According to Greek mythology, Orpheus used the power of music to save his lost love from the darkness of the underworld. Today’s music therapists use music’s healing power to reach patients who need specialized care. Music therapists develop music-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They teach clients how to use music to improve their well-being; it can help people adjust to life changes, feel less anxious or depressed, and generally experience clearer thinking and more positive emotions. Experienced musicians enter this field with the ability to sing and play instruments such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion. They assess clients’ needs… and their interest in different aspects of music… to design a specific musical experience— that might include playing instruments, singing, and moving or dancing to music… or a therapist might play music to patients and invite them to draw, meditate, or just listen. Typical employers of music therapists include general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and schools. Some music therapists work in their own private practice. Most music therapists have a bachelor’s degree in their field. Many employers prefer national certification. These professionals combine the knowledge of a therapist with strong music skills to elicit a level of healing that —for some patients— words alone could never reach.
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.
On the job, you would:
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.
Health
therapy and counseling
Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
English language
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
Hearing and Speech
recognize spoken words
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Concern for Others
Self Control
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Music or sound editing software
Avid Technology Pro Tools
Virtual instrument software
Medical software
Electronic health record EHR software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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