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Music Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Music Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For musicians who want to understand the realistic mix of performance, teaching, and production income paths. Use the tools below to see which music roles fit your background and goals.

Music careers combine performance, teaching, production, and business, and rarely follow a single linear job-title path. Use the tools below to explore Music-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Session Musician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Music Director or Recording Producer. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Suzuki or similar teaching certification (for instruction track), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Music careers/jobs, (2) Find Music job listings, (3) Prepare for Music careers, and (4) Provide Music career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Music careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Music Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Music careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Music, so relevant Music jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Music Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Music Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Music careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 131 Music Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

35 Music careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Music-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Music-Related Jobs

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 46.3% Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 46.3% Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Amusement and Recreation Attendants 32.3% Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 32.3% Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator
Choreographers 32.1% Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 32.1% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Audio and Video Technicians 26.2% Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 26.2% Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 24.3% Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.3% Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Producers and Directors 24.1% Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.1% Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Self-Enrichment Teachers 23.5% Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 23.5% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Sound Engineering Technicians 17.4% Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 17.4% Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 15.1% Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.1% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Craft Artists 13.2% Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 13.2% Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Public Relations Specialists 11.4% Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.4% Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Musicians and Singers 11.1% Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.1% Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 11% Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11% Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Recreational Therapists 10.4% Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.4% Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 10.1% Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.1% Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 9.1% International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9.1% Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 9.1% Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9.1% Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 8.3% Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.3% Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 7.8% Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.8% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 7.5% Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.5% Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 7.4% Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Music Directors and Composers 6.3% Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.3% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 6% Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6% Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Furniture Finishers 5.8% Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
Historians 5.5% Music Historian
Occupation: Historians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.5% Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products 4.5% Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.5% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3.7% Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.7% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Etchers and Engravers 2.4% Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 2.4% Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 2.2% Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 2.2% Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
Retail Salespersons -1% Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers -3.8% Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -3.8% Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners -3.9% Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -3.9% Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Chief Executives -5.7% Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -5.7% Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers -6.5% Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -6.5% Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
Printing Press Operators -9.9% Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -9.9% Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher

37 Music careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Music-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Music-Related Jobs

Chief Executives $ 206,680 Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives National Median Salary: $ 206,680 Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $ 105,650 Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 105,650 Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $ 84,900 Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes National Median Salary: $ 84,900 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Producers and Directors $ 82,510 Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors National Median Salary: $ 82,510 Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $ 80,360 Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 80,360 Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $ 79,930 Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 79,930 Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers $ 73,690 Music Critic; Songwriter
Occupation: Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers National Median Salary: $ 73,690 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Songwriter
Education Teachers, Postsecondary $ 73,240 Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 73,240 Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Historians $ 72,890 Music Historian
Occupation: Historians National Median Salary: $ 72,890 Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Public Relations Specialists $ 66,750 Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists National Median Salary: $ 66,750 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $ 65,930 Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers National Median Salary: $ 65,930 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $ 65,630 Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products National Median Salary: $ 65,630 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 65,220 Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 65,220 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $ 64,370 International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists National Median Salary: $ 64,370 Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 64,290 Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 64,290 Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $ 63,680 Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education National Median Salary: $ 63,680 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Music Therapists $ 63,650 Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Occupation: Music Therapists National Median Salary: $ 63,650 Music-Related Jobs: Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Music Directors and Composers $ 62,590 Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers National Median Salary: $ 62,590 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Sound Engineering Technicians $ 59,430 Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians National Median Salary: $ 59,430 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $ 57,500 Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists National Median Salary: $ 57,500 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Recreational Therapists $ 57,120 Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists National Median Salary: $ 57,120 Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Choreographers $ 52,000 Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers National Median Salary: $ 52,000 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Audio and Video Technicians $ 51,640 Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians National Median Salary: $ 51,640 Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Directors, Religious Activities and Education $ 50,140 Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education National Median Salary: $ 50,140 Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $ 48,380 Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 48,380 Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $ 46,730 Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers National Median Salary: $ 46,730 Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
Self-Enrichment Teachers $ 45,330 Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers National Median Salary: $ 45,330 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $ 43,310 Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 43,310 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $ 42,800 Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners National Median Salary: $ 42,800 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Printing Press Operators $ 41,860 Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators National Median Salary: $ 41,860 Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Etchers and Engravers $ 40,040 Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers National Median Salary: $ 40,040 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Furniture Finishers $ 39,790 Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers National Median Salary: $ 39,790 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $ 37,660 Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand National Median Salary: $ 37,660 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
Craft Artists $ 36,600 Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists National Median Salary: $ 36,600 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Retail Salespersons $ 33,680 Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons National Median Salary: $ 33,680 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Amusement and Recreation Attendants $ 29,390 Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants National Median Salary: $ 29,390 Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator
Musicians and Singers $ 0 Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers National Median Salary: $ 0 Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist

37 Music careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Music-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Music-Related Jobs

