How to Become a Music Therapist: Complete Career Guide 2025
To become a music therapist, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an AMTA-approved music therapy program, complete 1,200 clinical training hours, and pass the board certification exam to earn your MT-BC credential. The complete process typically takes 4½ to 5 years and leads to careers with a median salary of $51,330 annually, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Music has a unique power to heal, comfort, and transform lives. From a mother's lullaby calming a fussy newborn to carefully selected playlists helping stroke patients regain speech, music reaches people in ways that traditional therapy sometimes can't. If you're passionate about music and drawn to helping others, a career as a music therapist lets you combine both interests into meaningful work.
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based profession where trained therapists use music interventions to help clients improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. It's not just about playing music for people. Music therapists are healthcare professionals who assess clients, create personalized treatment plans, and use specific musical techniques to help people manage pain, reduce anxiety, improve communication, and achieve therapeutic goals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of becoming a music therapist, from understanding what the career involves to earning your certification and finding your first job. Whether you're a high school student considering your options or a career changer looking to make a difference, you'll find the practical information you need to start this rewarding career path.
Table of Contents
- What Is Music Therapy?
- What Does a Music Therapist Do?
- 7 Steps to Become a Music Therapist
- Music Therapy Education Requirements
- Music Therapy Certification: The MT-BC Credential
- Skills Needed to Succeed as a Music Therapist
- Where Do Music Therapists Work?
- Music Therapist Salary and Career Outlook
- Pros and Cons of a Music Therapy Career
- Music Therapy vs. Other Therapy Careers
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical health profession that uses music-based interventions to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals. It's grounded in scientific research showing that music activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, making it a powerful tool for addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
When you listen to music, your brain releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones that create feelings of happiness and satisfaction. At the same time, music reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone that contributes to anxiety and tension. These neurological responses aren't just pleasant experiences. They create measurable changes in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing patterns, and muscle tension that trained music therapists can harness for therapeutic purposes.
Music therapy goes far beyond simply playing background music or hosting sing-alongs. Board-certified music therapists are trained healthcare professionals who conduct thorough assessments, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and use specific musical techniques to help clients reach concrete therapeutic goals. A music therapist might help a stroke patient regain speech through melodic intonation therapy, assist a child with autism in developing social skills through group drumming, or help a hospice patient find comfort and closure through songwriting.
The field has deep historical roots. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used music to treat mental illness, and hospitals have exposed patients to music for centuries. The modern profession of music therapy began in the United States during the 1940s when musicians played for veterans recovering from World War II. Hospital staff noticed significant physical and emotional improvements, leading to the first formal music therapy degree programs.
"What makes music therapy unique is that we're using a client's relationship with music to address non-musical goals. A patient might be working on motor skills by playing drums, improving memory through song recall, or processing grief by writing lyrics. The music is the vehicle for healing, not the end goal itself."
— Maria Rodriguez, MT-BC, practicing music therapist with 12 years of experience
Conditions Treated with Music Therapy
Music therapists work with clients across the lifespan who face a wide range of challenges:
Mental Health Conditions:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
Neurological Conditions:
- Stroke and traumatic brain injury
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Parkinson's disease
- Seizure disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
Physical Health Conditions:
- Chronic pain management
- Cancer care and symptom management
- Heart disease and cardiac rehabilitation
- Respiratory conditions
- Physical disabilities
Developmental and Social Challenges:
- Communication disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Social skill development
- Behavioral challenges
- Grief and loss
Music therapy's versatility makes it valuable across healthcare settings. The same profession that helps premature infants in neonatal intensive care can also support elderly patients in memory care facilities.
What Does a Music Therapist Do?
Music therapists are trained clinicians who use music strategically to help clients improve their health and well-being. Your work as a music therapist begins long before you play a single note.
First, you'll conduct comprehensive assessments to understand each client's needs, strengths, challenges, and relationship with music. You'll gather information about their medical history, current functioning, therapeutic goals, and musical preferences. This assessment guides your treatment planning.
Next, you'll develop individualized treatment plans that outline specific, measurable goals and the musical interventions you'll use to achieve them. These aren't vague objectives like "feel better." They're concrete targets such as "increase active range of motion in right arm by 30 degrees through drum playing" or "verbally express two emotions per session through song discussion."
