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Job outlook for music therapy specialists in the United States
Music therapy specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected music therapy specialist job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 600 new jobs for music therapy specialists are projected over the next decade.
Music therapy specialist salaries have increased 3% for music therapy specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 24,047 music therapy specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 13,163 active music therapy specialist job openings in the US.
The average music therapy specialist salary is $50,810.
Are music therapy specialist jobs in demand?
Music therapy specialist job and salary trends over time
Music therapy specialist jobs over time
Music therapy specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24,047 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 24,673 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,801 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 25,468 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 25,439 | 0.01% |
Average music therapy specialist salary over time
Music therapy specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,810 | $24.43 | --1.1% |
| 2025 | $51,353 | $24.69 | +0.8% |
| 2024 | $50,970 | $24.50 | +0.4% |
| 2023 | $50,778 | $24.41 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $49,425 | $23.76 | +1.1% |
Music therapy specialist jobs by state
Most common states for music therapy specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 169 | 13% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 73 | 11% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 68 | 11% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 285 | 9% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 179 | 9% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 539 | 8% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 78 | 8% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 58 | 8% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 45 | 8% |
| 10 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 214 | 7% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 62 | 7% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 50 | 7% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 577 | 6% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 383 | 6% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 340 | 6% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 116 | 6% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 112 | 6% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 64 | 6% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 456 | 5% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 143 | 5% |
Music Therapy Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of music therapy specialist experts
Meredith College
Elmhurst College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Fort Hays State University
Washington State University
Meredith College
Idaho State University
Hartwick College
Slippery Rock University
University of Kansas
University of Arkansas
Montclair State University
Northwestern Michigan College
Miami Dade College
Coastal Carolina University
University of Memphis
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: People enjoy the opportunity to share their passion for music, inspire students, and make a positive impact on their lives. However, challenges such as budget cuts, limited resources, and administrative pressures can be drawbacks for some music educators.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: Music education is crucial for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression in students. With the growing recognition of the importance of arts education, there is a high demand for qualified music educators in schools and communities.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Micheal Houlahan Ph.D: Music educators are responsible for teaching music theory, history, performance, and appreciation to students of all ages. They create lesson plans, conduct rehearsals, organize performances, and assess student progress. Those entering the field may start as student teachers or assistants, gradually gaining experience and expertise.
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: It depends on the age group. Many elementary teachers enjoy a typical school day of an hour before classes start and an after classes are released. Middle school and High school have more before/after school activities and weekend auditions, festivals, competitions, etc. Band directors have athletic events to plan and perform with the students that go beyond the normal M-F side of the job. Most of the teaching is the pedagogy of teaching the instrument--voice, band or orchestra. Teachers of beginners introduce the instrument, while teachers of older students refine the basics and take them to the next level.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: Many enjoy the flexibility of having summers open to travel or explore other interests--or just the downtime. Especially since many other entry-level professional jobs have far less paid time off, the trade-off of a smaller salary outweighs the lower wages that a teacher brings home each month. Many have to adjust to realize that there are many nights and weekends that come with a music teacher position. After all--this is when concerts and music festivals take place.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jim Waddelow DMA: The entire profession is understaffed, as retirements and people leaving the profession outnumbers the number of folks entering the workforce. Our students have had a 100% job placement rate for over 15 years, and graduates may choose to work in any part of the country, as positions are plentiful everywhere.
