Music therapists use music to help people improve their emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing. This career involves working with individuals or groups who may have a range of needs, such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, neurological conditions, or age-related illnesses. Music therapists assess clients and design personalised sessions using singing, instrument playing, composing, and listening to music to achieve therapeutic goals. Most music therapists work in hospitals, schools, care homes, or private clinics. Flexibility, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential in this role. To become a music therapist in the UK, you must complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Music therapists in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £41,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are over 1,200 registered music therapists in the UK.
The demand for music therapists is growing, with the NHS and private sector increasingly recognising the benefits of music therapy in mental health and special education.
Works specifically with children and young people, using music to support their emotional and developmental needs in hospitals, schools, or community settings.
Specialises in working with people who have neurological conditions such as brain injuries, strokes, or dementia, using music-based techniques to aid rehabilitation.
Focuses on supporting individuals with mental health conditions through music, often working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community mental health services.
Start learning an instrument or singing to build your musical abilities, which are essential for music therapy.
Music therapists are usually competent musicians. You do not need to be a virtuoso, but you should be comfortable playing at least one instrument and singing. Take music lessons at school, join bands, choirs, or community music groups to gain experience.
Find out what music therapists do, where they work, and the qualifications required.
Visit the British Association for Music Therapy website and seek opportunities to talk to practising music therapists. You could also request work shadowing or volunteer in healthcare or community settings to observe how music is used therapeutically.
Obtain the necessary educational qualifications, usually including A-levels or equivalent, preferably with music.
Most university music therapy programmes require A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including music or a related subject. It is also helpful to have experience in psychology, health, or social care. Aim for good grades to meet entry requirements.
Apply for and complete a Health and Care Professions Council approved postgraduate course in music therapy.
Music therapy in the UK is a postgraduate profession. You must complete a Masters degree in music therapy accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These courses combine academic study, musical development, and clinical placements.
Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a music therapist.
Once you have finished your Masters, you must register with the HCPC to work legally as a music therapist in the UK. This involves providing evidence of your qualification and fitness to practise.
Look for jobs in healthcare, schools, community settings, or private practice to begin your career.
Music therapists work in the NHS, schools, care homes, mental health services, and private practice. Continue professional development by attending workshops, joining the British Association for Music Therapy, and networking with other therapists.
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 to facilitate psychological well-being and emotional healing. Both professions require specialised training in their respective art forms and an understanding of therapeutic techniques to support clients' mental health.
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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