Elevate Your Next Pediatric Music Therapy Interview with These Four Tips

After spending over a decade in my current position, I remember vividly what it’s like to explore new job opportunities. A few years back, my husband and I considered moving to a new part of the country, and I ended up interviewing for a few different music therapy positions. Although we ultimately chose to stay put, the experience of exploring other offers gave me a chance to reflect on how interviewing evolves when you’re no longer a new grad but a therapist more experience. No matter where you are in your journey, certain interview essentials ring true. Here are my top four tips for making the best impression in your interview.

1. Be Curious and Informed: Know the Heart of the Hospital

Walking into an interview ready to show that you genuinely care about the hospital’s mission, culture, and values can make all the difference. Sure, there’s the basic research we all do, but for a pediatric music therapy position, it helps to go a step further. Hospitals are often passionate about their unique approach to care, and showing that you’re excited to be a part of that speaks volumes.

Look for things like...

• Community Initiatives – Check for local programs or partnerships.

• Specialized Units or Programs – Note areas like oncology or NICU if relevant.

• Core Values – Identify key values (e.g., compassion, innovation) and any examples.

• Family and Staff Support – Look for wellness or family support programs.

• Diversity and Inclusion – Check for language services or cultural programs.

• Dig into the Details: Look for annual reports, patient stories, and community initiatives that can give you a better feel for what they value. These extra details can help you connect your experiences to what they’re doing.

  
  

• Get The Gossip: If you can, find online forums or groups where current or former employees share their perspectives. It’s a great way to get a sense of the hospital’s culture and what it’s like to work there.

Questions You Could Ask:

• "Are there any upcoming initiatives that the music therapy team will be involved in?"

• "How would you describe the hospital’s role in the community, and are there specific ways the music therapy team connects with or supports this role?"

2. Be Prepared—Clinically & Musically

In music therapy, being adaptable to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances is essential. This means coming prepared with a variety of musical skills and being ready to ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role. Pediatric music therapy often requires you to work with diverse age groups, each with different developmental and emotional needs. One helpful approach is to bring a few go-to songs that are appropriate for different age groups so you’re ready to share musical examples on the spot if asked.

• Have 2-3 Age-Appropriate Songs Ready: Choose songs that would resonate with different age groups, whether supporting infant development, more complex or directive experiences for young/school age children and something current that teenage/young adult patients may resonate with. This shows you’re prepared and taken into consideration the differing age groups you may encounter in the medical setting.

  
  

• Share Real-Life Stories for Each Age Group: Prepare one story for each age group that aligns with common pediatric goals, such as building trust, supporting sensory development, or encouraging self-expression. If you don’t have medical experience yet, think about transferable skills and relevant examples from past internships or job roles to demonstrate your ability to connect and adapt in similar settings.

Having these examples ready can highlight your versatility and genuine care for the therapeutic process, whether you’re drawing from direct clinical experience or related experiences.

Questions to Ask The Team:

• "Are there particular musical styles or instruments that tend to resonate well with your pediatric patients here?"

• "How does the team typically approach creating developmentally appropriate interventions for different age groups?"

3. Be Confident and Authentic

Interview nerves are natural, especially when you care about the opportunity. But confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means trusting in your skills and being open to learning along the way. Working in a pediatric setting requires us to project a sense of calm, especially with the patients and families we are working with. It’s okay to mention areas you’re still exploring—it shows that you’re not just confident but also committed to growth.

• Practice with Someone You Trust: A friend, colleague, or mentor can be great for a quick run-through. Sometimes, even just talking out loud helps you find that balance between confidence and openness.

  
  

• Highlight Growth Areas as Strengths: When you talk about areas you’re still learning, frame them as opportunities you’re eager to pursue. For instance, “I’ve seen success using [a certain approach], and I’m excited to explore [another technique] to broaden my skills even more.”

Questions to Ask The Team:

• "What are some challenges that past music therapists have faced here, and are there areas you’d like a new team member to grow in?"

• "How does the team support ongoing professional development or growth in therapeutic techniques?"

• "Are there opportunities for collaboration across teams or with other therapy disciplines that could support my growth?"

4. Show Your Medical and Developmental Knowledge

Working in pediatric music therapy often requires more than just musical expertise; it’s about understanding the medical and developmental needs of each patient. Departments or teams appreciate therapists who can speak confidently about how music therapy supports developmental milestones or provides comfort during medical procedures. Demonstrating this knowledge helps show that you’re ready to integrate music therapy within the larger medical team and tailor your approach to each patient's unique circumstances.

• Understand Common Diagnoses and Their Impact: Take time to familiarize yourself with the common medical conditions in pediatric settings—whether it’s cancer, chronic illnesses, or developmental disorders. Mentioning specific interventions or approaches you might use to support children with these conditions can show your preparedness.

  
  

• Link Developmental Theory to Practice: If possible, share examples of how you’ve used music therapy to support developmental milestones, like building sensory skills in infants or encouraging self-expression in adolescents. This can help interviewers see that you’re not only aware of developmental theory but can apply it in real-life therapeutic settings. It also helps them visualize you better in the role!

Questions to Ask The Team:

• "What common diagnoses or medical needs should I be prepared to encounter in this role?"

• "Are there any specific developmental milestones or goals the team prioritizes for different age groups?"

• "How does the music therapy team collaborate with other medical professionals to support both the medical and developmental needs of patients?"

Interviewing for your first or a new role can feel like a big step, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience to share. By focusing on preparation, showing your knowledge, and bringing genuine curiosity and confidence to the table, you can create a powerful connection that goes beyond your resume. Remember, each interview is an opportunity to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for helping patients and their families. Trust in the journey you’ve taken to get here, and know that the right position will recognize the unique impact you’re ready to make. Keep learning, stay true to yourself, and let your dedication shine—you’ve got this!