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. William Raynovich: Make sure to keep contact with your peers and, perhaps more importantly, with your faculty mentors. These contacts are valuable resources for you finding a job. Most of the students I have known who are fulfilled by their careers had a good relationship with their peers and faculty. Students, who worked with me through their matriculation, will reach out to me at times for advice in navigating their first jobs. As a music educator assuredly went to an institution of higher learning, the music educator should capitalize on the relationships built during their education.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. William Raynovich: As technology continues to be a strong component of our society, music educators need to consider innovation when teaching music. The schooling I had may become less relevant and the schooling even the students of ten years ago may be less relevant to the public school education of the next 3-5 years. We have accelerated the changes in music over the past 100 years with startling changes. From the radio to the walkman to the iPod to the streaming and the use of electronics to create music has changed music to the point that the band, choir, or orchestra of even twenty years ago may not be the music-making in a public school in 2025.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. William Raynovich: Well, I would recommend one does not think of maximizing a salary when thinking of a career as a music educator. One should maximize life-design when being a music educator. One should ask oneself: Are you going to be happy teaching music in a public school setting? Do you enjoy two months off in the summer? Are you fulfilled in life? There are opportunities to advance in the public school system, but often, I believe, the music educator has to become an administrator which requires attaining graduate degrees in Education Leadership to become an administrator. However, all music educators probably know this, but it is standard for public school systems to expect and encourage teachers to receive additional education through at least a master’s degree. With the master’s degree, the teacher should receive salary increase. The process for salary increases is often clearly scheduled via the contract the music educator’s teacher’s union negotiated with the school district.
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: Being a Music Educator requires a person to wear many different 'hats' during a given week - instructor/teacher, recruiter, fundraiser, performer, therapist, promoter, conductor, etc. All of these roles are needed to make sure a program is successful.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: This is a good time to enter the field of Music Education as people with this degree are more likely to land a teaching position than they were even a few years ago. In addition, such educators are needed to address some of the challenges students have recently faced.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dianne Goldman Ph.D.: People entering the field often find this a rewarding job because they have a lot of input to what happens to their program and can directly affect student outcomes. Student musicians are often sensitive souls that need nurturing and support and find it in the figure of their music teacher.
Darryl Coan
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Music
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Darryl Coan: Being a music educator means long days and much dedication to the growth of your students while safeguarding from the usual school budget problems, so it really is a career and not just a job. That level of involvement isn’t for everyone and they leave the field but for most, the great rewards that come both daily and yearly in the musical growth and gratitude of your students keep that dedication strong and growing.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Darryl Coan: First, there is a shortage of music educators in several states including the one I live in, so there is demand and not enough supply. We’re getting multiple emails and calls from schools asking if we have a graduating student to fill music teacher openings. Second, we’re in a period of growing economic uncertainty. For young musicians who are finishing High School and thinking about a career, a way to engage in their love for music that makes a regular paycheck with benefits is appealing. Finally, thanks to societal factors, a lot in the field is changing right now in terms of diversifying school music programs by adding small alternative kinds ensembles and embracing more kinds of music such as rock and music of different cultures. This is exciting and long overdue.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Darryl Coan: Right away, a music educator becomes the musical mentor of all the students in their care. Effective music educators engage their students at every level in all aspects of musical activity—singing, playing, listening, creating and critiquing. In the big picture, this means intentionally improving their ability to do these independently. On a daily basis, this involves planning, creating and assessing musical experience through the various school opportunities such as band, choir, guitar class, and other contexts.
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Bradley Dawson: If it is in music education, they need to be careful of what their responsibilities will be. Many smaller schools are requiring one person to do all the music, K-12. This may or may not be what the new graduate wants. If their degree is in performance, then they need to locate to large city and begin making connections with other musicians that are already performing in the area they are interested in. Classical players will want to apply for orchestra auditions and be prepared to go to many before finally winning a job. The competition is tremendous and will require much preparation and tenacity.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Dawson: Students studying music should be diverse in what they can play and teach. The narrower that you focus the harder it will be to find a job with no teaching experience. Go to a school where you can define yourself. Play and sing in as many different ensembles as you can and find out what are your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing this and developing your best skills will help you determine what job is best for you.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Bradley Dawson: If you are going into education, it is best to get a master’s degree. When to get it is an important decision. If you teach for a while and start a family it becomes more difficult to go back to school so there is an advantage to getting that degree right after your bachelor’s degree.
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: The arts are a basic human need. Especially during this time of turmoil in our world, we need musicians and other artists to help us create and share beauty. Also, many jobs in the music industry are entrepreneurial; musicians with initiative can create their own paths.
