Music Therapist

Jun 2023

Career of the Month

Key Facts

Starter Salary

£21,300

Experienced Salary

£67,000

Working Hours

37-39 hours a week

Overview

Music therapists use active participation in music to develop a relationship with their clients; they help them to become more self-aware and to bring about changes in their behaviour and emotional well-being. Both the therapist and their client take an active part in sessions, they may play instruments, sing or listen to music. The idea is not to teach but to encourage people to use music and play instruments to communicate their feelings. They will plan and review sessions to monitor the progress of the client.

Therapists work with all ages from young children to the elderly; they work with people with mental health issues, behavioural problems, autism, prisoners and more. Therapists can work in education, the health service, prison service and private practice, often working with small groups but also with individuals. Music therapists are non-judgemental, are patient, have good listening skills and work well with others.

What it takes

What it takes:

Skills and knowledge you'll need

counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
knowledge of psychology
knowledge of music and the ability to play an instrument
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be flexible and open to change
customer service skills
to enjoy working with other people
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to understand people’s reactions
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
active listening skills
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
a desire to help people
concentration skills
the ability to work well with your hands
a good memory
Restrictions:
pass enhanced background checks

Day to day

Day to day:

Depending on where you work, you may help clients:

express themselves through sound and music
develop insight and creating ways of relating to other people
become aware of their feelings
interact with other people more confidently
bring about positive changes in their lives

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

You will need

Highly proficient on at least one musical instrument
A GCSE (4+/A*-C) (or equivalent) in English
A GCSE (4+/A*-C) (or equivalent) in maths
Experience working with people with needs
A degree in music

You may need

An A-level (or equivalent) in psychology
An A-level (or equivalent) in music
A GCSE (4+/A*-C) (or equivalent) in music

Academic and Vocational Notes

You must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and a member of the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). This means that you must hold a validated Master’s course that is approved by both organisations. Experience of work or volunteering in an area such as mental health, education, social services or special needs will help to get onto the postgraduate course. Ideally entry is with a first degree in music, but it is sometimes possible to apply for these courses with a degree from another, related area, such as education or psychology; to apply you must also demonstrate a high level of musicianship.

Work Based Training Notes

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council requires regular renewal; this can be achieved through a range of activities including attending short courses and seminars. It is possible to progress to more senior management roles. You may become self-employed. There are also opportunities to carry out research and teaching roles in higher education.