Music therapists work with children, adults and older people with disabilities, addictions and disorders, as well as those recovering from illness or disease. Therapists and clients take an active part in their sessions, both playing, singing, listening and improvising. Music therapists aim to use music to help clients: 

• express themselves
• develop insight and create ways of relating to other people
• become aware of their feelings
• interact with other people more confidently
• bring about positive changes in their lives.

Music therapists do not teach music. They encourage clients to try different instruments and use their own voices to explore sound and create their own method of communication through music. The type of music depends on the needs and interests of the client, and is spontaneously produced by the client and therapist. Therapy can take place in a group and on a one-to-one basis.

Music therapists work closely with a range of other health care professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and psychologists.

Music therapists are state registered and regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Hours and Environment

Music therapists can work full- or part-time, however, they often need to be flexible to accommodate their clients' needs.

As a music therapist you can work in a range of places including schools, prisons, hospitals, retirement homes and day centres. You may need to travel between centres, so a driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

As a music therapist you should:

• be an excellent communicator
• be a skilled musician
• have the desire to understand and assist people
• have a lively and imaginative approach to work, able to work with clients in different ways
• have a good understanding of the principles and working practice of therapy
• have the ability and patience to establish and sustain a potentially lengthy therapeutic relationship.

Entry

To work as a music therapist you need to complete a postgraduate course accredited by the Association of Professional Music Therapists (APMT) and recognised by the Health Professions Council (HPC). Both organisations hold details of approved courses; see Further Information for contact details.

The entry requirements for a postgraduate diploma or Masters in Music Therapy will usually include three years of musical training leading to a diploma or graduateship from a college of music, or a degree in music from a university. Occasionally graduates with a degree in a subject such as education or psychology, who also have a high standard of musical competence will be accepted on to an accredited postgraduate course. 

To get onto a music degree course you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/H grades including music; you will also need to pass an audition. You may also be expected to have at least grade 6 on your main instrument.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Many institutions offering postgraduate music therapy courses will also expect you to have paid or voluntary work experience with children and/or people with disabilities.   

Many people go into music therapy following a career as a professional musician, or after working in an area such as teaching, community or social work.

Training

Music therapy courses approved by the APMT and HPC are offered by several institutions.

On the postgraduate or Masters course you will have lectures, seminars and workshops covering areas such as psychology, early infant development, psychodynamics, psychiatry, and the theory of music therapy. You will develop clinical music skills and attend work placements in hospitals, schools and other centres in the community, working with adults and children.

As a practising music therapist you will receive regular supervision from an experienced therapist who is trained as a supervisor. You can also attend short courses or workshops to continue your professional development.

Opportunities

There are over 300 music therapists registered in the UK.

As a music therapist, you will find most opportunities for work in the NHS, in education, social services, the prison service and in the voluntary sector. Many therapist work part-time, freelance or on a sessional or temporary basis.

There are opportunities to work in private practice as a self-employed music therapist.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A newly qualified music therapist can earn around £23,000 a year.
With experience, this salary can rise to around £42,000 a year.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk 10 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866 61 Church Hill Road
East Barnet
Hertfordshire
EN4 8SY
Tel: 020 8440 4153