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: LIKE As musicians, we have the privilege of creating and sharing beauty every day! We love to share music with the general public in the many ways I described in question #1. DISLIKE Some people don't understand the value of music and the other arts. If that happens, musicians can be overlooked and underpaid.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D.: The music field is much more broad than many people realize. Music graduates of Valparaiso University are doing these things... a. music teacher in K-12 school (band, orchestra, choir, general music, handbell choir) b. music therapist c. church musician (organ, choir, soloist, chamber musician) d. university professor (music education, music theory, music performance, music history, administration) e. private lessons teacher f. professional performer (military band, symphony orchestra, professional chorus, soloist, chamber musician, jazz). g. music industry (retail, sales, repairs) h. music industry (concert management, concert hall management, performance planning, music travel planning) i. law (copyright and more) j. community volunteer musician k. recording engineer l. composer (schools, churches, professional organizations, movies, television, video games)
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: Getting the first job is always the toughest. Whether you're looking for a job in teaching, performing, producing, etc., you'll likely need to be patient and positive as you get turned down, and search for opportunities that aren't necessarily as attractive as you would like. Everyone wants experience. That doesn't mean you take a job that is toxic or offensive in how they compensate your time, of course. In these first years as you navigate the job mark, and for the rest of your career, utilize your network. Your teachers and former colleagues will typically be more than happy to help you in your search.
Once you have that first job, two important items will help you in the current position and set you up for your next. 1) Work your butt off. Be on time (early), be professional (in dress, language), and give excellent results. You're not only gaining experience, but your building a reputation in your industry. And of course, any job worth doing, is worth doing well. 2) Find a mentor and ask questions. You can be in year 1 or year 30 and there is always something to learn about what you're doing!
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: The need to have multiple skill sets will continue to grow as our fields become more complicated and competitive. The use of digital media will be a huge benefit no matter your music career. Your comfort level in music/recording/production technology, multimedia, social media, websites, and even AI will allow you to accomplish the multitude of things that might be asked of you. That being said, I am a firm believer that traditional piano and aural skills will make always every part of your job easier! And finally, be ready to teach. I apologize I don't know the exact statistics, but something like 90% of music school graduates teach in some form during a normal week.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Troy Bennefield: As mentioned earlier, the ability to have multiple skills sets will open up more and more opportunities to you. I like to say it's the and portion of the job search. Some examples: Tuba and theory professor. Pianist and staff arranger. Teacher and theater manager. Performer and recording engineer. Some job vacancies will be explicit with the and, but mostly these skills are items you can advertise in your resumes and interviews to help land that job. Multiple skill sets will also help your ability to do more than one job. Starting out as a professional performer? You'll probably need one or two side gigs to pay the bills!
What general advice would you give to a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. Mary Thornton: Music has highly specialized degree plans as well as more general paths of study. As a music education major, one of the most important things you can do is networking. Be sure that you know teachers out in the field doing the jobs you see yourself doing. Get to know these folks, visit their schools, participate in some of their campus activities. The more people you know, and the more teaching you have seen in action, the more prepared you will be to get started on your own career. It always helps to have people you can ask for advice.
For the music industry graduate, the internship semester is very important. Being placed in an environment where you can have some on the job learning experience is the best type of job resume addition. This is where I've been working and what I've been doing. In industry it is also essential to learn at least the basics with as many software applications as possible. There are standard recording/editing programs and you will want to know those. But don't be afraid to look at the latest apps and freeware that is available. Being up to date with technology is a never ending process and you should be committed to keeping on top of new developments.
For performers, be always ready for any opportunity that may come your way. Stay in shape and be solid with your fundamentals, be ready to play with a great tone, solid and accurate rhythm, and with a tremendous understanding of appropriate style.
And remember, the best graduates in music combine all of the above!
What Music Therapy Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mary Thornton: For music industry majors, be sure to take advantage of software certifications that are available. In teaching it can also be beneficial to have something like Suzuki, Kodaly, or Orff certifications. As a performer, have your materials together, a good press kit, good video samples, trailers of what you offer as a performer. Don't be afraid to ask for what you are worth, but be prepared to make your case.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mary Thornton: As in most things, technology will have a tremendous impact on music making in all aspects, from composition to performance. That said, nothing replaces live music performance and that connection with the audience. What music does for people in person must always be in mind. Communication is our most important skill, musically and in many other ways.
