Website: British Association for Music Therapy :: What is Music Therapy? (bamt.org)
What does a Music Therapist do?
Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.
Music Therapists draw upon the innate qualities of music to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life; from helping new born babies develop healthy bonds with their parents, to offering vital, sensitive and compassionate palliative care at the end of life.
Central to how Music Therapy works is the therapeutic relationship that is established and developed, through engagement in live musical interaction and play between a therapist and client. A wide range of musical styles and instruments can be used, including the voice, and the music is often improvised. Using music in this way enables clients to create their own unique musical language in which to explore and connect with the world and express themselves.
Where does a Music Therapist work?
Music Therapists frequently work as members of multi-disciplinary teams in setting such as:
- Client's homes
- Health
- Education
- Social care
- Private practice
How to become a Music Therapist?
Work experience
If you are interested in a career in music therapy and want to try some work experience in music therapy you can contact your local NHS Trust, voluntary or private organisations and they may be able to facilitate experience for you.
You can also access an ‘Introduction to Music Therapy’ course for free online, details can be found here: British Association for Music Therapy :: Other Courses (bamt.org)
University route
University courses to study Music therapy are at a postgraduate level.
You can find a full list of the universities offering Music Therapy courses here:British Association for Music Therapy :: Music Therapy Courses (HCPC Approved) (bamt.org)
Apprenticeship route
There is not currently a route to become a music therapist through an apprenticeship.
How to become a Music Therapy Assistant/Support Worker?
Support workers assisting music therapists are often called creative therapy support workers. You can find out more about the role here Creative therapy support roles | Health Careers
