How to become a music therapist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll need to do a postgraduate course in music therapy accredited by the British Association for Music Therapy.
You should have a degree in music, although a degree in education or psychology may be accepted if you've got a high standard of musical ability.
You'll also need 1 or 2 years of paid or voluntary work experience in a health, education or social care setting to apply for a postgraduate course.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do an arts therapist 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 for a degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
To get paid or voluntary experience of working in a health, education or social care environment you could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
You could try an introductory course in music therapy to get an idea of what this work involves. Some universities and music colleges offer these courses, as well as the British Association for Music Therapy.
Salaries for music therapists working outside the NHS will vary. The British Association for Music Therapy can give 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'll find more advice about careers and training in music therapy from the British Association for Music Therapy and Health Careers.