What skills stand out on Music Therapy Specialist resumes?
Chelsea Waddelow: I expect all of the basic proficiencies required by the Certification Board as a bare minimum. Musically, I like to see an area of specialization that will make you stand out. For clinical skills, the ability to produce accurate, thorough, and professional documentation in a very short amount of time is a top priority. Non-musical or non-clinical skills that I would look for include knowledge of a second language, especially ASL or the second language most commonly used in the job area, multicultural awareness and sensitivity, and excellent attention to detail.
What soft skills should all Music Therapy Specialists possess?
Chelsea Waddelow: I would list the top three here: empathy, excellent verbal communication, and highly developed ethical decision-making.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Therapy Specialists?
Chelsea Waddelow: While all music therapists must be competent in piano, guitar, voice, and percussion before being certified, true excellence in at least one area is very important. It is also essential to have good technical knowledge of music-based apps and the ability to learn different documentation systems quickly.
What skills will help Music Therapy Specialists earn the most?
Chelsea Waddelow: Music therapy is not a lucrative career; the most important benefit is knowing that you assist the most vulnerable in our society to lead full and healthy lives. That said, current research suggests that those in administrative and academic positions earn more than those in clinical positions, so diversifying your abilities to include skills like grant writing, higher education, and excellent presentational skills will assist you in transitioning into a different role in the future.
Dr. Thomas Kloss
Associate Professor & Associate Chair of the Department of Music, nterim Director of Bands, Coordinator for Music Education, President of the Idaho Music Educators AssociationIdaho State University
Department of Music
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: In general, I work with Music Education students, who become future music teachers. Right now there is a severe shortage of music teachers throughout the United States, and particularly the Northwest. Pretty much all of my students (who seek a music teaching position) get one. I see a lot of older teachers getting out after the Covid year we are experiencing, which will give a lot of positions to new teachers.
What's a day at work look like for a Music Therapy Specialist?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: I think next year will look quite the same as this year, with student (and teacher) safety still being the predominant issue. Can choirs sing without masks on? Can marching band exist in the fall? Can Idaho hold an in-person All-State and Teacher's Conference a year from now? We just don't know.
What soft skills should all Music Therapy Specialists possess?
Dr. Thomas Kloss: In terms of soft skills, right now, flexibility is where we are at. Our music events are being canceled left and right, and we still have to give quality educational musical experiences to our students. Changes to how many students can be in a classroom, to how concerts are broadcast (live, streamed, or pre-recorded) have affected all facets of our job.
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Music EducationHartwick College
Music and Music Education Department
What skills stand out on Music Therapy Specialist resumes?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: Having diverse experiences and practical application opportunities are often impressive on resumes, creating a way to stand out. NY offers music teachers licensure under one certificate, including instrumental, vocal, and general music grades K-12. A graduate who can show the breadth of experience that matches the scope of their teaching certificate is highly marketable, especially in the many rural areas upstate that often need their music teachers to wear all of those hats to serve their student population. Also, applicants who have prior teaching experience are often considered desirable by potential employers. Pre-service teacher applicants can highlight practical experiences such as substitute teaching, private lessons instruction, or even camp counseling to compete with others who have already had the opportunity to serve in a classroom.
