Music therapist

You'll need to do an approved postgraduate course in music therapy   and then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) .

To get on a postgraduate course in music therapy, you'll usually need a degree in music.

However, you might be accepted if you have an education or psychology degree and you have a high level of music skill.

To apply for a postgraduate course, you'll need 1 or 2 years of paid or voluntary work experience in a health, education or social care setting.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• finance for postgraduate courses|https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do an Arts Therapists Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You'll find it useful to have volunteering experience in health, education or social care.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through the The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT .

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career Tips

You could do an introductory course in music therapy to get an idea of what this work involves.

The British Association for Music Therapy offers short courses . You might also be able to find courses at some music colleges and universities.

Your salary as a music therapist will vary. if you do not work for the NHS. The British Association for Music Therapy can give you advice on recommended rates of pay.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the British Association for Music Therapy for professional recognition, career development and to make contact with other therapists.

Further Information

You can find more advice about careers and training in music therapy from the British Association for Music Therapy and Health Careers .

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions .

As a music therapist you could:

• meet with clients of all ages, families and other professionals
• assess your client's needs, plan therapy goals and prepare for sessions
• use a variety of musical styles and instruments in client-led, group or individual therapy sessions
• monitor progress and have regular sessions with a senior music therapist
• write reports, make recommendations and keep confidential records
• clean and maintain instruments and order supplies

You could work in a therapy clinic, in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.