During therapy sessions, you'll implement various musical interventions based on your client's needs and goals. You might lead a client in singing familiar songs to improve breathing and articulation. You could guide improvisational music-making to help someone express emotions they struggle to verbalize. You might use rhythmic auditory stimulation to help a stroke patient regain walking patterns. Each intervention is purposefully selected and adjusted based on the client's response.
Throughout treatment, you'll continuously document progress, assess effectiveness, and modify interventions as needed. Music therapy is an evidence-based practice, which means you'll track measurable outcomes and adjust your approach based on what works.
| Musical Intervention | Therapeutic Purpose | Typical Client Population |
|---|---|---|
| Receptive Listening | Reduce anxiety, manage pain, improve mood, stimulate memory | Hospice patients, surgical recovery, dementia care |
| Active Music-Making | Improve motor skills, increase social interaction, and build confidence | Physical rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health |
| Songwriting | Process emotions, improve communication, create a legacy | Mental health treatment, grief counseling, and end-of-life care |
| Improvisation | Express feelings, develop spontaneity, practice social skills | Mental health, autism, and developmental disabilities |
| Movement to Music | Improve coordination, increase energy, enhance body awareness | Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, and older adults |
A Day in the Life of a Music Therapist
A typical day varies significantly depending on your work setting, but here's what you might experience as a music therapist in a healthcare facility:
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): You start by reviewing notes and preparing for your first sessions. Your morning includes individual sessions with three patients. You work with a 7-year-old with autism on social communication skills through interactive songs and turn-taking with instruments. Next, you lead a stroke patient through melodic intonation therapy to improve speech production. Your third session involves helping an adolescent with depression write song lyrics expressing feelings they struggle to share verbally.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): After lunch and documentation time, you lead a group session for five older adults with dementia, using familiar songs from their youth to stimulate memory and encourage social interaction. You then meet with the interdisciplinary treatment team to discuss patient progress and coordinate care. Your day ends with two more individual sessions and time to document all your work, noting each patient's responses and progress toward goals.
Throughout the day, you're adapting constantly. One patient isn't responding to your planned intervention, so you switch approaches on the spot. Another has a breakthrough moment, and you document it carefully for the treatment team. You're part musician, part therapist, part healthcare professional, and always an advocate for your clients.
7 Steps to Become a Music Therapist
Becoming a board-certified music therapist requires dedication to both musical excellence and clinical training. Here's exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Understand the Career and Assess Your Fit
Before investing years in education, make sure music therapy aligns with your interests and abilities. Successful music therapists typically possess:
Musical Skills:
- Proficiency in voice and/or multiple instruments (typically guitar and piano at minimum)
- Understanding of music theory and composition
- Ability to improvise and adapt music spontaneously
- Comfort performing for and with others
Therapeutic Skills:
- Genuine desire to help others
- Patience and empathy
- Strong observation and listening skills
- Ability to build trust and rapport quickly
- Flexibility and problem-solving abilities
Professional Qualities:
- Emotional resilience and self-awareness
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- Commitment to ongoing learning
- Comfort working with diverse populations
- Ability to work both independently and on teams
Ask yourself: Do I enjoy both music and helping people equally? Can I see myself adapting my musical skills to meet someone else's therapeutic needs rather than my own artistic goals? Am I comfortable with the medical and clinical aspects of healthcare? If you answered yes, music therapy might be your calling.
Step 2: Research AMTA-Approved Programs
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is the professional organization that represents music therapists in the United States. AMTA approves undergraduate and graduate music therapy programs that meet rigorous academic and clinical standards.
You must graduate from an AMTA-approved program to be eligible for board certification. Non-approved programs won't qualify you to sit for the certification exam, regardless of how good they seem. Currently, over 80 colleges and universities across the United States offer AMTA-approved bachelor's degree programs in music therapy.
When researching programs, consider:
- Location and format: Do you need an on-campus program or would an online program work better for your situation?
- Program size: Smaller programs offer more individualized attention. Larger programs may have more diverse clinical placement options.
- Faculty expertise: Look for professors with active clinical practices and research in areas that interest you.
- Clinical opportunities: What types of facilities do students complete their training in?
