Music therapist

To be a good music therapist you need to have…

• a high level of musicianship
• skills in improvisation and the ability to use music expressively
• listening and observational skills to help understand your clients’ needs and issues
• the ability to empathise with clients of all ages and wide-ranging needs
• flexibility and adaptability
• patience

If you’re thinking of a career as a music therapist…

Professional training is at postgraduate level at all of the following institutions:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• Nordoff Robbins – course validated by Goldsmiths, University of London
• Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
• University of Roehampton
• University of South Wales
• University of the West of England, Bristol

Visit the HCPC website for a current list of approved courses. Graduates from these programmes are eligible for HCPC registration. Once qualified, you can also join the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) as a practitioner member.

If you’re not a music graduate, you’re required to have an undergraduate degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as social work or teaching. You’ll also have to demonstrate your musical proficiency.

To get onto a level 7 apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.

Other useful links

Health Careers – Music therapist

British Association for Music therapy