Analytical Music Therapy, The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and Vocal Psychotherapy. It is suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of specific therapeutic approaches and their impact on the profession. This book is more appropriate for graduate students and working professionals interested in specialized training.
This volume offers evidence-based guidelines and clinical insights for applying music therapy with adults in various medical settings. It covers diverse medical conditions and procedures, providing practical guidance for therapists in medical environments.
Considered a classic in the field, this book delves into the complex task of defining music therapy. Bruscia examines various definitions and proposes a comprehensive framework, which helps solidify a foundational understanding of the profession's identity and scope. While not a recent publication, its theoretical contributions remain highly relevant for students and scholars.
Explores music therapy from a humanistic and creative perspective, including historical context, theoretical orientations, and case studies across the lifespan. It is considered an accessible introduction, particularly for those interested in creative approaches to music therapy.
This seminal work by renowned music historian Richard Taruskin provides a sweeping narrative of 20th-century music, from the rise of modernism to the advent of postmodernism.
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