In the compassionate world of mental health, your music therapist resume is your first opportunity to show hiring managers how you use the healing power of art to improve lives.

Whether you’re an experienced specialist seeking a new challenge or an aspiring newcomer, crafting a strong document is key to standing out in a competitive job market.

This guide includes expertly crafted work resume examples for different roles, detailed professional experiences, additional certifications, and educational backgrounds.

Music therapist resume examples

Mental health music therapist resume

Mental health music therapist resume template

Mental Health Music Therapist Resume
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Mental health music therapist resume sample | Plain text

Angela Martinez

Los Angeles, CA
Email: angela.martinez@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 789-4561

Resume Summary

Dedicated and empathetic board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) with over 8 years of experience working in mental health clinics and inpatient psychiatric settings. Adept at designing personalized music therapy interventions for individuals and groups, fostering emotional regulation, and supporting clients in overcoming trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Professional Experience

Mental Health Music Therapist

Harmony Wellness Center, Los Angeles, CA | January 2019 – Present

  • Design and lead customized music therapy sessions for clients with PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
  • Utilize improvisation, songwriting, and music listening to help patients explore their emotions and process trauma.
  • Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary care teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and case managers.
  • Track patient progress using detailed documentation and data-driven assessments.
  • Conduct group therapy sessions as part of the intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Music Therapy Intern

Sunrise Behavioral Health, Los Angeles, CA | June 2017 – December 2018

  • Assisted senior therapists in delivering evidence-based music therapy sessions for adults in psychiatric care.
  • Facilitated therapeutic drumming and song-based interventions for group sessions.
  • Maintained detailed clinical notes and contributed to case discussions.

Education

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy

California State University, Los Angeles, CA | May 2017

Certifications

  • Trauma-Informed Care Certification, Trauma Institute & Counseling Center | February 2022
  • Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) | June 2017

Skills

  • Cognitive-behavioral music therapy
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Songwriting for therapeutic expression
  • Trauma-informed care techniques
  • Active listening and empathy
  • Progress evaluation and reporting

Why this music therapist resume example works?

  • Emphasizes Angela’s strong clinical experience and ability to manage diverse mental health conditions.
  • Highlights trauma-informed care certification, showing specialized expertise.
  • Demonstrates leadership through intern supervision.
How to format a resume for music therapist?
  • Use modern fonts such as Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid overly decorative ones like Comic Sans or Papyrus.
  • For the body text, use a font size between 10-12 points.
  • Your name at the top can be larger (16-18 points) to stand out.
  • Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
  • Utilize single line spacing, but add a little extra space between sections to improve readability.
  • One-page resume is typically ideal for those with less than 10 years of experience.
  • Avoid passive voice and add active verbs wherever possible.
  • Bullet points are effective for breaking up dense information.
  • Apply keywords from the job posting to align your skills with the employer's needs.
  • Always proofread your draft multiple times, or ask someone else to review it for mistakes.

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Pediatric music therapist resume

Pediatric music therapist resume example

Olivia Patel

Chicago, IL
Email: olivia.patel@gmail.com
Phone: (312) 654-9876

Objective

Passionate and innovative pediatric music therapist with 5 years of experience in hospital and educational settings. Specializing in the use of music to support children’s developmental, social, and emotional growth.

Professional Experience

Pediatric Music Therapist

Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL | May 2021 – Present

  • Conduct individualized music therapy sessions for pediatric patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatments.
  • Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including child life specialists, physical therapists, and psychologists to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
  • Lead group music therapy sessions to encourage peer interaction, teamwork, and socialization among hospitalized children.
  • Provide ongoing education and support to parents, teaching them music-based strategies to continue therapeutic support at home.
  • Document and evaluate patient progress regularly, adjusting therapy approaches to meet evolving needs and ensure positive therapeutic outcomes.

Music Therapy Intern

Bright Futures Learning Center, Chicago, IL | June 2019 – April 2021

  • Led small group activities focusing on fostering social interaction, joint attention, and peer relationships through rhythm, melody, and music-based games.
  • Collaborated with teachers, speech therapists, and special education professionals to track progress on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and adjust therapeutic interventions as needed.
  • Maintained accurate progress notes and assisted in developing long-term therapeutic plans.
  • Supported parents in learning how to integrate music techniques into home routines for continued development.

Education

Master’s Degree in Music Therapy

DePaul University, Chicago, IL | May 2019

Bachelor of Arts in Music

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL | May 2017

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified | January 2023
  • Certified Neurologic Music Therapist | August 2022
  • Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) | May 2019

Skills

  • Child-centered therapy approaches and developmental support
  • Sensory integration techniques for various developmental disabilities
  • Music improvisation and song-writing for emotional and cognitive development
  • Assessment and progress documentation in a clinical and educational setting
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with interdisciplinary teams
  • Familiar with Nordoff-Robbins and Guided Imagery and Music techniques

Professional Development

  • Annual Conference on Pediatric Music Therapy | 2023
  • Advanced Music Therapy Techniques for Children with Autism, Coursera | 2022

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Korean (Intermediate)

Why this music therapy resume is effective?

  • The opening statement is focused and specific, highlighting the candidate’s passion for pediatric music therapy while mentioning key strengths.
  • The inclusion of language skills adds another layer of appeal. This can be especially valuable in multicultural cities or healthcare facilities.
  • Attending specialized conferences and taking courses shows a desire to stay current with best practices and expand their knowledge.
How to choose between resume summary and objective?

