Find a Music Therapist

Music therapists are hired in different ways based on the setting in which they will work. In many health care settings Music Therapists are members of the Health Sciences Association (HSA) or BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) and therefore their wages and benefits will be set out in the paramedical professional collective agreements. In settings where a collective agreement is not in place the employer and Music Therapist will need to work out an agreement of employment. See the table below for wage guidelines.

What 3 competencies should an employer look for when hiring a music therapist?

1. A music therapist must have completed a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. Graduates before 1990 must have a minimum of a diploma in music therapy. After graduating, music therapists are credentials by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and if qualified, will have the credential Music Therapist Accredited (MTA).

2. MTA status is considered entry level by the MTABC and the CAMT. A music therapist should be a current member in good standing with both the MTABC and the CAMT. Verification of membership for MTABC can be done through membership@mtabc.com or call us at 604-924-0046. For CAMT contact "camt@bellnet.ca" or 1-800-996-CAMT. Most importantly employers should know that membership with the CAMT ensures that the music therapist complies with the bylaws, code of ethics and standards of practice of the profession.

3. Music therapy experience with and/or the ability to articulate the skills and knowledge about the client population. As well the ability to play at least two musical instruments and a solid repertoire of music therapy techniques and interventions appropriate to your needs of those of your facility. As well the music therapist should be able to describe her or his philosophy of therapy including interventions, style, approach, program plans, and expected benefits of music therapy in a given setting.

Wages

The following wage quotes are set by the MTABC. It should be noted that unless there is a union collective agreement in place that outlines wages and benefits that individual Music Therapist rates will vary according to level of education (bachelor, masters and PhD) and years of experience or specialized training.

At present, extended health care plans or the Medical Services Plan does not cover the fees for a music therapist, but there are some funding sources available for specific types of service (see FAQ). Hourly contract rates are for direct intervention time and should include preparation, charting, reports, attendance at care conferences and other relevant meetings, and travel time. Wages are based on the paramedical professional collective agreement grid rates and the appropriate percentage in lieu of benefits (i.e., dental, paid vacation time, education leave, tax, UIC, CPP, paid sick time, pension, LTD, etc.).

Contracts are arrange with the individual music therapists and may be an informal agreement, a letter of agreement, or for institutions, a formal legal contract.