35 Music Therapist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Music Therapist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. How would your former employer describe you?
How to Answer
Interviewers can call your former employer for a reference, so they may already know how your former employer would describe you. The interviewer wants to see what qualities your former employer sees in you, which gives them an idea of what type of employee you will be. If you have a letter of reference or performance review, you can use keywords that your former employer used to describe you in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my letter of recommendation that I received from my former employer, they described me as compassionate, energetic, dependable, and creative. They wrote that I was an excellent team member and that I genuinely care about my patients, family members, and coworkers."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Describe a session that went really well. Why was it successful and what did your patient gain from it?
How to Answer
As a music therapist, you must have many stories of sessions that went very well. The interviewer wants to hear your story about a session that stands out in your mind, why it went well, and how the patient benefitted from the session. Your answer gives the interviewer insight into how you work as a music therapist and analyze the patient's response.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have many sessions that I feel go very well, but one that stands out the most is a session I had last week with a young boy. He had broken his femur and was working with a team of physical therapists who were trying to get him to walk again. He was scared that it would hurt and was resistant to physical therapy. I was called by one of the therapists who heard that the patient loved music and dancing. I met with the patient and found out he loved Justin Timberlake and wanted to be like him when he grew up. I asked him if he would work with the physical therapists and try walking if I played his favorite song, and he agreed. He pretended like he was dancing as he took each step and discovered he didn't feel the pain as much when he focused on the music. I felt that was a very successful session."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Describe a session plan that did not go well. Why was it not successful and what did you learn from it?
How to Answer
There may be times when music therapy sessions do not go well. The patient may be nonverbal or low functioning, and you might not be able to tell if therapy is working for them. Or, there might be a patient who does not participate or becomes agitated with a particular song. The interviewer wants to see that you realize when a session does not go well and how you problem solve and learn from the experience. Describe a time a session did not go well and what you learned from it.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a session with a teenage patient who had suffered horrible abuse when they were younger. I worked with them individually, and when I pulled out my guitar from its case, the patient became extremely agitated and withdrawn. I had a feeling that my guitar triggered some memories and emotions, and I put the guitar away. Later I found out from a social worker that the patient had been beaten by their stepfather with a guitar and that using my guitar would not be useful in therapy. I learned that it was important to find out those details before starting a new session with a patient."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
4. How do you handle conflict?
How to Answer
In any profession, you will inevitably be faced with conflict. It could be a dispute with a coworker, your manager, a patient, or a family member. The interviewer wants insight into your communication and conflict resolution skills to determine if you will be easy to work with if hired. Give an example of when you encountered conflict in the workplace and how you handled the situation. If you have not experienced conflict in the workplace, describe how you would handle a dispute.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I handle conflict by meeting it head-on. When I have a conflict with another person, I like to ask them to speak in private and discuss what is going on. I do not like to leave the conversation until we have amicably resolved the conflict and both of us are happy with the resolution. For example, I had a conflict with a family member who attended family music therapy sessions with her son. During the session, she would constantly tell her son that he was not playing the instrument correctly and disrupt the therapy. After the session was over, I asked if we could speak in private, which she agreed to. I explained how her correcting her son during therapy was counter-productive and that she was interrupting the session. I explained that he needed to play the instrument how he wanted and that the idea of therapy is not to play the instrument perfectly but to enjoy the experience. The patient's mother was unaware of what she was doing and thanked me for bringing it to her attention. After that, she made a point of staying quiet and letting her son enjoy the experience."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
5. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
How to Answer
Having compassion for others is a desirable trait to have as a music therapist. You work with patients who are in pain, who are near the end of their lives, and who have physical and emotional trauma. The interviewer wants to hear that you consider yourself a compassionate person and that you will be a good fit for their organization. Give an example of why you consider yourself a person with compassion for others.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I do consider myself a compassionate person. I believe everyone in healthcare needs to have compassion for their patients and try to put themselves in their shoes. I genuinely care about my patients and want them to live their best lives. I listen and empathize with my patients and do not pass judgment. I do not think it is hard to be kind towards others and treat all patients the same, with kindness and respect."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
6. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
There will be stressful situations when working as a music therapist, as you are working with a variety of patients with different physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. Some patients might be non-verbal and unable to express themselves very well, or you may even encounter a patient who is having a medical emergency. The interviewer wants to see that you can remain calm and professional in stressful situations and hear how you do so.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I handle stressful situations by remaining calm and focused on the situation. I realize stress is part of my job, and instead of letting stress negatively affect me, I reflect and try to figure out what is causing the situation to be stressful. Once I identify what is making the situation stressful, I can then find a remedy. For example, I had a patient who started having a seizure in a group therapy session. The other patients became very agitated, making the situation more stressful than it would have been. After I called 911, I explained to the other patients what was happening and asked them to remain calm until help arrived. I made sure the patient having the seizure didn't hurt themself, and the other patients calmed down when they realized the situation was under control."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
