Transforming lives — one note at a time.

**You’ve mastered being a great therapist.

Now you’re ready to lead, build, and expand your impact.**

You’ve seen what music therapy can do for students.

You’ve helped them communicate, connect, and succeed in ways that once felt out of reach.

But you’re ready for more.

More leadership.
More ownership.
More opportunity to shape how music therapy shows up in schools.

At The Music Therapy Center of California (MTC), we’re growing—and we’re looking for a Lead Music Therapist to oversee and expand our school-based services across San Diego.

About Us

Since 2004, MTC has been a leading provider of music therapy for individuals with developmental, neurological, and mental health needs across clinic, community, and school settings.

We believe in:

Inspiring hope
Building inclusive relationships
Delivering exceptional, compassionate care
Empowering people to pursue their potential—one note at a time

We invest deeply in our team so they can do their best work—and grow into meaningful, sustainable careers.

The Role: Lead, Build, and Elevate School-Based Services

As the Lead Music Therapist – Schools, you will oversee our school-based music therapy program—supporting students, guiding therapists, and ensuring high-quality, IEP-aligned services across multiple sites.

This is a role for someone who:

Enjoys both direct service and program leadership
Thrives in dynamic, school-based environments
Can manage schedules, relationships, and clinical quality simultaneously
Wants to grow and shape a program, not just step into one

What You’ll DoProvide School-Based Services

Deliver individual and small-group music therapy sessions (PreK–12)
Use evidence-based interventions to support communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and learning
Adapt sessions for students with autism, developmental disabilities, and diverse learning needs

Lead the Program

Oversee school-based schedules, caseloads, and therapist assignments
Support and mentor music therapists working in school settings
Ensure consistency and quality across multiple school sites
Help expand and strengthen MTC’s presence in schools

IEP & Educational Collaboration

Conduct assessments and re-evaluations
Develop and implement IEP-aligned goals
Write evaluation reports, progress notes, and documentation
Participate in IEP meetings and collaborate with teachers, SLPs, OTs, and other providers

Build Relationships

Serve as a key point of contact for school partners and administrators
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with educational teams
Represent MTC’s mission and standards within school communities

Who You’ll Serve

You’ll work with:

Students with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
Students with developmental and learning disabilities
PreK–12 students receiving special education services

Across:

Multiple school sites throughout San Diego County
Collaborative, multidisciplinary educational teams

What You BringRequired

MT-BC (Board Certified Music Therapist)
Minimum 3 years of music therapy experience
At least 1 year of experience in school settings and/or working with IEPs
Demonstrated leadership, coordination, or program oversight experience
Strong assessment, documentation, and report writing skills
Excellent collaboration and communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple sites, schedules, and responsibilities independently

Preferred

Experience supervising or mentoring therapists
Experience with special education populations
Familiarity with SEMTAP or other school-based assessments
Passion for growing music therapy programs within educational settings

What Makes This Role Different

At MTC, you’re not just stepping into a role—you’re helping shape a program.

We are known for:

Team Development: Ongoing training, mentorship, and leadership growth
Creativity + Science: Evidence-based care infused with artistry
Quality: High standards in both clinical and musical excellence
Community Impact: Expanding access to music therapy across settings
We Are Family: A collaborative, supportive environment where people thrive

Simply put: we invest in you so you can build something meaningful for others.

Compensation & Benefits

Full-time, flexible (school-year or year-round options available)

Financial & Wellness Benefits

$1,000 signing bonus
$1,000 contract completion bonus
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums
PTO + paid sick days
7 paid days off between Christmas & New Year
3% IRA retirement match
Mileage reimbursement
Phone stipend

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to:

Lead and grow a school-based music therapy program
Support students and teams in meaningful, measurable ways
Mentor therapists and elevate clinical quality
Expand access to music therapy in education

We’d love to meet you.

We’d love to schedule a 30-minute introductory video call to learn about your journey and share more about the role.

Email your resume and spirit animal to:
Julie Guy, COO & Director of Excellence
julie@themusictherapycenter.com
619-299-1411

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Are you willing to relocate to San Diego for this position?
Do you have a car, valid drivers license, insurance and are willing to drive between office locations and contract sites?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

clinical: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

certification from the Board of Music Therapists (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

San Diego, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

The Music Therapy Center of California jobs

Lead Music Therapist (MT-BC)-Schools Program