What soft skills should all Music Therapy Specialists possess?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: The field of education has begun to incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) skills into their students' school experiences. Music educators are uniquely positioned to incorporate learning opportunities centered on these concepts, including self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills. Since 2016, twenty-nine states have developed standards for SEL; having those skills could position a new educator to be a leader among their colleagues in applying this set of "soft skills." Of course, some tried, and true soft skills are always important, including communication and collegiality. Suppose you can effectively make connections with the potential colleagues who are interviewing you. In that case, they will see the potential to also translate to the students in your classroom. Suppose a teacher can recognize the interests and needs of their students. In that case, they will likely be able to create a positive learning environment for their students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Therapy Specialists?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: While this answer may change depending on the school district, in my experience, content knowledge and organization are two crucial components to the technical side of becoming an effective teacher. While it is nearly impossible to walk off of the graduation stage with the knowledge equivalent to an experienced secondary music educator, positioning yourself to hone your skills based on the first job you seek could set a new music teacher up to become a highly effective educator earlier in their career. For example, suppose a pre-service teacher applied for elementary and/or middle school instrumental positions. In that case, they could develop their skills by modeling the basic techniques and concepts taught to beginners - hand position, posture, breathing, and other general fundamentals that build a solid foundation of knowledge upon which a new musician can build. By working on instruments with the beginners, a new teacher will reinforce and begin to build upon their own foundations that were started in their collegiate music education program. The organization creates space for these learning opportunities; an unorganized teacher may not see where they have the time to play an instrument or sing along with their beginners - or they may not have the mental energy to do so.
What skills will help Music Therapy Specialists earn the most?
Meghan Sheehy Ph.D.: This is a pretty complex question, as teacher salaries are based on degrees earned and years of experience, but positions within districts that can offer a higher base pay than other districts are often competitive. Being experienced, having a diverse breadth of competence across K-12 music content, being able to apply soft skills such as communication, collegiality, and social and emotional learning concepts, and having technical skills such as organization and content knowledge paired with the ability to market yourself would certainly set an applicant apart in these highly sought-after position pools.
Dr. Kathleen Melago
Professor of Music Education, Division Head for Music Education, Supervisor of Music Student TeachersSlippery Rock University
Music Department
What skills stand out on Music Therapy Specialist resumes?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Today's music educators need to have a good balance of breadth and depth. In music education, that means experience in a variety of different aspects of music education. For example, someone who wants to be a high school band director will want to experience concert band, marching band, jazz band, winter guard, color guard, and strong technical skills for teaching music theory or composition. They also would benefit from having experiences directing choir and orchestra. Administrators are looking for highly qualified people who also have the versatility to step in where needed amidst the changing programming needs of the school. Going back to the band director example, if the band director has experience in a choir and someone is needed to direct one period of the choir, that versatility could come in handy.
What soft skills should all Music Therapy Specialists possess?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: I am a believer in helping students develop their social-emotional learning competencies. In short, they need to have a good sense of their own identity through their self-awareness and self-management, they need to be welcoming to others in the sense of belonging through their relationship skills and social awareness, and they need to have agency through making responsible decisions. Educators need to be organized and manage many balls in the air all at once, but they also need to understand how their decisions impact others. They need to work to empathize with others - to try to see things from someone else's perspective as best as they can - so they can make decisions that are beneficial to everyone. As music educators, we have the unique power to use music to help students learn more about themselves, learn to manage their actions toward reaching their goals, to be part of a group that truly needs each other to be successful, and to learn about the world by studying music that often has been written to express an otherwise indescribable emotion - like emotions from 9/11, school shooting, BLM. For music educators to effectively bring these experiences to their students, they have to be vulnerable and embrace growth in their own SEL skills. The best music educators are not just good at content knowledge, but they know how to change lives.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Music Therapy Specialists?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Music educators have a vast knowledge base that is important. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, music teacher certification is PreK-12 and includes every aspect of music education in those grades. It's difficult to declare specific skills as the most important because it depends on what is taught. Elementary general music teachers need to not only be skilled in the processes they use to scaffold and sequence their instruction, but they have to be superb at transitioning between activities and thinking through every second of the class. Suppose 30 seconds pass in a high school orchestra rehearsal while the teacher is getting something ready. In that case, it's not likely to derail the whole class. Thirty seconds of pause in action with kindergarteners is a whole different story. In secondary ensembles, conducting skills are extremely important because they are the primary way the teacher communicates with the class. One often overlooked important technical skill area for high school directors is technology. From running the sound in the auditorium to setting up amps for a jazz band to knowing how to handle the technology on a marching band field, music educators use technology in a lot of ways beyond the distribution and management of content during instruction or for communication of things like grades and news.