7. How do you handle difficult patients?
How to Answer
Music therapists work with a variety of patients with mental, physical, and cognitive difficulties. There will be times that you will have a patient that is difficult to work with, and the interviewer wants to hear how you communicate, and problem solve. It is critical to remain calm, empathetic, and compassionate to your patient's needs. Describe how you professionally handle difficult patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have a difficult patient, I take the time to discover why they are being difficult while being empathetic to their situation. I have found that sometimes a certain song will trigger an undesirable emotion, which is why the patient is acting out. I change my approach to therapy based on each patient's needs."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
8. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
This question is often asked during interviews, so the interviewer can see if you have the qualities they are looking for. Describe a strength that applies to the job, and describe how that strength benefits you in your profession. Review the job announcement and look for the qualifications they list for their ideal candidate, and choose one quality or trait as your strength. For example, if they are looking for a candidate who is empathetic, compassionate, creative, and patient, use one of those keywords to describe your greatest strength.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am empathetic and can sense the emotions and feelings of those around me. I am able to read verbal and non-verbal clues from my clients, which helps me understand how they are feeling and what treatment plan will work best for them. My clients trust me and feel that I genuinely care about them."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Behavioral
9. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
This question is a commonly asked question during interviews. The interviewer wants to see if you have identified something that you could improve upon and what steps you are taking to turn your weakness into a strength. Identify an area relevant to the job where you would like to enhance and explain what measures you are taking.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is that I sometimes take on too many projects because I have a hard time saying no. I have identified it as a weakness because taking time for myself was always put on the back burner, leaving me feeling stressed. To improve my weakness, I started using an online calendar where I detail everything I have going on each day. I put time for myself in my calendar, much like an appointment with myself. If someone asks me to help with a project or take on a new one, I look at my calendar and tell them when I am available. So far, it has made it easier to say no, and I am feeling much less stressed."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Communication
10. How are your communication skills?
How to Answer
Having excellent communication skills is essential for music therapists to have. You need to communicate in written and verbal form, read body language, and actively listen to your patients. Describe your communication skills and give an example of how you communicate.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My communication skills are excellent. I feel communication skills are one of the most important aspects of this job. I actively listen to my patients and watch their body language to see if music therapy works for them. I explain to the patient and their family members what their treatment plan entails and must communicate with other team members to be on the same page. I also document my findings in the patient's medical chart, so it is important that I have excellent written communication skills."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Communication
11. How do you describe music therapy when explaining what it is you do for work?
How to Answer
Music therapy is defined as 'the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.' The interviewer wants to hear how you describe music therapy when speaking of your profession to others who may not understand what music therapy is.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I am explaining music therapy to others, I describe it as using music to address the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social needs of an individual based on their specific needs. I explain that I use a variety of activities such as playing music, singing, writing songs, and guided imagery to help people improve their health and well-being."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Direct
12. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
There are likely many qualified candidates for the position. The interviewer wants to hear why you are unique and would be the best fit for their organization. Review the job announcement and look for the qualifications they list for their ideal candidate. Use those qualities in your response, highlighting that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am the best candidate for you because I meet all of your qualifications and have five years of experience working with the pediatric population. I see that you prefer a music therapist with a master's degree in music therapy, which I obtained four years ago. I am honest, compassionate, energetic, and creative and have demonstrated competence with a variety of art modalities and musical instruments."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Direct
13. What do you know about our organization?
How to Answer
Before interviewing with an organization, it is recommended to learn everything you can about them. By doing your research, the interviewer will see that you are serious about working for their organization and eager and excited to learn all that you can. You can visit their website to learn about their mission and vision statement, who is on staff and the clientele they serve, who the CEO is, how long they have been in business, and client reviews. You can also visit the organization, talk to staff, and read online reviews.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"Your organization provides high-quality inpatient psychiatric services for patients five to seventeen years old, with a dedicated 24-hour multidisciplinary team. Your CEO is Heather Thomas, whose mission is to provide intensive, individualized treatment so children can improve their social and coping skills and have a brighter future. You have recently added an additional wing to your facility and are looking to add 50 new team members by the end of this year."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Direct
