Third Street Music School logo
Third Street Music School
New York, New York

Music Therapist

CounselorPart-Time

Listed compensation

Compensation $70.00 to $80.00/hour

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Part-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1 day ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • Job Title: Music Therapist (Part Time)
  • Department: Music & Dance School
  • Position Reports to: Chief Programs Officer
  • Job Title(s) Reporting to this Position: None

Position Overview

Third Street Music School is seeking a Part-Time Music Therapist to launch and shape a brand-new clinical initiative. This in-person position is scheduled for one afternoon through early evening each week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) and offers the opportunity for expanded hours as the program develops and grows.

Current programming includes sessions for children and youth with diverse abilities, adults with varied support needs, and one-time engagements with community organizations. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to community education, advocacy initiatives, and the ongoing development of the program.

The ideal candidate is an empathetic and adaptable clinician with a passion for working in a community music school setting. They will demonstrate the ability to work independently, engage creatively with varied populations, and contribute to building and shaping a meaningful and impactful program. Third Street’s staff cultivate creativity, connection, and growth while contributing to a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide evidence-based, strengths-oriented music therapy sessions for individuals and small groups.
  • Design, adapt, and lead therapeutic experiences tailored to meet clients' unique clinical goals.

Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and creative expression through music.

Partner with the Music Therapy Consultant to develop, implement, and evaluate the new program.

Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of educators, clinicians, and administrative staff to provide integrated support for families.

  • Collaborate with the Chief Programs Officer and Registrar on scheduling and communication.
  • Support the coordination of community events and internal in-service trainings.
  • Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation, including session notes and treatment plans.
  • Prepare quarterly progress reports for clients.

Participate in department meetings, professional development, and broader Third Street community events when appropriate.

  • Uphold Third Street's core values of access, equity, and inclusion in all areas of practice.
  • Qualifications and Credentials
  • Master's degree in music therapy.
  • MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified).
  • New York State Licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) or (LCAT) pending.
  • Strong clinical musicianship, including proficiency in guitar, piano, percussion, and voice.

At least two years of clinical experience working with diverse populations, including: Neurodivergent children and teens, adults with varied support needs, older adults living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or related conditions.

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with clients, families, and colleagues.
  • Uphold Third Street's core values of access, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
  • Strong documentation and treatment planning skills.
  • Supervision experience (pre-interns, practicum, interns, and teaching experience) is preferred

Compensation

  • $70.00 to $80.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.
  • $32.00 per hour for meetings and professional development.

Start Date: Fall 2026.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed and second-round candidates will be invited for an in-person interview and demo lesson. Only those being considered will be contacted by email/phone for an initial interview.

About Third Street

Third Street Music School Settlement provides weekly access to world-class music and arts instruction to over 6,000 students of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of ability or economic circumstances. Founded in 1894 and celebrating 131 years of service, Third Street is the oldest community music school in the nation and proudly gives tribute to its settlement house roots with access and excellence programs.

Third Street’s programming spans three core pillars

A music-infused Preschool, offering a unique early childhood education experience rooted in the arts.

An offsite Partners Program, providing high-quality music instruction directly into New York City Public Schools, Community Centers, and professional development to the Department of Education.

A vibrant on-site Music & Dance School serving students ages 3 through older adult learners, and supported by a robust calendar of student, faculty, and guest artist public performances.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We strive to create a collegial Third Street community in which faculty and staff of every racial identity feel a sense of belonging, feel supported and valued in their work, and no one feels tokenized.

Third Street is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we seek to build a diverse team that is reflective of the community we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The Music Therapist will design and lead evidence-based, strengths-oriented music therapy sessions for individuals and small groups with diverse needs. They will also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop the program, maintain clinical documentation, and contribute to community education initiatives.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in music therapy and be a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with New York State LCAT licensure or pending status. At least two years of clinical experience working with diverse populations and strong proficiency in multiple instruments are required.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Neurodivergent supportInterpersonal skillsProgram developmentEvidence-based practiceStrengths-oriented therapy

Counselor Career Context

Of the 40 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 45% are remote, 35% have no call, 80% require no weekends.

Mental Health Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 1.9% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$116k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $108k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Annual compensation range

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401k / retirement match
80%
CME allowance
50%
Loan repayment
17%
Sign-on bonus
10%
PSLF eligible
10%

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Work-life snapshot

4.8/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in New York

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$876k
Typical market rent
$4,154/mo
Residents’ average commute
40 min
State income tax
Up to 10.9%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Third Street Music School logo

About Third Street Music School

Musicians
New York, New York
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Part-time schedule (one afternoon/evening per week)
Opportunity for expanded hours as program grows
Professional development opportunities
Community education and advocacy involvement