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Music Therapy Careers

Related Skills

  • Ability to work with populations covering the entire lifespan
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Good listening skills
  • Sensitive to the needs of other people
  • Strong organizational and planning skills
  • Ability to make critical observations
  • Ability to work individually and in a team setting
  • Ability to self-promote

Being Successful in the Field

  • Finding positions in the music industry requires a combination of talent, training, connections and some luck. Perseverance is required!
  • Some jobs may require you to join unions or guilds.

Related Fields

  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Special Education
  • Music Education

Employers

  • Hospitals: general and psychiatric
  • Special education facilities
  • Mental health centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Correctional facilities
  • Private practice
  • Outpatient clinics

Strategies

  • Take courses in psychology, social work, or education.
  • Attend professional conferences.
  • Be involved in music RSOs (Registered Student Organizations).
  • Earn a master's degree in music therapy and seek certification.
  • Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting.
  • Must demonstrate a genuine interest in helping people.

Career Industry Liaison

Name Office Email Phone
Kristy DeWall  223 Bone Student Center  ksdewal@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-2200 

Internship Coordinator

Name Office Email Phone Note
Andrea Crimmins  Centennial West 312  amcrimm@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-8198  Music Therapy Internships 
Cindy Ropp  Centennial West 312  crropp@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-8803  Clinical Internship in Music Therapy