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Chief Executives 5 Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 5 International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Historians 5 Music Historian
Occupation: Historians Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Public Relations Specialists 4 Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Music Therapists 4 Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Occupation: Music Therapists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Music Directors and Composers 4 Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Musicians and Singers 4 Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 4 Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers 4 Music Critic; Songwriter
Occupation: Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Songwriter
Producers and Directors 4 Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 4 Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 4 Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
Recreational Therapists 4 Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products 4 Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 4 Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Sound Engineering Technicians 3 Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Self-Enrichment Teachers 3 Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 3 Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3 Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Craft Artists 3 Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Choreographers 3 Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers 3 Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Audio and Video Technicians 3 Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 2 Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 2 Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
Furniture Finishers 2 Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 2 Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
Printing Press Operators 2 Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Etchers and Engravers 2 Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Retail Salespersons 2 Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Amusement and Recreation Attendants 2 Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 131 specific Music job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Adjunct Music Instructor
Adjunct Music Professor
Bass Player
Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Certified Music Therapist
Choir Accompanist
Choir Director
Choir Leader
Choir Singer
Choir Teacher
Church Music Professor
Church Musician
Community Music Therapist
Concert Pianist
Concert Promoter
Concert Singer
Creative Arts Music Therapist
Creative Music Therapist
Double Bass Player
Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Entertainment Musician
Expressive Music Therapist
General Music Teacher
Guitar Builder
Guitar Inspector
Guitar Maker
Guitar Player
Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech)
Guitar Repairer
Guitar Teacher
Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech)
Guitarist
Handbell Choir Director
Home Care Music Therapist
Hospice Music Therapist
Instrumental Music Teacher
International Broadcast Music Librarian
Jazz Musician
Liturgical Music Director
Music Adapter
Music Agent
Music Arranger
Music Art Therapist
Music Arts Director
Music Autographer
Music Composer
Music Copyist
Music Critic
Music Dance Therapist
Music Director
Music Education Professor
Music Educator
Music Engineer
Music Engraver
Music Executive
Music Grapher
Music Historian
Music Instructor
Music Journalist
Music Lecturer
Music Librarian
Music Manager
Music Minister
Music Ministries Director
Music Orchestrator
Music Pastor
Music Producer
Music Professor
Music Promoter
Music Publicist
Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Music Store Manager
Music Supervisor
Music Teacher
Music Theory Professor
Music Theory Teacher
Music Therapist
Music Therapy Specialist
Music Therapy Teacher
Music Video Director
Music Video Producer
Music Writer
Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Musical Accessories Sales Representative
Musical Artist
Musical Choreographer
Musical Director
Musical Engineer
Musical Instrument Maker
Musical Instrument Mechanic
Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech)
Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Musical Instrument Supervisor
Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson
Musician
Neurologic Music Therapist
Orchestra Conductor
Orchestra Director
Orchestra Leader
Orchestra Musician
Orchestra Teacher
Orchestrator
Piano Accompanist
Piano Inspector
Piano Instructor
Piano Mechanic
Piano Mover
Piano Pedagogy Professor
Piano Performance Professor
Piano Player
Piano Professor
Piano Refinisher
Piano Regulator
Piano Teacher
Piano Technician (Piano Tech)
Piano Tuner
Pianos and Organs Salesperson
Pit Musician
Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech)
Public School System Music Therapist
Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech)
Sheet Music Salesperson
Solo Musician
Songwriter
Studio Musician
Violin Mechanic
Violin Repairer
Violin Teacher
Violinist
Vocal Music Instructor
Wired Music Operator


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Music Therapists.


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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Music Therapists

Description: Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Music Therapists":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Gather diagnostic data from sources such as case documentation, observations of clients, or interviews with clients or family members.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Collaborate with others to design or implement interdisciplinary treatment programs.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Compose, arrange, or adapt music for music therapy treatments.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns engaged in music therapy activities.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Participate in continuing education.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Engage clients in music experiences to identify client responses to different styles of music, types of musical experiences, such as improvising or listening, or elements of music, such as tempo or harmony.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Plan or structure music therapy sessions to achieve appropriate transitions, pacing, sequencing, energy level, or intensity in accordance with treatment plans.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Adapt existing or develop new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Document evaluations, treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Apply current technology to music therapy practices.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Customize treatment programs for specific areas of music therapy, such as intellectual or developmental disabilities, educational settings, geriatrics, medical settings, mental health, physical disabilities, or wellness.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Integrate behavioral, developmental, improvisational, medical, or neurological approaches into music therapy treatments.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Assess the risks and benefits of treatment termination for clients.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy approaches.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Apply selected research findings to practice.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for therapy.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Select or adapt musical instruments, musical equipment, or non-musical materials, such as adaptive devices or visual aids, to meet treatment objectives.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, or other abilities.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Identify and respond to emergency physical or mental health situations.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Confer with professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Conduct, or assist in the conduct of, music therapy research.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Adjust tuning or functioning of musical instruments.
Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
Analyze quantitative data to determine effectiveness of treatments or therapies.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
Develop health assessment methods or programs.
Develop medical treatment plans.
Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies.
Establish treatment goals.
Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.
Gather medical information from patient histories.
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support.
Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
Perform music for the public.
Practice athletic or artistic skills.
Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
Record patient medical histories.
Supervise patient care personnel.
Treat medical emergencies.
Treat patients using psychological therapies.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Administer emergency medical treatment.
Activity: Administer therapeutic treatments.
Activity: Analyze health or medical data.
Activity: Collect information about patients or clients.
Activity: Confer with healthcare or other professionals about patient care.
Activity: Develop health assessment methods or programs.
Activity: Develop patient or client care or treatment plans.
Activity: Evaluate patient or client condition or treatment options.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain health or medical records.
Activity: Monitor health conditions of humans or animals.
Activity: Perform athletic activities for fitness, competition, or artistic purposes.
Activity: Prepare health or medical documents.
Activity: Present arts or entertainment performances.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Provide support or encouragement to others.
Activity: Research healthcare issues.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
General Software Tools
Electronic mail software:
Email software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Medical software:
Electronic health record EHR software
Music or sound editing software:
Avid Technology Pro Tools
Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
Virtual instrument software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 73.1 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 15.4 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 11.5 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 38.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 23.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 11.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 7.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Music Therapists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Music Therapists". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Music Therapists". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Music Therapists


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Music Therapists" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page