Occupations · Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Music Therapists

Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 29-1129.02

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

Design or provide music therapy experiences to address client needs, such as using music for self-care, adjusting to life changes, improving cognitive functioning, raising self-esteem, communicating, or controlling impulses.
Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.
Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.
Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.
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.
Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.
Document evaluations, treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, or other abilities.
Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.
Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.
Gather diagnostic data from sources such as case documentation, observations of clients, or interviews with clients or family members.
Plan or structure music therapy sessions to achieve appropriate transitions, pacing, sequencing, energy level, or intensity in accordance with treatment plans.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Active Listening4.1

Reading Comprehension4.0

Speaking4.0

Critical Thinking4.0

Learning Strategies3.8

Monitoring3.8

Writing3.2

Active Learning3.2

Mathematics2.0

Science1.8

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Microsoft Office software●Avid Technology Pro ToolsElectronic health record EHR softwareEmail softwareMusical instrument digital interface MIDI softwareVirtual instrument softwareWeb browser software

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

4 / 5Considerable preparation — a four-year degree plus several years in the field.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Exposed to Disease or Infections+2.0 above average

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People+1.7 above average

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate−1.4 below average

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers−1.3 below average

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment−1.2 below average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets−1.1 below average

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures−1.1 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2021-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Bachelor's Degree73%

Master's Degree15%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.12%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2021-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Social5.2

Artistic4.8

Investigative4.2

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Social Perceptiveness4.2

Service Orientation4.0

Judgment and Decision Making3.8

Instructing3.2

Coordination3.2

Persuasion3.2

Complex Problem Solving3.2

Negotiation3.2

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Therapy and CounselingPsychologyFine ArtsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and Anthropology

Abilities it leans on

Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

TherapistMusic TherapistActivity TherapistMusic Art TherapistMusic Dance TherapistHospice Music TherapistCreative Music TherapistMusic Therapy SpecialistCertified Music TherapistCommunity Music TherapistHome Care Music TherapistExpressive Music TherapistNeurologic Music TherapistCreative Arts Music Therapist

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

TherapistMusic TherapistActivity TherapistMusic Art TherapistMusic Dance TherapistHospice Music TherapistCreative Music TherapistMusic Therapy SpecialistCommunity Music TherapistCertified Music TherapistHome Care Music TherapistExpressive Music Therapist

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
music therapist	2269.9.4	exact
recreational therapist	2269.9	broader
dance therapist	2269.9.3	broader

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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