14. How did you hear about this position?
How to Answer
Employers spend a lot of money advertising and recruiting new employees, and they like to know which methods are working the best. Some agencies have employee referral programs where they pay their employees a referral fee if they recommend an employee that gets hired. Describe how you heard about the position and give the employee's name if someone in their company referred you.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I heard about this position on Glassdoor. I signed up a month ago to get alerts when there were new music therapist job openings in the area, and you were the first opening that popped up."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Direct
15. Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
Often, at the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. You always want to answer 'yes' and ask a question or two that wasn't answered in their job announcement or when researching the company. You might ask about the work schedule, the start date if hired, how you will hear back from them (by phone or email), what they like most about working for the company, or what a typical day would like for you as a music therapist for their organization. Avoid asking questions about sick leave, salary, or benefits, as these will be discussed with Human Resources when they offer you the job.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, thank you, I do have a question for you. What do you like most about working for this organization?"
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
16. What do you like most about being a music therapist?
How to Answer
There are many aspects of being a music therapist that is appealing. You might enjoy working with a particular age group, improving cognitive and motor skills, or seeing a decrease in anxiety and depression in your clients through music. The interviewer wants to hear what you like most about your career to know why you are passionate about your job and determine if you will be a good fit for their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"It's hard to choose just one thing that I like most about working as a music therapist since there are so many aspects of the job that I love. I guess what I like most is seeing the positive impact music has on my clients. I have typically worked with people with Alzheimer's, and it is amazing to see their faces light up with recognition when certain songs are played."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
17. What is your primary instrument?
How to Answer
Music therapists must display competence on several musical instruments: voice, piano, guitar, and percussion. In addition to those four key instruments, Music therapists also must have a primary, or major, instrument they play. The interviewer wants to hear what instrument you have as your major instrument to determine what abilities you will bring to their organization if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My primary instrument is the flute. I learned how to play the flute in fourth grade, and it has been my favorite instrument to play ever since."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
18. What is your favorite musical instrument to play in therapy sessions?
How to Answer
Music therapists must display competence on several musical instruments: voice, piano, guitar, and percussion. Other musical instruments can also be used in music therapy, and the interviewer wants to hear which one you favor. Describe what is your favorite musical instrument to play in therapy and explain why.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My favorite musical instrument to play in therapy sessions is the guitar. I like playing the guitar because it is portable, and most patients seem to enjoy the guitar over other instruments I bring."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
19. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
When the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself, they want to hear about your past, present, and future as a music therapist. Briefly talk about how you decided to pursue a career in music therapy, where you presently work, why you are looking for a change, and where you see yourself with their organization if hired. If you are not currently working because you recently graduated with your degree, substitute that with where you presently work.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was eleven years old, I was hospitalized on and off for two years while undergoing cancer treatments. I had musical therapists who were the best part of my therapy and helped with my pain and mood. I decided I wanted to pursue this type of work when I was older, and I did. I received my bachelor's degree in music therapy and am board-certified. I have worked in a memory care facility for the past two years but applied with your organization when this job opened up because I want to work with children who have cancer."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
20. What do you like to do in your free time?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see what type of personality you have and what interests you have outside of work. They are also looking to know that you have healthy activities or hobbies to help reduce stress. Describe what you enjoy doing on your days off.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my free time, I like to practice using musical instruments that I am unfamiliar with, taking ceramics and painting classes with my son, gardening, and cooking. I also enjoy many different types of physical activities, with my favorites being disc golf, trail running, and rock climbing."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