- Costs and financial aid: Music therapy programs vary significantly in cost, from state universities to private institutions.
Visit the AMTA website to access their directory of approved programs. Most programs welcome prospective students for campus visits where you can observe classes and meet current students.
Step 3: Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy (4 years)
A bachelor's degree in music therapy typically requires four years of full-time study. Your coursework integrates three main areas: music, therapy, and psychology, and music therapy clinical practice.
Music Courses: You'll take applied music lessons, music theory, music history, conducting, and arranging. Most programs require you to participate in ensembles and pass keyboard and guitar proficiency exams. You're not just maintaining your musical skills. You're developing the versatility to use music therapeutically with diverse populations.
Therapy and Science Courses: Expect coursework in psychology, human development, anatomy and physiology, and behavioral science. You'll study abnormal psychology, learning theories, and research methods. This foundation helps you understand the populations you'll serve and the evidence base for your interventions.
Music Therapy Courses: These specialized classes teach you how to combine music and therapy. You'll learn music therapy theory, techniques and methods, assessment procedures, and treatment planning. Courses cover different clinical populations, from children with developmental disabilities to adults with mental health conditions to elderly patients with dementia.
Clinical Training: Throughout your degree, you'll complete practicum experiences in various settings under supervision. These early clinical experiences let you apply classroom learning in real-world situations before your final internship.
| Year | Focus Areas | Example Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | Musical foundations, general education, introduction to music therapy | Music Theory I & II, Applied Lessons, Introduction to Music Therapy, General Psychology |
| Sophomore Year | Advanced music skills, human development, and beginning clinical observation | Music History, Conducting, Human Growth & Development, Music Therapy Methods I, Clinical Practicum I |
| Junior Year | Population-specific training, assessment skills, supervised clinical practice | Music Therapy Methods II, Abnormal Psychology, Music Therapy Assessment, Clinical Practicum II & III |
| Senior Year | Advanced clinical skills, research, and preparing for an internship | Advanced Music Therapy Techniques, Research in Music Therapy, Professional Issues, Pre-Internship Practicum |
Step 4: Complete Clinical Training Hours (1,200 hours)
After finishing your academic coursework, you'll complete a full-time clinical internship. This internship requires 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training, typically completed over 6–9 months in one or more healthcare facilities, depending on the site's scheduling.
Your internship is where theory becomes practice. You'll carry a caseload of clients, conduct assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, and experience the daily realities of working as a music therapist. A board-certified music therapist supervises your work, provides feedback, and ensures you're meeting professional standards.
Internship sites include hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, and other settings where music therapists work. Many students complete their internships at facilities near their university, though some choose to relocate for specialized training opportunities.
The 1,200-hour requirement is substantial. It represents roughly 30 weeks of full-time work. During this time, you're not earning a full salary, though some internship sites offer stipends or housing assistance. Plan ahead financially for this intensive clinical training period.
Your internship supervisor evaluates your competencies across multiple domains: clinical skills, music skills, professional behaviors, documentation, and more. You must demonstrate competency in all required areas before your supervisor will verify that you've completed your training.
Step 5: Apply for Board Certification
Once you've completed your degree and clinical training, you're eligible to apply for board certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The CBMT is an independent organization that certifies music therapists and maintains professional standards.
Your university's music therapy program director will complete an official roster form verifying that you've met all academic and clinical requirements. You'll submit this form along with your application and exam fee. The CBMT reviews your credentials to confirm you're eligible to sit for the certification examination.
This process typically takes several weeks. Start your application as soon as you complete your internship so you can schedule your exam without unnecessary delays. The CBMT website provides detailed application instructions and requirements.
Step 6: Pass the Board Certification Exam
The board certification examination is a comprehensive test of your music therapy knowledge and clinical skills. It's a computer-based exam offered year-round at testing centers across the United States.
Exam Content: The exam covers six major domains:
- Foundations of music therapy practice
- Assessment and treatment planning
- Implementation of music therapy interventions
- Documentation and evaluation
- Professional role and ethics
- Music foundations
Format and Scoring: The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You'll have three hours to complete it. A passing score is 70% correct. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period.