What skills will help Music Therapy Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Kathleen Melago: Well, I don't think most people would associate educators with attempts to become highly wealthy, but the higher-paying positions are usually held by people who have developed confidence in their knowledge and skills and can convey that in an interview. They have built their professional network through the experiences they sought beyond what is required for the degree. Everyone has student-taught and done field experiences - they need to show what makes them outstanding, and they need to believe it. I would also caution folks to not attempt to be the jack of all trades and master of none, but rather to have sufficient breadth in many areas of music education to feel comfortable in a variety of roles but to find a niche in which to develop depth and seek out extra experiences in that area.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Music Therapy Specialists?
Jacob Dakon Ph.D.: Absolutely. The impact of this pandemic has been mentally and physically taxing for everyone. It's likely to live on in our graduates' memories for some time. That said, I believe hardships can also bring out the best in people. In persevering through this pandemic, our graduates have learned to adapt to less-than-ideal circumstances, explored the depths of their creativity, and been reminded how important social interaction is to the human condition. In normal circumstances, these skills might have been overlooked or taken for granted. We may have just graduated one of the most prepared and resilient student cohorts to date.
What's a good job out of college for Music Therapy Specialists?
Jacob Dakon Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that monetarily sustains our graduates' efforts to impact the world through music, be it teaching, performing, composing, or any other facet of musicking. Like it or not, the world needs musicians and their music. It's part of the fabric of our society. This pandemic has made that clearer than ever. In the education field, school positions are still very much available; however, performance jobs have been harder hit. Venues simply couldn't accommodate groups of people in enclosed spaces due to social distancing restrictions. These jobs are coming back though, as customers are being vaccinated, restrictions are being lifted, and the population seeks to resume their pre-pandemic music rituals. For them, music is a means of returning some sense of normalcy.
What will help Music Therapy Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jacob Dakon Ph.D.: I graduate students seeking to become public or private school teachers. To increase their earning potential, they must accrue experience and earn advanced degrees in their field. For example, a teacher with 10 years of experience and a master's degree in music education will earn more money than a teacher with 5 years of experience and a bachelor's degree in music education.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Jacob Hertzog: In music, my opinion is that the biggest trend coming out of the pandemic will be a demand for increased technology skills. On the music creator side, that will mean musicians need more fluency in music creation software, digital promotion skills, and distance collaboration abilities. Home recording set-ups will be expected, and creators will be able to collaborate remotely from anywhere. That's a really exciting development for musicians, but it does place increased demand on musicians to improve their technology skills and on educators to provide them. On the music industry side, we are seeing such an incredible pace of technological innovations in the music industry so I'm sure we will see an increased demand from music companies for skills in data analytics, blockchain, and computer programming. As entertainment companies behave more and more like tech companies, I'd predict some major overlap in artistic and STEM skills will be needed for just about every role.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Music Therapy Specialists?
Jacob Hertzog: Music creators need initial and continuing education in two primary fields: Technology, and Entrepreneurship. Any types of credentials in those areas will continually be valuable to the music community.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Jacob Hertzog: Of course, the pandemic has severely affected the live music industry, and many musicians who primarily perform have had a difficult time. That said, the major macro trend is that music streaming and social media have made it easier for music creators to promote and monetize their work. This great democratization of music creation is such a fabulous boon to creators. However, the music industry as a whole has become more unequal, so there are definitely a lot of economic equity issues to be addressed. This paradox of access is ripe for disruption, so entrepreneurs take note.
Kathryn Lockwood
Viola Professor, Chamber Music Coordinator, Strings Area CoordinatorMontclair State University
Cali School of Music
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Kathryn Lockwood: Concerts of all kinds from chamber to broadway came to a halt and so far very few have returned to in person. There has been a huge surge of online concerts which will most likely continue. Overall though, the pandemic has had crippled the concert industry.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Music Therapy Specialists?
Kathryn Lockwood: Music Education degrees will always be a fabulous way to improve one's job prospects in the public schools. All music degrees that include lots of practice and improvement will naturally increase your job prospects. The better player you are, the more hireable you become and more flexible you become in terms of teaching levels.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Kathryn Lockwood: From what I can see, salaries in music have not increased at the same rate as other areas.