21. What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a music therapist?
How to Answer
There are a variety of things music therapists can do to improve themselves in their careers. There are annual conferences, publications, journals, online news, forums, and courses you can take to improve yourself as a music therapist. The interviewer wants to hear if you take the initiative to better yourself and how you have done that in the past year.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have done several things to better myself in the past year. I attended the American Music Therapy Association virtual conference in October, where I learned about various topics that I can apply to my practice. I also subscribe to the Journal of Music Therapy, where I stay up-to-date on the latest research and music theories. Last December, I took drumming lessons to improve my drumming skills and learned how to play the harmonica."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
22. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what professional goals you have set for yourself. Some new music therapists may have goals to gain experience in their field and continue working as music therapists, while others may have plans of advancing their careers through higher education or opening their own practice. The interviewer wants to determine if your career goals align with the organization and see if you will be a long-term or short-term employee. If you plan to open your own practice, the interviewer may look at you as a short-term candidate and may not hire you. So, it might be best to explain what your career goals look like within their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"My career goals are to finish the master's program I am enrolled in and advance to a supervisory position in the next five years. That is one reason I am excited to be interviewing with your organization because you offer opportunities for advancement and professional growth."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
23. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a music therapist?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what or who inspired you to choose a career as a music therapist. They want to see the motivation behind your career choice, giving insight into your personality. You may have a relative or friend who is a music therapist, you might have started on another career path and stumbled upon music therapy, or you may have read a book about the positive effects of music therapy. Explain why you decided to pursue a career as a music therapist.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue a career as a music therapist because I love to play music and realized what a positive effect it had on my grandmother who has Alzheimer's. I would visit my grandmother in a memory care facility and bring my guitar and sing and play for her. She would not remember who I was, but when I started playing songs she sang to me when I was a child, it was like a lightbulb switched on, and she would remember my name. That is when the lightbulb switched on for me that this was the career I wanted to pursue."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
24. Why do you feel that music therapy is the right career for you?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear why you feel that you chose the right career and wants to see that you are happy with your choice and will be a long-term employee if hired. They want to hire a music therapist who is passionate about their job, is compassionate and empathetic, patient, and energetic. Explain why you feel that music therapy is the right career for you.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel that music therapy is the right career choice because I see every day how music positively affects my clients. I have seen clients with depression and anxiety learn how to use music to heal themselves and see how music affects clients with cognitive disabilities. I cannot imagine another career that would be better than music therapy."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Discovery
25. When did you realize you wanted to be a music therapist?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear when and why you decided to become a music therapist. They want to learn more about you and your personality and what motivates and inspires you. It might be that you know someone in this field, a guidance counselor or professor encouraged you to become a music therapist, or you or a loved one benefitted from music therapy. Share your story about realizing you wanted to enter this profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I realized I wanted to be a music therapist when I saw the benefits music therapy provided to my younger brother who is autistic. My brother was non-verbal before being introduced to music therapy, and since he started, he now says a few words and lights up when music is played. He has become much calmer with music therapy, and he loves when I play my guitar for him. I decided I wanted to help others like my brother has been helped."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Education
26. How have your professional and educational experiences prepared you to work in this position?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear about your professional and educational background and how they have prepared you to work as a music therapist. Describe your education and degrees and certifications you hold, clinical experience, and paid and volunteer experience.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am prepared to work in this position because I have the qualifications you require. I have a bachelor's degree in music therapy and am a board-certified music therapist; I have completed 1,200 hours of clinical time, I am Basic Life Support and CPR certified, and I have worked as a music therapist for three years in a clinical setting. I have also volunteered at a senior living facility for the past five years."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Education
27. Tell me about your education.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you have the education needed to work as a music therapist. Some organizations may require a bachelor's degree, while others may prefer a master's degree. If you made it to the interview, you must have the education necessary for the position. Briefly talk about your relevant education and the certifications and degrees you have to work as a music therapist.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have a bachelor's degree in music therapy from Purdue University and am a board-certified music therapist."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
28. How do you go about involving family members in patient treatment?
How to Answer
There are many ways to get family members involved in patient treatment using music therapy. The first is to communicate with the family and explain the importance of their involvement and the goal for the patient. Explain how music therapy works and how they can incorporate it into their daily lives. When the family understands how they can help the patient by being involved, they will typically be more likely to participate. You can give suggestions to the family on how they can assist the patient in their treatment by making or purchasing musical instruments, playing music, singing and dancing with the patient, or watching music videos. The interviewer wants to hear your techniques to involve family members in your patient treatment plan.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have found the best way to get family members involved is to explain what music therapy is and the benefits of their involvement in the patient treatment plan. I will ask them to attend therapy sessions with the patient and continue using music therapy in the home. I give them suggestions on how to participate in the patient treatment at home and give examples of musical instruments they can purchase or instruments they can make using household items. I also explain the benefits of playing music at home and dancing. I have found that when the family is involved, patients have better outcomes in their treatment."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
29. What activities do you suggest to help a patient in their continued recovery after discharge?
How to Answer
There are various activities you can suggest to help patients after discharge. You can suggest writing songs, playing a musical instrument, singing songs, listening to a favorite musical artist, creating a playlist, or watching music videos. Explain to the interviewer how you suggest activities based on the patient's needs.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"The activities I suggest depend on the patient's needs. I might suggest they make a favorite playlist of music, watch music videos, meditate or do yoga with soothing music, or play a musical instrument."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