Preparation: Most graduates spend several weeks reviewing material and taking practice exams. The CBMT offers a practice exam that mirrors the actual test format. Many university programs also offer exam preparation workshops. Study groups with classmates can help you review content areas and share practice resources.
After Passing: Once you pass, you'll earn the MT-BC credential (Music Therapist-Board Certified). This professional credential demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that you've met national standards for music therapy practice. You can use the MT-BC designation after your name on business cards, email signatures, and professional documents.
Step 7: Maintain Certification and Continue Education
Board certification isn't a one-time achievement. To maintain your MT-BC credential, you must recertify every five years by completing 100 continuing education credits.
These continuing education requirements ensure you stay current with new research, techniques, and best practices in music therapy. You can earn credits through workshops, conferences, online courses, mentorship programs, and other approved professional development activities. The CBMT website maintains a list of approved providers and activities.
Most music therapists find continuing education valuable, not burdensome. It's your opportunity to deepen expertise in areas that interest you, learn new interventions, and connect with colleagues. Many employers support continuing education by providing paid time off for conferences or reimbursing registration fees.
You'll also need to maintain professional liability insurance and adhere to the CBMT Code of Professional Practice. These ongoing responsibilities reflect the professional nature of music therapy and protect both you and the clients you serve.
Music Therapy Education Requirements
Understanding the education pathway helps you plan your timeline and budget for becoming a music therapist.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
A bachelor's degree from an AMTA-approved program is the minimum education requirement for board certification. These programs typically require:
- Credit hours: 120–130 semester credits
- Music requirements: 40–50 credits in music performance, theory, history, and skills
- Psychology/science requirements: 15–25 credits in psychology, biology, and research
- Music therapy requirements: 30–40 credits in music therapy theory, methods, and practicum
- General education: 20–30 credits in humanities, social sciences, and electives
- Clinical internship: 1,200 hours post-academic training
You don't need a music performance degree before entering a music therapy program. Many students enter directly from high school with solid musical backgrounds. You do need to pass an audition demonstrating proficiency in voice or an instrument, and you must have the musical aptitude to meet the program's requirements.
Can you get a music therapy degree online? Some programs offer hybrid formats with online coursework and in-person clinical components. Fully online programs are rare because of the hands-on nature of clinical training. Check with individual programs about their format options.
Master's Degree in Music Therapy (Optional)
A master's degree in music therapy isn't required for clinical practice, but it can advance your career in specific directions:
When to pursue a master's degree:
- You want to specialize in a particular clinical population or approach
- You're interested in supervisory or administrative roles
- You plan to teach at the university level
- You want to conduct research in music therapy
- You're pursuing the Neurologic Music Therapy certification
Master's programs typically require 30–60 credits and take 2–3 years to complete. Some programs accept students with bachelor's degrees in other fields, though you may need to complete prerequisite music and therapy courses.
The investment in a master's degree may increase your earning potential and open doors to advanced positions, but many successful music therapists thrive with bachelor's-level preparation. Consider your career goals carefully.
| Degree Level | Total Timeline | Estimated Cost | Career Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (Required) | 4–5 years | $40,000–$150,000 | Clinical music therapist in all settings, private practice owner |
| Master's Degree (Optional) | 6–8 years total | $60,000–$200,000 total | Advanced clinical practice, supervision, program director, researcher, university professor |
Music Therapy Certification: The MT-BC Credential
The MT-BC credential is your professional license to practice as a music therapist. Understanding what it means and how to obtain it is essential.
The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is the independent certifying organization for music therapists in the United States. Established in 1983, the CBMT sets standards for music therapy practice, administers the board certification exam, and maintains the registry of board-certified music therapists.
The MT-BC credential demonstrates that you've met national standards for education, clinical training, and examination. Most employers require the MT-BC credential for music therapy positions. It's recognized across all 50 states as a national certification, though some states have additional licensing requirements. The MT-BC is not a state license but rather a professional certification recognized nationwide.
Why the MT-BC matters for employment: Healthcare facilities, schools, and agencies need assurance that you're qualified to provide music therapy services. The MT-BC credential provides that assurance. It signals to employers that you have the knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively. Many insurance companies also require the MT-BC credential for reimbursement of music therapy services.
