THERAPIST, MUSIC
Therapist, Music is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
Candidates need a bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $58,818 to $85,742, and state payroll currently lists about 14 people in the title, most of them at Health and Senior Services.
How to get hired
- Therapist, Music is non-competitive, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the education and experience stated in the specification.
- Apply directly to the hiring agency when a vacancy is posted. The agency verifies that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Because there is no eligible list, hiring timelines are set by the agency rather than by a statewide certification.
Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 14 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $77,665. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (12)
- Human Services (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the direction of a supervisory officer in a state or local institution or agency, assists in the design, overseeing, and implementation of a program of music therapy; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- As a member of the therapeutic treatment team plans, develops implements, and conducts music therapy by applying the elements of musical experience with individuals in a purposeful and systematic way to help them to establish, improve, or modify specific emotional, social, and physical responses essential to the realization of that individual's fullest potential.
- Participates in music therapy as a member of the individual client's treatment team.
- Assists in the development of client's treatment or service plan, evaluates new clients for the music therapy program, and documents progress for the above as required.
- Makes initial and ongoing evaluations of the client including direct contact and observation in the music therapy process, as well as other appropriate areas, and documents same.
- Determines long and short term music therapy goals in relation to the individual initial and comprehensive treatment plan for the client.
- Observes clients in the music therapy program and maintains a record of progress and behavior by writing progress notes on the individual's chart.
- Provides both written and oral feedback for review with the treatment team.
- As may be required, oversees the performance and provides in-service training to volunteers, aides, technicians, and paraprofessional staff in music therapy programs.
- Participates and assists in planning music therapy aspects of creative arts oriented events and special programs including weekend and evening activities.
- Assists in the overseeing of special music events, special activities, and creative art therapy programs for the unit for individual clients and helps in other special programs as appropriate and requested.
- Requisitions and maintains music therapy equipment and supplies, and oversees the proper use of these by staff and volunteers.
- Prepares detailed reports and correspondence as required.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with a major course of study in music, music therapy or music education.
Experience
One (1) year of professional experience in a Music Therapy Program.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the principles and methods of providing therapy through the music medium.
- Knowledge of the goals and objectives of music therapy.
- Ability to understand the emotional and other problems of patients who are confined to an institution.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and review the music therapy program.
- Ability to establish and maintain sound working relationships with other professional and non-professional employees in a hospital or institutional setting.
- Ability to express oneself concisely and clearly in both the written and verbal medium.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's degree in music therapy or creative music therapy or music education with a specialization in music therapy may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.