Music therapists use music to help people improve their mental health, communication, and overall well-being. They work with individuals or groups of all ages who may be dealing with a variety of challenges, such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, neurological conditions, or developmental disorders. The work often involves improvising music, songwriting, or listening activities tailored to each client's needs. Music therapists are employed in NHS hospitals, community health services, schools, care homes, and private practice. To become a music therapist in the UK, you need to complete a postgraduate degree in music therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and be a skilled musician yourself.
Music therapists in the UK typically start on Band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, which is around £28,407 per year.
With experience, music therapists can earn between £35,392 and £42,618 per year (NHS Band 6).
There are approximately 1,200 registered music therapists in the UK according to the British Association for Music Therapy.
Works specifically with children and young people, using music to support their emotional, social, and cognitive development in schools, hospitals, or community settings.
Specialises in using music therapy techniques to help people recovering from brain injuries, strokes, or neurological conditions improve their movement, speech, or memory.
Focuses on supporting individuals with mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, through tailored music-based interventions in clinics or community programmes.
Research what music therapy involves and what music therapists do.
Read articles, watch videos, or attend talks about music therapy. Try to find out what working as a music therapist is like and the kind of impact it can have on people. Look for professional bodies, such as the British Association for Music Therapy, for resources.
Practise and improve your ability to play at least one musical instrument and sing.
Most music therapy courses require applicants to be proficient in at least one instrument, preferably more. Consider taking graded music exams or joining local ensembles to build your confidence and skills.
Look for volunteering opportunities with vulnerable groups or in care environments.
Experience working with children, older adults, or people with disabilities is highly valued. You could help at care homes, community arts projects, or hospitals. This will help you develop communication and empathy skills.
Obtain the necessary academic qualifications, typically a degree in music, psychology, or a related subject.
Most music therapy postgraduate courses require a good honours degree (usually 2.2 or above) in music or a related field. If your degree is in another subject, strong evidence of musical proficiency is usually required.
Apply for an approved master's degree in music therapy.
In the UK, you need to complete a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved postgraduate course in music therapy. These are usually two-year full-time or three-year part-time MA or MSc programmes. Courses include clinical placements and supervised practice.
Register as a music therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
After successfully completing your approved training, you must register with the HCPC to practise legally as a music therapist in the UK. This also involves ongoing professional development.
Apply for music therapist roles in a range of settings.
Jobs are available in the NHS, private healthcare, charities, schools, hospices, and community projects. You may also work freelance or set up your own private practice. Continuing professional development and supervision are important parts of the role.
Art therapists use visual art to help individuals manage emotional, mental, or physical challenges and encourage self-expression.
Occupational therapists assist people of all ages to overcome physical, mental, or social problems caused by illness, ageing, or accidents, helping them to live more independent lives.
Speech and language therapists help children and adults with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Music Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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A Music Therapist and an Art Therapist both utilise creative arts as a means of therapy to support emotional and psychological well-being. They often work with similar client groups, using their respective artistic disciplines to facilitate healing and personal growth.
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.
You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.
You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
To get a job as an art therapist, you'll need paid or volunteering experience with:
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You could try an introduction or foundation course in art therapy to give you an idea of what the work is like.
You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to professional development and networking opportunities.
You'll find more details about this career, courses and training through the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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