Certification vs. Licensure: Certification and licensure aren't the same thing. Certification is a national credential administered by the CBMT. Licensure is a state-level regulation. Some states require music therapists to obtain a state license in addition to board certification. Check your state's requirements through the CBMT website or your state's licensing board.
Alternative Certifications
Beyond the foundational MT-BC credential, you can pursue specialized certifications as you advance in your career:
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT): This specialized certification focuses on using music therapy with neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's. NMT training is intensive and research-based, teaching specific techniques for addressing motor, speech, and cognitive impairments. Many music therapists working in medical rehabilitation settings pursue NMT certification.
Other specializations: As you gain experience, you might develop expertise in specific populations or approaches. While formal certification programs are limited, professional development in areas like trauma-informed care, early childhood music therapy, or end-of-life care can distinguish your practice and expand your career options.
These specialized certifications typically require the MT-BC as a prerequisite, additional training, and sometimes separate examinations. Consider them as career advancement opportunities after you've established yourself as a board-certified music therapist.
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Music Therapist
Being a skilled musician is important, but it's not enough. Successful music therapists combine musical abilities with therapeutic skills and professional qualities.
Musical Proficiency:
- Competence in voice and at least two instruments (typically guitar and piano)
- Ability to play by ear and transpose music to different keys
- Skill in improvising melodies, harmonies, and rhythms spontaneously
- Understanding of music theory, composition, and arranging
- Flexibility to play various musical styles from classical to pop to folk
Clinical and Therapeutic Skills:
- Active listening and observation to assess client responses
- Ability to build trust and therapeutic rapport quickly
- Skills in treatment planning and goal-setting
- Understanding of therapeutic boundaries and ethics
- Knowledge of various clinical populations and their needs
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
- Clear verbal communication with clients, families, and healthcare teams
- Written documentation skills for treatment notes and reports
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations
- Collaboration skills for interdisciplinary team settings
- Teaching skills to train family members and caregivers
Personal Qualities:
- Patience and compassion for clients facing challenges
- Emotional resilience to handle difficult situations
- Creativity in adapting interventions to individual needs
- Self-awareness and commitment to personal growth
- Flexibility and problem-solving abilities
Professional and Organizational Skills:
- Time management to handle caseloads and documentation
- Business skills if running a private practice
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Ethical decision-making and professional boundaries
- Advocacy skills to promote music therapy in healthcare settings
You don't need to master all these skills before starting your education. Your training program helps you develop them. What matters most at the beginning is a genuine passion for both music and helping others, along with the willingness to learn and grow professionally.
Where Do Music Therapists Work?
Music therapy careers offer a remarkable variety in work settings. Your work environment shapes your daily experience, the populations you serve, and the therapeutic approaches you use.
Hospitals and Medical Centers: General hospitals employ music therapists in various departments. You might work in pediatrics, helping children cope with painful procedures through distraction and play. In oncology, you'd help cancer patients manage pain and anxiety during treatment. Burn units use music therapy to support patients through painful wound care. Some hospitals employ music therapists in operating rooms, using music to reduce patients' anxiety before surgery and support their recovery afterward.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Facilities: These settings allow you to use music therapy with adolescents and adults facing mental health challenges. You'll work with patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and more. Your interventions might include songwriting to process emotions, group improvisation to practice social skills, or receptive listening to reduce anxiety. You'll typically work as part of a treatment team with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Schools and Special Education Programs: School-based music therapists support students with disabilities in achieving their educational goals. You might help a nonverbal child develop communication skills through singing, assist a student with autism in improving social interaction through music groups, or support a child with learning disabilities in developing academic skills through musical mnemonics. You'll collaborate closely with teachers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
Rehabilitation Centers: Physical rehabilitation facilities employ music therapists to support patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions. You'll use techniques like rhythmic auditory stimulation to improve gait patterns, therapeutic singing to support speech recovery, and instrument playing to improve fine motor skills. Your work directly supports patients in regaining independence.
Senior Centers and Memory Care Facilities: Working with older adults offers opportunities to use music therapy for quality of life enhancement, dementia care, and end-of-life support. You might lead group singing programs that stimulate memory and social connection, provide individualized music listening to reduce agitation in patients with Alzheimer's, or use songwriting to help hospice patients create legacies for their families.