An objective is a statement that focuses on your goals, what you’re seeking in a job, and what you aim to contribute. It’s typically used by entry-level candidates, career changers or those with limited experience.

Example of a music therapist resume objective:

Seeking an NMT role where I can apply my expertise in using music-based techniques to enhance the rehabilitation process. Committed to improving functional outcomes through tailored music therapy interventions.

A summary is a brief paragraph outlines your professional experience, skills, and key accomplishments. It’s ideal for professionals and people with specific skills to showcase.

Example of a music therapist resume summary:

Creative and self-motivated music therapist with 4 years of experience providing individualized therapy sessions in a private practice setting. Expertise in developing personalized music-based treatment plans to address clients’ emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Experience working with children, adults, and seniors with a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and developmental disabilities.

How to organize education on a resume of music therapist?

You should include the following details for each entry:

If you're early in your career or just starting, you might put your education at the top of your document.

Hospice music therapist resume

Hospice music therapist resume template

Hospice Music Therapist Resume
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Hospice music therapist resume sample | Plain text

Mark Reynolds

Atlanta, GA
Email: mark.reynolds@gmail.com
Phone: (404) 789-3210

Resume Summary

Compassionate and empathetic Hospice Music Therapist with experience providing end-of-life care through personalized music interventions. Skilled in using music to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being. Dedicated to offering grief support to families and promoting a sense of peace and connection during difficult transitions.

Professional Experience

Hospice Music Therapist

Heartland Hospice Care, Atlanta, GA | March 2017 – Present

  • Lead group music sessions with families, fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting memories through legacy-building activities.
  • Provide grief counseling and bereavement support through music for families before, during, and after the loss of loved ones.
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and chaplains to integrate music therapy into comprehensive care plans.
  • Document progress and maintain detailed patient records in compliance with hospice care standards.

Music Therapy Volunteer

Hospice Atlanta Center, Atlanta, GA | June 2015 – February 2017

  • Assisted in providing live music sessions to patients with life-limiting illnesses, offering comfort and emotional support.
  • Worked closely with the hospice care team to assess patients’ needs and develop appropriate music therapy interventions.
  • Supported patients’ emotional transitions and end-of-life journeys through the therapeutic use of music.
  • Provided support to families, using music as a tool to promote healing and closure during the grieving process.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy

Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA | May 2015

Certifications

  • End-of-Life Doula Training | September 2023
  • Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist | April 2021

Skills

  • Pain and symptom management through music
  • Bereavement and grief support
  • Family-centered music therapy
  • Therapeutic improvisation
  • Interdisciplinary team collaboration
  • Assessment and care plan development
  • Music-assisted relaxation

Professional Development

  • Annual Hospice Music Therapy Conference, 2023
  • Advanced Grief Counseling Training, Online Course | 2022
  • Trauma-Informed Care for Hospice Providers, Online Course | 2021

Additional Information

  • Provide ongoing volunteer music therapy services for local hospice organizations and end-of-life care programs.
  • Contributed to a research paper on the impact of music therapy on pain management in hospice care, presented at the National Music Therapy Conference 2022.

Strong sides of this music therapy resume:

  • Including the volunteer role demonstrates Mark's commitment to his field and his genuine desire to provide care, which strengthens his candidacy.
  • The certifications make him highly qualified for this niche area of therapy and demonstrate that he keeps up with the latest techniques.
  • The overall structure of the document is clear, easy to navigate, and well-organized.
How to list experience on a resume for music therapist?
  • Arrange your occupations in reverse chronological order.
  • Use the official title of your role.
  • Include the name of the company, along with its location (city and state).
  • Specify the dates you worked in each role.
  • Apply bullet points to make your section more readable.
  • Whenever you can, utilize numbers or measurable results.
  • Don't write list job duties; show the positive outcomes of your work.
What skills to put on a therapy resume?
  • Hard skills refer to the technical abilities and knowledge that are acquired through education, training, or experience. They are specific to a particular job or industry.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal attributes and characteristics that affect how you interact with others and navigate the workplace. They are harder to quantify and often relate to emotional intelligence.

Hard skills for music therapy resume:

  • Music therapy techniques (e.g., Nordoff-Robbins, Neurologic Music Therapy, Guided Imagery and Music)
  • Assessment and diagnosis skills
  • Treatment planning and intervention strategies
  • Music improvisation and composition
  • Clinical documentation and progress note writing
  • Proficiency in musical instruments (e.g., guitar, piano, percussion)
  • Knowledge of music therapy ethics and standards
  • Software proficiency (e.g., electronic health records, therapy tracking platforms)
  • Understanding of mental health conditions and developmental disabilities
  • Pain management and symptom control through music
  • Use of music-based relaxation techniques
  • Therapeutic songwriting
  • Ability to design and implement group therapy sessions
  • Experience in multicultural music therapy practices

Soft skills:

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence
  • Communication and active listening
  • Patience and adaptability
  • Interpersonal skills and rapport building
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness
  • Conflict resolution
  • Compassionate care and supportive counseling
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Flexibility and open-mindedness
  • Stress management
  • Confidentiality and professional ethics

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting an impressive music therapist resume is essential for standing out in this rewarding and specialized field.

By focusing on relevant experience, education, certifications, and unique strengths, you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers.

With a well-organized and tailored document, you’ll increase your chances of securing a position that aligns with your expertise.

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