30. What do you do when a patient is reluctant to participate in music therapy sessions?
How to Answer
Patients cannot be forced to participate in music therapy. If a patient is reluctant, the music therapist can try a different approach or enlist family members to participate, which might make the patient want to join in. The interviewer wants to hear how you work with patients who are reluctant to participate in music therapy to see your approach and working style.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have a patient that is reluctant to participate, and they are verbal, I ask them why they do not want music therapy. Based on their answer, I will adjust my approach. If a patient is nonverbal, I will ask family members or caregivers to join in, which sometimes helps the patient see that music therapy is enjoyable. I never force a patient to participate and respect their wishes if they do not want me to perform music therapy."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
31. What type of intervention do you use when working with nonverbal patients or patients who are very low functioning?
How to Answer
There are four types of interventions used in music therapy: receptive, re-creation, improvisation, and composition/songwriting. Depending on the patient's needs, the music therapist will determine which type of intervention will be most effective. Receptive and re-creation interventions are appropriate for non-verbal and low functioning patients, as well as some types of improvisation. Composition/songwriting interventions may not work as well with nonverbal or low functioning patients. The interviewer wants to see what intervention(s) you would choose when working with nonverbal or low functioning patients to assess your therapy style.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When working with nonverbal or low functioning patients, I like to use a variety of interventions and see which elicits the best response. I typically start with a receptive intervention and will move to improvisation if I do not see the results I am looking for."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
32. How would you describe your music therapy approach/philosophy?
How to Answer
There are many different approaches and philosophies surrounding music therapy. Most of these approaches have the goal of a patient's well-being. However, how music therapy is used, data is collected, and treatment goals are made are different. There are behavioral music therapy, neurologic music therapy, aesthetic music therapy, biomedical music therapy, and many more different approaches. The interviewer wants to hear what music therapy method or philosophy you use.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I was taught many different approaches to music therapy when receiving my bachelor's degree. It depends on the population you are working with what type of approach will be best. I find that the behavioral music therapy approach seems to work the best for most of my patients. I typically use the cognitive behavioral music therapy approach when working with higher functioning clients with mental health issues. It really just depends on my client and their individual needs."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
33. Talk about your experiences as part of an interdisciplinary team. What was music therapy's unique contribution?
How to Answer
Music therapists are members of an interdisciplinary team of education, healthcare, and other professionals who work together to address the needs of their patients. Music therapists collaborate with nurses, physicians, social workers, psychiatrists, patients, family members, and more to contribute to the patient's health and well-being. Describe how you worked with an interdisciplinary team and how your work contributed uniquely to the patient's needs.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have worked as a music therapist for three years, and all of my experiences have been working with interdisciplinary teams. I collaborate with social workers, patients, family members, caregivers, physicians, and nurses to develop a treatment plan for each patient based on their individual needs. I have found that music therapy is unique in that it improves patients' health, mood, and well-being without pharmaceutical intervention."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
34. What music therapy techniques have you used? Which one was most effective?
How to Answer
There are various techniques for music therapy, such as drumming, singing familiar songs, listening to live or recorded music, playing instruments, and writing and composing songs. The interviewer wants to hear that you utilize various techniques and wants to see what you have found to be the most effective. Consider the types of patients the organization treats, and tailor your answer to fit the needs of the patient demographic.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"I use a variety of music therapy techniques. I consider what type of patient I am treating and their individual needs and then design therapy sessions using techniques I feel would be best for them. I feel that the most effective technique is when I play my patient's favorite music on my guitar or piano and invite them to play along while either drumming or playing hand percussion."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Operational
35. If you have a parent who is skeptical about using music therapy for their child, what do you do to convince them that music therapy can be beneficial?
How to Answer
There will be people who are skeptical about music therapy. It could be patients, family members, or other healthcare providers. Although music therapy is science-based and not a hoax, there will be times you will need to 'convince' skeptics that music therapy is beneficial to most patients. The most obvious way to convince a parent that music therapy could be helpful to their child is to have them observe a session. They can see what type of response their child has to music to determine if music therapy will be beneficial.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have a parent who is skeptical about music therapy, I explain the origins of music therapy and how it goes back hundreds of years to help pain and stress management. I invite them to participate in a session with their child to see how they respond, and if they are happy with their child's response, they will see how music therapy can help with their child's treatment plan."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 7th, 2021