Private Practice: Some music therapists establish independent practices, contracting with facilities or seeing clients in office or home settings. Private practice offers flexibility and autonomy but requires business skills and self-motivation. You'll handle your own scheduling, billing, marketing, and administrative tasks while maintaining a caseload.
Community Mental Health Centers: These facilities provide outpatient mental health services to community members. You'd facilitate groups for various populations, from children with behavioral challenges to adults in recovery from substance use disorders. Community mental health work often serves underserved populations and offers opportunities to make healthcare more accessible.
Correctional Facilities: Some music therapists work in prisons and juvenile detention centers, using music therapy to support rehabilitation, anger management, and life skills development. This challenging work can be deeply rewarding for those drawn to criminal justice and rehabilitation.
Your work setting choice depends on your interests, the populations you want to serve, and the lifestyle you prefer. Many music therapists work in multiple settings simultaneously or change settings as their careers evolve.
Music Therapist Salary and Career Outlook
Understanding the financial realities of a music therapy career helps you make informed decisions about your education investment and career planning.
National Salary Data (2024)
Music therapists fall under the broader Bureau of Labor Statistics category of recreational therapists when it comes to employment data. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Recreational Therapists (which includes Music Therapists), the median annual salary was $51,330. The salary range varies significantly based on experience, education, location, and work setting.
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0–2 years | $38,000–$45,000 |
| Early Career | 2–5 years | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Mid-Career | 5–10 years | $50,000–$65,000 |
| Experienced | 10–20 years | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Senior/Director Level | 20+ years | $70,000–$84,410+ |
The top 10 percent of recreational therapists earned around $84,410 or more annually. These higher earners typically hold advanced degrees, work in well-paying settings like the federal government or physician offices, have specialized certifications, or operate successful private practices.
Factors Affecting Music Therapist Salary
Multiple factors influence what you'll earn as a music therapist:
Education Level: While a bachelor's degree is the entry requirement, a master's degree can increase your earning potential, particularly in supervisory, administrative, or university teaching positions. The salary increase may be $5,000–$15,000 annually.
Board Certification: The MT-BC credential is expected by most employers and is often required for insurance reimbursement. While it doesn't guarantee higher pay, a lack of certification significantly limits your employment options.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and demand for services affect salaries substantially. Music therapists in major metropolitan areas or states with higher costs of living typically earn more. California, New York, and Massachusetts often offer higher salaries than rural areas or states with lower costs of living.
Work Setting: Your employment setting significantly impacts your salary. Federal government positions and physician offices tend to pay more than skilled nursing facilities or schools. Private practice income varies widely based on your caseload, rates, and business skills.
Years of Experience: Like most professions, your earning potential grows with experience. After 10–15 years in the field, you might earn 50–70% more than your entry-level salary.
Specialization: Specialized training, such as Neurologic Music Therapy certification, can increase your value to employers in specific settings and may justify higher compensation.
Job Outlook and Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% job growth for recreational therapists, including music therapists, from 2022 to 2032. While this is slower than the average for all occupations, the steady growth reflects healthcare facilities' increasing recognition of the value of therapeutic services beyond traditional medical treatment.
Several trends support the growing demand for music therapists:
Increased Mental Health Awareness: Growing recognition of mental health needs, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased demand for various therapeutic services, including music therapy.
Healthcare Integration: More hospitals and medical facilities are integrating complementary therapies like music therapy into standard care, particularly in pain management, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Aging Population: As the baby boomer generation ages, demand grows for music therapy services in memory care, stroke rehabilitation, and end-of-life care.
Veterans' Services: Increased funding for veterans' healthcare has created opportunities for music therapists in VA hospitals and military treatment facilities, particularly for PTSD and traumatic brain injury treatment.
Insurance Coverage Expansion: While still limited, more insurance companies are recognizing and reimbursing music therapy services, making it more accessible and creating more sustainable positions.
For detailed music therapy job outlook and employment projections, including regional demand and emerging opportunities, explore our comprehensive employment guide.
Music therapy remains a relatively small profession compared to fields like nursing or psychology. This means job availability varies by location. Urban areas and regions with strong healthcare systems typically offer more opportunities. You may need to be flexible about location, especially early in your career.
