Music therapy is slowing emerging as one of the most widely used therapies. Hence, there is more demand for these kinds of therapists, which also amounts to lucrative salary packages.
The competition in today’s world is never ending, and ‘fierce’ may sound a word too small for it. In the bargain, we tend to lose on health. It happens often that we neglect health almost every time, unless it gets too severe. What this calls in, is cure, treatment or remedy, whatever name you want to give to it. People today are moving towards non-invasive treatments. Music therapy is appearing to be a fast growing alternative for a lot of people.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy, unlike any other therapy, is one in which the therapist uses music to appeal to the spiritual, physical, aesthetic, mental, emotional, and social aspect of an individual. It helps improve and maintain their physical and mental health. Music therapists achieve therapeutic competencies for their patients, use music along with other techniques like counseling, physical activity, behavior modification, et al. They help build their patient’s self-confidence and deal with their problems. It also helps them manage their stress with numerous relaxing activities.
A music therapist must be creative, patient, empathetic, should have good interpersonal skills, and must be able to play a variety of musical instruments. The job description includes organizing, planning, and undertaking medically approved music programs. It is beneficial for patients of all ages and different conditions, including medical problems, psychiatric disorders, interpersonal problems, physical disabilities, substance abuse, etc. Music therapists work in a number of settings, like training institutes, psychiatric facilities, general hospitals, private clinics, schools, community centers, etc.
Music Therapist Salary
With the increasing number of people opting for a number of therapies including music therapy, there has been a rise in the demand for them. This rise in the demand easily translates into a variety of employment opportunities in a number of settings. This means that, because of the extensive demand, the salary of the therapist must be appealing too. To become such a therapist, you are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy, and for employment, you also need to get a license/certification for the same.
The average salary of a music therapist in the United States is approx $40,000 annually. It largely depends upon the experience and the training received. If the salary is analyzed region wise, then the western part of the United States happens to pay relatively higher, with an average annual salary of approx $50,000. A full-time therapist works 40 hours a week. Few work part-time, whereas, few others work on an hourly basis or on a contractual fee. Many start working in private clinics for a push start.
Salary for a beginner may be lower. But then with time and experience, there is a steep rise in the salary graph. The average salary of those who have one to five years of experience is approx. $30,000 – $75,000 per year. The median average music therapist salary is $46,000 per year. It gets better in figures, as you gain more and more experience. Also, in addition to this, they also get entitled to a yearly bonus, which could range from approx. $200 – $1,000, or more.
The field of music therapy is being seen as a lucrative career option for many students who are interested in music and mental health. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is effective in reducing stress and promoting wellness.