Clinical Music Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of healthcare, the role of Clinical Music Therapists is becoming increasingly important.

As the field of therapy continues to broaden, there is a growing demand for unique professionals who can fuse musical skills with therapeutic knowledge to heal, assist, and empower patients.

But what does a Clinical Music Therapist really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager defining your perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of music therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Clinical Music Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into the details.

Clinical Music Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Music Therapists use the therapeutic properties of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.

These therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of music techniques and interventions to help improve the well-being of their clients.

Clinical Music Therapists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assessing clients’ emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses
• Designing music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music
• Participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning by incorporating music therapy interventions into the therapeutic plan of care
• Engaging clients in music experiences to address therapeutic goals such as improving mood, decreasing anxiety, increasing social interaction, enhancing cognitive functioning, and developing coping skills
• Documenting client progress and modifications of the music therapy treatment plan
• Evaluating therapy outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the sessions
• Maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to professional ethics
• Continuing education in the field of music therapy and related areas
• Communicating with clients’ families or caregivers about therapeutic objectives and progress

 

Clinical Music Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a qualified and compassionate Clinical Music Therapist to join our healthcare team.

Clinical Music Therapist responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing medically-approved music therapy activities designed to meet the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of our patients.

The ideal candidate is passionate about using music to help others, possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and has experience working with various patient populations.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ needs and develop individualized music therapy treatment plans.
• Implement music therapy interventions including instrumental and vocal improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and movement to music.
• Evaluate patients’ responses to therapy and modify treatment plans as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of patients’ therapy sessions and progress.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to enhance patient care.
• Educate patients, families, and other healthcare providers about the benefits of music therapy.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in music therapy.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards set by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy or related field.
• Board-certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) credential from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
• Experience working with various patient populations, preferably in a healthcare or mental health setting.
• Excellent musical skills, including proficiency in voice and at least one instrument.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Clinical Music Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Some travel may be required for in-home visits or off-site therapy sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Therapy Services or Clinical Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Clinical Music Therapist Do?

Clinical Music Therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living homes, schools, psychiatric facilities, and private practice.

They use music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.

This can involve creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.

The primary role of a Clinical Music Therapist is to develop individualized treatment plans for their patients.

They assess the needs of each patient through a musical response and non-musical behaviors, such as communication skills, motor abilities, emotional and affective responses, and cognitive skills.

Clinical Music Therapists also work closely with the patient’s medical team to ensure the therapy aligns with the overall treatment goals.

They can provide either individual or group therapy, depending on the patient’s needs.

They continuously evaluate the patient’s progress and modify the treatment plans as necessary.

They are also responsible for maintaining detailed case notes and reports on each patient.

Apart from direct patient care, Clinical Music Therapists may also participate in research to expand the knowledge and efficacy of music therapy.

They may also provide education and training to other healthcare professionals about the benefits and uses of music therapy.

 

Clinical Music Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A clinical music therapist should possess a variety of therapeutic and musical skills, including:

• Proficient knowledge in music theory and the ability to play various musical instruments to provide a wide range of musical experiences for clients.
• Understanding of therapeutic techniques and processes to help clients express themselves through music and benefit from the emotional and psychological effects of musical interaction.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with clients, often in sensitive or vulnerable situations.
• Strong communication skills to explain therapy processes to clients, convey goals and outcomes to other healthcare professionals, and document sessions accurately and professionally.
• Patience and empathy to work with clients who may be struggling with a variety of physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy techniques to suit individual clients and their unique needs.
• A degree in music therapy or a related field, and board certification as a music therapist.
• Knowledge of psychology, human development, and the therapeutic relationship to provide effective care.
• Comfortable working in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to nursing homes to private practices.

 

Clinical Music Therapist Experience Requirements

Clinical Music Therapists typically require a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved program.

This includes at least 1200 hours of clinical training, with a minimum of 180 hours of pre-internship experiences and at least 900 hours in a full-time supervised internship.

After completing the educational requirements, therapists need to pass a certification examination to become a board-certified Music Therapist (MT-BC).

Maintaining this certification requires the completion of 100 units of continuing music therapy education every five years.

Entry-level Clinical Music Therapists often have 1 to 2 years of experience.

This experience is often gained through internships or part-time roles in healthcare facilities, schools, or community programs.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their therapeutic and clinical skills in entry-level roles or through additional specialized training in areas like neurologic music therapy or hospice and palliative care music therapy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, such as leading team sessions or supervising internships, and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

Some roles may also require a master’s degree in Music Therapy or a related field.

 

Clinical Music Therapist Education and Training Requirements

A Clinical Music Therapist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in music therapy or a related field.

The program should be approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), which includes coursework in music, psychology, and health sciences, and includes a clinical internship.

After completing the degree, a prospective music therapist must complete a minimum of 1200 hours of clinical training, which includes a supervised internship.

Music Therapists are required to become certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

This involves successfully passing the Music Therapy Board Certification Exam.

In order to maintain the CBMT credential, Music Therapists must complete 100 hours of continuing education every five years or retake and pass the board certification exam.

Some positions, particularly in medical or educational settings, may require a master’s degree or advanced training in music therapy or a related health field.

While not always required, some therapists choose to specialize in a particular area, such as autism spectrum disorders or geriatrics, and may seek additional training or certification in these areas.

Continuing education and keeping up with the latest research in the field of music therapy is also important for career advancement.

 

Clinical Music Therapist Salary Expectations

A Clinical Music Therapist earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as their level of education, years of experience in the field, and the geographical location of their practice.

 

Clinical Music Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Clinical Music Therapist need?

A Clinical Music Therapist typically needs a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

In addition, they must also complete a minimum of 1200 hours of clinical training, including an internship, and pass the certification board examination to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC).

 

What are the daily duties of a Clinical Music Therapist?

A Clinical Music Therapist’s daily duties may include planning and providing individual or group music therapy sessions for clients with diverse needs, documenting client responses and progress, communicating with other professionals in the multidisciplinary team about client progress, and selecting or creating music to address client goals.

 

What skills are important for a Clinical Music Therapist?

A Clinical Music Therapist must have strong musical skills, including the ability to play various instruments, sing, and compose or adapt music.

They also need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with clients and collaborate with other health professionals.

Furthermore, they should have patience, empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of the therapeutic applications of music.

 

What qualities make a good Clinical Music Therapist?

A good Clinical Music Therapist is compassionate, understanding, and able to adapt to the needs of different clients.

They should be creative in their use of music and able to motivate and engage clients.

Good Clinical Music Therapists also keep up-to-date with the latest research in the field and continuously seek to improve their skills and knowledge.

 

What should you look for in a Clinical Music Therapist’s resume?

When reviewing a Clinical Music Therapist’s resume, look for a degree in music therapy from an AMTA-approved program and board certification.

Check for experience working with the population you serve, such as children, adults, or the elderly.

Other useful skills might include proficiency in different musical instruments, knowledge of a variety of musical styles, and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Also, look for signs of ongoing professional development, such as additional training or participation in professional organizations.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mystery behind what it truly means to be a clinical music therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about playing music.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of health and wellbeing, one note at a time.

With our must-have clinical music therapist job description template and real-life examples, you’re primed to strike a chord.

But why stop at the encore?

Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your encore performance for creating precision-tuned job listings or harmonizing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every note played is a part of the larger melody.

Let’s compose that melody. Together.

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