Pros and Cons of a Music Therapy Career
Like any career, music therapy offers both rewards and challenges. Understanding both sides helps you make an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Meaningful work: You directly improve people's lives and witness their progress firsthand. | Moderate salary: Compensation is lower than some other healthcare professions requiring similar education. |
| Creative expression: You use your musical talents daily in ways that help others. | Emotional demands: Working with people facing serious challenges can be emotionally draining. |
| Diverse settings: You can work in hospitals, schools, private practice, or community centers. | Limited positions: Music therapy jobs may be scarce in smaller communities or rural areas. |
| Flexible career paths: Options include clinical work, supervision, teaching, research, and private practice. | Physical demands: Carrying instruments, moving equipment, and working with patients requiring physical assistance can be tiring. |
| Variety in daily work: Each day brings different clients, challenges, and musical experiences. | Documentation burden: Significant time spent on paperwork, treatment notes, and insurance documentation. |
| Growing recognition: Healthcare facilities increasingly value and integrate music therapy services. | Constant education needed: Explaining what music therapy is and advocating for its value is ongoing work. |
Most music therapists will tell you the pros outweigh the cons. The ability to combine your passion for music with helping others creates a uniquely satisfying career. The challenges are real but manageable, especially when you find your niche within the profession.
Music Therapy vs. Other Therapy Careers
If you're drawn to helping others through creative means, you might be considering several related careers. Here's how music therapy compares.
| Career | Education Required | Median Salary | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Therapy | Bachelor's from an AMTA-approved program, 1,200 clinical hours, MT-BC certification | $51,330 | Uses music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs |
| Art Therapy | Master's degree required, ATR or ATR-BC certification | $52,000 | Uses visual arts and creative process to improve mental health and well-being |
| Dance/Movement Therapy | Master's degree required, BC-DMT certification | $50,000 | Uses movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration |
| Recreational Therapy | Bachelor's degree, CTRS certification | $51,330 | Uses leisure activities and recreation to improve functioning and independence |
What makes music therapy unique: Music is inherently social, temporal, and emotionally evocative in ways that other art forms aren't. It engages multiple brain regions simultaneously and can access memories and emotions that talk therapy sometimes can't reach. Music therapy's versatility allows it to address an exceptionally wide range of goals, from improving motor skills to processing trauma to supporting speech development.
The career you choose should align with your natural strengths and interests. If music is your first language and you can't imagine a day without it, music therapy might be your perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a music therapist?
The complete timeline is typically 4½–5 years. You'll spend four years earning your bachelor's degree from an AMTA-approved program, followed by a 6–9 month full-time internship to complete your 1,200 required clinical training hours. After your internship, you'll take several weeks to prepare for and pass the board certification exam. Some students take longer if they attend part-time, change majors, or need additional time to complete requirements.
Do I need to be musically talented to become a music therapist?
You need solid musical skills, but you don't need to be a virtuoso performer. Music therapy programs typically require proficiency in voice and at least one instrument (usually piano or guitar), with the expectation that you'll develop competency in additional instruments during your studies. You should be comfortable reading music, understanding music theory, and learning new songs relatively quickly. Most importantly, you need to be musically flexible and willing to prioritize therapeutic goals over artistic perfection. If you've participated in school music programs or taken private lessons and can pass a program's audition requirements, you likely have a sufficient musical foundation.
Can I become a music therapist with a psychology degree?
If you already have a bachelor's degree in psychology or another field, you have two main pathways. Some universities offer post-baccalaureate equivalency programs specifically for students with non-music therapy degrees. These programs typically take 2–3 years and include the music, therapy, and clinical coursework needed to qualify for board certification. Alternatively, you could pursue a master's degree in music therapy, though these programs vary in whether they accept students without undergraduate music therapy preparation. Some require significant leveling coursework before beginning graduate studies. Contact programs directly to discuss your specific situation and options.
What's the difference between music therapy and recreational therapy?
While music therapy and recreational therapy share some similarities and are grouped together in employment statistics, they're distinct professions. Music therapy uses music specifically and exclusively as the therapeutic tool, with board-certified music therapists trained in using music interventions to address clinical goals. Recreational therapy uses a broader range of leisure activities, including sports, arts and crafts, games, and community outings, to improve functioning. Recreational therapists may use music as one of many interventions, but they're not trained to the same depth in music-based clinical techniques. The certifications, professional organizations, and training requirements differ between the two professions.
