How to Become a Music Therapist in the UK
Music therapists use live music-making, listening and improvisation to help people with communication, emotional, physical and cognitive needs. You might work with children with autism or learning disabilities, adults with mental health problems, people living with dementia, or patients recovering from a stroke, in NHS teams, schools, care homes, hospices or private practice.
Music therapist is a protected title in the UK. To practise, you must complete a master's in music therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and register with the HCPC. Most applicants already have a music degree or a high level of musical skill.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £37,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £48,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- NHS, schools, care homes, private
- Time to entry
- 4 - 6 years (MA + HCPC)
- Degree required
- Regulated - HCPC registration required
- Category
- Mental Health and Therapy
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What a Music Therapist does
Use music to support therapeutic outcomes - dementia care, learning disabilities, mental health and more.
How to become a music therapist in the UK
You need a high standard of musicianship, usually shown through a music degree, though some courses accept other degrees alongside strong performance skills. You then complete an HCPC-approved master's in music therapy, normally 2 years full time or longer part time, which includes supervised clinical placements. On graduating you register with the HCPC and can join the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). Courses look for relevant experience with vulnerable people, such as care, support or teaching work, and you will need an enhanced DBS check. The structure is similar to training as an art therapist.
- Build your musical skills to a high standard, usually through a music degree, and practise improvising on your main instrument and voice.
- Get paid or volunteer experience with children or adults who have additional needs, for example in support work, special schools or care homes.
- Attend university open days and any introductory events about music therapy to check the work suits you before you apply.
- Apply for an HCPC-approved master's in music therapy, which usually involves an audition, an interview and an enhanced DBS check.
- Complete your clinical placements and note the client groups and settings you work with, as these shape your first job applications.
- Register with the HCPC once you qualify, then apply for posts in the NHS, schools, charities and care settings or build sessional private work.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music degree, then HCPC-approved master's | About 5 years in total | Tuition fee loan, then postgraduate loan | Musicians set on the profession |
| Other degree plus strong musicianship, then master's | 2-3 years after your degree | Postgraduate loan | Career changers with high-level music skills |
| Part-time master's alongside work | About 3 years | Postgraduate fees | People working in care or education |
How long it takes
Expect around 4 to 6 years in total: a music degree followed by a 2-year full-time master's, or longer if you study part time. You can practise as soon as you are on the HCPC register.
Music Therapist salary in the UK
Newly qualified music therapists typically earn around £30,000 to £35,000. With experience, pay usually rises to £37,000 to £45,000, and senior or lead music therapists can earn £48,000 to £60,000. In the NHS, pay follows Agenda for Change bands. Many music therapists combine part-time posts with sessional work for schools, charities and care homes, where rates are agreed per session, so total income depends on how you build your caseload.
Key skills
- Musical fluency
- Improvisation
- Clinical assessment
- Team working
Music Therapist FAQs
How do I become a music therapist in the UK?
Develop a high standard of musicianship, usually through a music degree, gain experience with vulnerable people, then complete an HCPC-approved master's in music therapy. Once you qualify, register with the HCPC so you can practise using the protected title.
Do you need a music degree to be a music therapist?
Usually, but not always. Most training courses expect a music degree, while some accept other degrees if you can show strong performance and improvisation skills at audition. You must complete an HCPC-approved master's either way.
How much does a music therapist earn in the UK?
Newly qualified music therapists typically earn around £30,000 to £35,000, rising to £37,000 to £45,000 with experience. Senior or lead music therapists can earn £48,000 to £60,000.
What is the difference between music therapy and teaching music?
Music teaching aims to build musical skills. Music therapy uses music to work on non-musical goals, such as communication, emotional expression or movement. Clients do not need any musical ability, and sessions are clinical, with assessment, goals and records.
Is Music Therapist right for you?
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Still deciding whether music therapist is the career for you? Here is which career test is actually worth taking, and what a free quiz will not tell you.