Brady Corcoran
Professor and Lab ManagerNorthwestern Michigan College
Digital Audio and Studio Recording
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Music Therapy Specialists?
Brady Corcoran: We have all been forced to embrace Zoom and other virtual platforms for collaboration and event streaming, and over the last year most professionals - old and new school - have become very comfortable with working virtually. This type of work is not going anywhere even after all of this is over. This means there will be increasingly high expectations as far as the quality of audio/visual content, and the demand for technically skilled A/V techs capable of capturing, streaming, and delivering hi-fi audio and video is only going to go up.
What's a day at work look like for a Music Therapy Specialist?
Brady Corcoran: As far as audio is concerned, it would be great to be able to land steady work that would allow you to focus entirely on the pro audio side of things, but that type of gig can be tough to find these days. People now expect there to be a video component to almost all content, so anyone that is proficient in both mediums will be immediately attractive to potential employers. Streaming has also added a whole new mess of things to think about when preparing audio for various platforms, since they all have a slightly different way of compensating for loudness discrepancies between recordings. I'm sure the same is true for video platforms in regards to compression, codecs, etc. If you want your content to be the best that it can be, you need to familiarize yourself with these differences...how should I master my music for Spotify vs. Apple Music vs YouTube? Even a basic understanding of these parameters will make someone more attractive to an employer.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Brady Corcoran: Any audio professional that is able to land a salaried job should be very thankful for whatever set of circumstances landed them that job. Long before the pandemic, the vast majority of work has been gig-based in both studio and live audio. The talent pool for audio technicians has grown exponentially with pro-level hardware and software now available to your average consumer. Why pay someone a salary when there's always another hungry up-and-comer you can hire, minus the long-term financial commitment? It's a competitive field, and most of us need to wear many different hats to find work...running sound for events, performing, recording, mixing and editing both audio and video...whatever it takes to make ends meet. Nonetheless - and at the risk of sounding cliche - if you're passionate about the work and willing to put in the hours, you can make a great living as an audio professional.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Duane Summers: The Covid 19 pandemic has decimated the entertainment industry. Every single live performance worldwide was cancelled in 2020 resulting in a revenue loss of over $30 billion dollars. Some entertainment corporations have completely gone out of business as 100% of their revenue rely on live entertainment. Individuals that rely solely on working in the entertainment industry had to find other means of income not related to entertainment. Some have hosted virtual events which have been, somewhat successful but nowhere near enough to make up for the $30 billion dollar loss.
However, what I have learned from music equipment and instrument retailers, is that sales have gone up. Which means creators have invested the little they can spare into equipment and instruments since all they have left is time to create new content. There has been an increase in the consumption of online entertainment during Covid 19 lockdowns. We crave entertainment so I believe once Covid 19 vaccine is available to everyone and we start a new lifestyle post covid 19 there will be a huge demand in live entertainment. In my opinion this is the perfect time for students in arts and entertainment to gain the education and improve on thier skills in their respective craft. The entertainment corporations that survived the pandemic will expand. Due to individuals changing careers after losing thier jobs in 2020, there will be a demand for thier replacement post Covid 19. Students today will be the ones controlling how entertainment is consumed post Covid 19.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Music Therapy Specialists?
Duane Summers: Even before the pandemic I was encouraging students to investigate the supporting roles of entertainment. Audio Engineers, Lighting Designers, Stage Technicians, Tour Managers, Production Managers are just a few of the positions that has always and will be in even more of a demand post Covid 19. Miami Dade College Music Business Degree, and the Certificate in Audio Technology is perfect for the young individual seeking a career in the music business.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Duane Summers: Salaries have not made much of a change, only availability of gigs. Before the pandemic the summer season is the busiest season in entertainment and the winter season is the slowest. Although working a New Year's Eve event one could 3 times or more the regular rate. Salary increase typically coincides with the tier level of the company or artist you work for. Once events start being scheduled I predict salaries will pickup where they left off pre Covid-19 pandemic. Eventually there will be a massive increase in the amount of live entertainment as there is already a huge demand.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Eric Schultz: Across many music-related disciplines, I believe we will see much more interest in candidates with content-creation skills, such as recording and editing audio and video. Audiences are going to expect that concerts continue streaming even when they are live in-person. Orchestras and opera houses will need to build an online presence. Staff and administrators with social media literacy or graphic design experience will have an edge.