Is the MT-BC certification required to practice?
The MT-BC credential is the national professional standard for music therapists and is required or strongly preferred by most employers. While federal law doesn't require certification to call yourself a music therapist, most healthcare facilities, schools, and agencies require the MT-BC for employment. Additionally, several states have passed licensure laws that require the MT-BC as a prerequisite for practicing as a music therapist. Insurance companies typically require the MT-BC for reimbursement of services. As a practical matter, you'll find very limited employment opportunities without board certification.
Can I practice music therapy in all states with one certification?
The MT-BC is a national credential recognized across the United States. You can work as a board-certified music therapist in any state with just this credential. However, as of 2025, 12 states have passed music therapy licensure or registry laws with additional requirements beyond the MT-BC. These states require you to apply for a state license and may have specific fees, continuing education requirements, or additional regulations. Check the CBMT website or contact your state's regulatory board to determine what's required where you plan to practice. Even in states without licensure, the MT-BC remains the professional standard.
What instruments do music therapists use most?
Guitar and piano are the most commonly used instruments in music therapy because of their versatility in accompanying singing and their portability (in the guitar's case). Most music therapy programs require proficiency in both. Beyond these foundations, music therapists use a wide variety of instruments, including drums and percussion (for rhythm work and group activities), ukulele (increasingly popular for its accessibility), autoharp and other easy-to-play melody instruments for clients with limited motor skills, and a range of small percussion instruments suitable for all ages and abilities. You'll also use recorded music, technology like music apps and software, and your voice. The instruments you use most will depend on your clinical population and setting.
Can I specialize in music therapy?
Music therapy offers several specialization opportunities as you advance in your career. Many therapists develop expertise with specific populations such as early childhood, geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation, mental health, or end-of-life care. You can pursue specialized training like Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) certification, which focuses on using music therapy for neurological conditions. Some therapists specialize in particular approaches, such as the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music or Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. These specializations typically require additional training beyond your initial education and come after you've established your foundational practice. Most music therapists develop their specialty focus after working for several years and discovering where their interests and talents intersect.
Is music therapy covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for music therapy is expanding but remains inconsistent. Some health insurance plans cover music therapy when it's provided in certain settings (like hospitals) or for specific conditions, particularly when prescribed by a physician. Medicare and Medicaid coverage vary by state and specific plan. Private insurance coverage depends on the carrier and policy. Many music therapists still work in settings where services are paid for by the facility rather than billed to insurance, or they work with clients who pay out-of-pocket. The profession is actively working to expand insurance recognition and reimbursement. If you plan to work in private practice, understanding insurance billing and credentialing is essential, though many successful private practices operate on a self-pay model.
Can music therapists work remotely or via telehealth?
Telehealth music therapy expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a viable service delivery option. Many music therapists now offer virtual sessions, particularly for mental health treatment, early childhood services, and some types of wellness programs. Telehealth works well for interventions focused on singing, listening, discussion, and songwriting. It's less suitable for hands-on instrument work or populations who need significant in-person support. Some states and insurance companies have restrictions on telehealth services, and you'll need appropriate technology and a private space. Telehealth has expanded access to music therapy services, particularly for clients in rural areas or with mobility challenges. Most music therapists now use a hybrid model, offering both in-person and telehealth options depending on client needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) requires a bachelor's degree from an AMTA-approved program, 1,200 clinical training hours, and passing the board certification exam.
- The complete education and certification process typically takes 4½–5 years and combines intensive music training with clinical healthcare education.
- Music therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, senior care facilities, and private practice.
- The median salary for music therapists is $51,330 annually (May 2024 BLS data), with experienced professionals in high-paying settings earning up to $84,410 or more.
- Job outlook shows 4% growth from 2022–2032 due to increasing mental health awareness, an aging population, and growing recognition of music therapy's effectiveness.
- Success in music therapy requires combining musical proficiency with strong therapeutic skills, empathy, flexibility, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
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Based on May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Recreational Therapists (which includes Music Therapists). Salary data is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
