Music Therapists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (60%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (27%)

• Document evaluations, treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Participate in continuing education.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Compose, arrange, or adapt music for music therapy treatments.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Design or provide music therapy experiences to address client needs, such as using music for self-care, adjusting to life changes, improving cognitive functioning, raising self-esteem, communicating, or controlling impulses.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Customize treatment programs for specific areas of music therapy, such as intellectual or developmental disabilities, educational settings, geriatrics, medical settings, mental health, physical disabilities, or wellness.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Gather diagnostic data from sources such as case documentation, observations of clients, or interviews with clients or family members.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan or structure music therapy sessions to achieve appropriate transitions, pacing, sequencing, energy level, or intensity in accordance with treatment plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Engage clients in music experiences to identify client responses to different styles of music, types of musical experiences, such as improvising or listening, or elements of music, such as tempo or harmony.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Select or adapt musical instruments, musical equipment, or non-musical materials, such as adaptive devices or visual aids, to meet treatment objectives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for therapy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collaborate with others to design or implement interdisciplinary treatment programs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Apply selected research findings to practice.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments or therapy approaches.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Adapt existing or develop new music therapy assessment instruments or procedures to meet an individual client's needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Apply current technology to music therapy practices.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct, or assist in the conduct of, music therapy research.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, or other abilities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Integrate behavioral, developmental, improvisational, medical, or neurological approaches into music therapy treatments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Identify and respond to emergency physical or mental health situations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns engaged in music therapy activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assess the risks and benefits of treatment termination for clients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task