I believe we will continue to see a push for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring. Do not be afraid to highlight your commitment to DEI in application materials. Community outreach experience will be a plus across the board.
Finally, many fields have translated well to the online space, but I think most will agree that music is not one of them. Particularly for teaching, learning, and performing, I hope we will realize a new appreciation for the performing arts after the pandemic.
What technical skills for a Music Therapy Specialist stand out to employers?
Eric Schultz: This is an interesting question at this moment. We often put ourselves in boxes as musicians, and this is reflected in the way we are traditionally taught. Performers are taught to perform. Teachers are taught to teach. Administrators are taught to manage hiring, contracts, fundraising, etc.
It seems to me that there is a renewed desire for a candidate skilled in more than one area. A performer passionate about outreach. A teacher who is also an audio engineer. Administrators who actively study an instrument. This is also true if you are looking for a job in industry, such as instrument manufacture, supply, or repair.
In a crowded field, finding your niche can be what sets you apart.
I should mention as well, as our field is competitive; take some time to really polish your job documents. It pays off. I did not start getting tenure-track interviews until I finally sat down and logged some serious hours on my CV and cover letter. Of course, all documents need to be tailored to each application, but be sure you are working from a solid base. It should be sharp looking and professional. There are so many great resources available for free online. The resume (or CV in the academy) and cover letter are so steeped in tradition, it is easy to get something wrong. I recommend trading documents with peers that have recently gotten a job in your field. When I read application materials, I am surprised to see the basics usually lacking: formatting, font, length, use of color (stick to black and white unless you are in a design field). Your cover letter should evidence your ability to write an old-school, basic, snail-mail business letter, even though you will probably send it online. It should fit on one page entirely. This is difficult. Be concise. Use letterhead from your current institution, if applicable, or create a personal letterhead. For teachers, don't be surprised if the posting calls for a separate teaching or diversity statement. These are the hardest to write. I find anecdotes are helpful.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Eric Schultz: Well, it is a broad field, so there are many things happening, and it is hard to know where things will land post-pandemic. Like many fields, music broadly has become increasingly "adjunctified," or a part of the "gig economy," meaning there are less opportunities that are full-time, salaried with benefits. Regardless, in higher education, job postings are just starting to come back. If you will be on the job market soon, keep your eye on new postings in your field, even if you are not actively applying. Look for trends. Are employers looking for new skills? What do salaries look like in your area? Are there enough openings in your region?
Dr. Josef Hanson
Assistant Professor of Music Education (Instrumental), Coordinator of Music Education in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of MusicUniversity of Memphis
School of Music
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Music Therapy Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Josef Hanson: Employers in music and the arts will be looking for versatility and adaptive capacity. Music graduates with knowledge and skills in different performance styles and genres, and who can demonstrate expertise in other areas such as technology, business, or diversity and inclusion, will be well-positioned to leverage employment opportunities in the near future.
What soft skills should all Music Therapy Specialists possess?
Dr. Josef Hanson: Flexibility and collaboration are key. Social-emotional intelligence has never been more important, and the same can be said for embracing equality and racial equity. You also cannot underestimate the value of effective oral and written communication skills. And of course energy, positivity, and enthusiasm are desirable.
How have salaries changed over time for Music Therapy Specialists?
Dr. Josef Hanson: As is the case in many fields, salaries in music and the arts have not kept pace with wage growth in more profit-oriented sectors. This does not mean that artists and musicians are "starving" or cannot afford to pursue their passions; rather, they must think and act entrepreneurially to ensure they can reach their personal and professional goals, even if it means developing multiple sources of income.