University of Rochester logo
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York

Music Therapist 2

Counselor / TherapistIncludes callFull-Time

Listed compensation

$53K - $75K

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.

Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Job Location (Full Address): 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642 Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular

  • Time Type: Full time Scheduled
  • Weekly Hours: 40
  • Department: 500107 Patient Experience Ofc
  • Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URC 209 H Compensation Range: $25.60 - $35.84 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job

Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Uses music to complement the healing process by addressing the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients, while also improving their quality of life. Provides quality individual and group music therapy interventions to individuals for whom music therapy consults have been made.

Influences behavioral and psychological changes leading to restoration, maintenance, and improvement of health and increased comprehension of self. Develops specific treatment goals for each patient based on patient and family input, as well as feedback from the interdisciplinary team.

Educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the role of music therapy in medical settings. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provides individual music therapy sessions to patients on designated units/areas. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients on a daily basis.

Utilizes evidence-based practice to assess patient and family needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses physiological, psychosocial and/or developmental needs of patients. Uses music therapeutically by incorporating professional expertise and knowledge related to human development and healthcare experiences.

Continually evaluates effectiveness of interventions. Adheres to the Scope of Practice and Code of Professional Practice of The Certification Board for Music Therapists, as well as the Standards of Clinical Practice, Professional Competencies, and Code of Ethics of The American Music Therapy Association.

Prepares specific music interventions for caseload. Attends and participates in appropriate interdisciplinary team meetings/committees. Documents clinical outcomes, program statistics, patient/caregiver/staff satisfaction, efficacy, and research results, as appropriate.

Presents to healthcare team on units/programs served at least once per year. Attends monthly supervision with Music Therapy Manager for minimum of one hour. Discusses successes/concerns with caseload and overall progress, as well any other issues that arise.

Assists in the maintenance of equipment/supplies and adheres to infection control policies. Evaluates and purchases approved supplies and equipment, as needed. Complies with all hospital and department policies and procedures. Provides group music therapy sessions to patients on designated unites/areas.

Provides staff wellness events and special events as needed. Identifies and provides appropriate music resources to patients and their families and maintains these resources to ensure safety and accessibility.

Participates in educational experiences for students and/or professionals through interviews and/or presentations.

May give presentations to departments/programs within the hospital, outside organizations, support groups, or collegiate classes, as well as interviews with high school students/community members expressing interest in music therapy.

Provides shadowing opportunities for students/professionals after completion of six months of work experience at this facility, as determined by the Music Therapy Manager.

Provides supervision of music therapy practicum students and/or interns after completion of one year of work experience at this facility, or as determined by leader. May assist with required paperwork. Participates in music therapy research proposals, protocols, and publications, as appropriate.

Assists with study development, recruitment/consent, implementing intervention, and/or data collection.

Participates in continuing education regarding medical music therapy or other related areas to maintain professional competency and meet continuing education requirements for board certification and licensure, as appropriate.

Assists in program development and advocacy, including grant writing, and communicating with potential donors, as determined by leadership. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited college or university required Master's degree and 2 years relevant experience preferred Or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience related to programming and schedule of music therapy preferred KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Strong knowledge of medical music therapy, including developmentally appropriate practices, patient assessment, and evaluation required Strong knowledge of relevant music and materials required Competent with a variety of musical instruments and skills including transposition, improvisation, song writing, instrumental/vocal arranging, adapting instruments and therapeutic music activities required Apply music therapy principles and techniques to a variety of patient needs, including pediatric, adolescent and adult required Ability to evaluate interventions and demonstrate competencies by providing age-appropriate care to patients and their family required Knowledge of research design and methodology required Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required Demonstrates basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and both Windows & Macintosh systems required LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) Board certified by The Certification Board for Music Therapists (MT-BC) within 180 days required and New York State licensure (LCAT) or limited permit eligible upon hire preferred The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.

In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).

This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward. Learn. Discover. Heal. Create. Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home.

One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.

Key Responsibilities

The Music Therapist provides individual and group interventions to address the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of patients to improve their quality of life. Responsibilities include developing treatment goals, documenting clinical outcomes, and educating caregivers and staff on the role of music therapy.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy and Board Certification (MT-BC) are required. Candidates should possess strong clinical skills in medical music therapy and be eligible for New York State licensure (LCAT).

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Musical Instrument ProficiencyClinical DocumentationInterdisciplinary CollaborationInterpersonal Communication

Counselor Career Context

University of Rochester ranks #11 of 18 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 36% have no call, 70% require no weekends.

Mental Health Therapy by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$35kMental Health Therapy median $75k (middle half $73k–$83k)17 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$32k in purchasing powerNew York index 107.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Mental Health Therapy listings in New York324 active7,950 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 36% remote · 36% no call · 70% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedNew York Counselor listings: 12% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 10% offer loan repayment802 active listings, Nov 2026
New Mental Health Therapy listings2,463 in the last 30 days1,576 the 30 days before (+56%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Mental Health Therapy pay trend−3.7% vs prior quarter—through Oct 2026
University of Rochester#11 of 18 for payTop Employers work-life index
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, Top Employers work-life index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Counselor Jobs

38 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

38 jobs · 26 employers
14
<$80k
16
$80k-95k
2
$95k-110k
4
$110k-125k
2
$141k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

21 jobs
401k / retirement match
90%
Sign-on bonus
24%
CME allowance
24% this job
Loan repayment
19%
PSLF eligible
14%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Mental Health Therapist

LifeStance Health · Lake Oswego, Oregon

$123k-$141k
#2

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

LifeStance Health · West Linn, Oregon

$123k-$141k
#3

NY Licensed DBT Therapist for Adolescents - DBT Master’s or Doctoral - Telehealth - Full-Time

$93k-$120k
#4

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT)

$115k-$120k
+ 36 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.0this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 7,933 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site
  • Includes call

Living in Rochester

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$240k≈ 6.8× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,454/mo≈ 50% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
19 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
97.0
State income tax
Up to 10.9%
Sources & methodology

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

BEA 2024 · Rochester, NY metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.