by Tasha Smith 25100419
What is Music therapy?
Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HPCP registered music therapists (BAMT). Everybody can benefit from music therapy, especially those who suffer from injuries, illnesses or individuals that have disabilities. Trained Music therapists deliver sessions that support these individual’s psychological, cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs. “Music therapists use the power of music to help people deal with feelings they cannot put into words.” (NHS)
Qualifications and experience required for the profession
Becoming a music therapist requires academic qualifications and professional training. Music therapists are required to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practise legally. Doing this ensures that practitioners reach a standard of education, ethics and professional competence. O’Brien (2024) highlights the relevant training needed:
Music therapists also require professional training at postgraduate level at the following institutions approved by the HCPC: Anglia Ruskin University, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Nordoff Robbins, Queen Margaret University, University of Derby, University of Roehampton, University of South Wales, University of the West of England
Graduates from these programmes are eligible to apply for HCPC or joining the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) as a trainee member while studying and as a practitioner member once qualified
Relevant work experience is vital for this career path to receive a place on a postgraduate training course. Having this experience will enable aspiring music therapists to understand how physically and emotionally challenging this career path could be. Working in these settings will help individuals gain relevant experience in: Dementia care, homelessness, hospice care, learning disabilities and mental health.
Knowledge, skills and personal qualities/attributes needed for success within the profession?
Individuals wanting to pursue a career in music therapy will need to demonstrate a wide range of skills and understanding. A strong understanding of musicianship and the ability to communicate and collaborate with others is vital for this profession, as these skills enable therapists to work closely with their clients by meeting their individual needs. Qualities such as creativity, observation, and expressiveness are also essential to this field, as they can allow music therapists to build a close therapeutic relationship with their clients. These attributes will support music therapists in creating a creative, therapeutic and encouraging environment for their clients.
Aspiring music therapists also require relevant work experience, allowing them to develop practical and professional knowledge that is necessary for this field. Experience in settings such as care homes, hospice care, and SEN schools will expose individuals to a diverse range of clients, enabling music therapists to think and adapt to different surroundings. Work experience is so vital for this career path, as it can challenge skills including versatility, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also developing qualities such as patience and empathy. Furthermore, these settings encourage music therapists to reflect on their practice and evaluate their skills and areas for further improvement.
Duties and responsibilities of the profession
A typical day of a music therapist can vary depending on their work setting, client group and work pattern. However, most working days generally include clinical work, preparation, administration and reflection. Music therapists meet a diverse range of clients, assess their needs, and plan therapuetic goals for upcoming sessions. The National Careers Service states music therapists need to “monitor progress and have regular sessions with a senior music therapist”. There is also a use of a wide range of music styles and instruments to suit the client’s needs. And in addition, writing reports, making recommendations, and also maintaining the cleanliness of the equipment and instruments are a part of delivering these sessions.
These therapy sessions, which usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, may take place in a one-to-one or group setting. Sessions could include songwriting, composing, musical games, listening activities or improvisation depending on the client’s needs and therapeutic goals. After these sessions, therapists are responsible for writing notes and reports, evaluating the client’s progress and communicating with teams. Most music therapists work alongside teachers, nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Collaborating with these professionals ensures that therapy is involved with care and education.
Main financial and legal issues that impact on this profession
O’Brien (2024) says the income for a music therapist can vary depending on their employment type as different roles offer different levels of financial security, pay structures and funding sources.
If you’re working in the NHS, starting salaries range from £35,392 to £42,618 (Band 6 of the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Pay Rates), More experienced music therapists may earn between £43,742 and £50,056 (Band 7), Experienced music therapists who have also demonstrated that they can manage additional responsibilities such as managing a budget or leading a team may earn between £50,952 to £57,349 (Band 8a).
Self employed music therapists must cover business expenses such as equipment/ instrument use, travel costs and room rental. These costs can add up and impact a self employed music therapist significantly, especially those who rely on sessional work or private clients rather than working with a set salary. They also need to be responsible for managing their business, setting fees, invoicing clients and ensuring professional insurance. Therapists will need to balance affordability for clients with covering their own expenses as fundings for sessions may be limited due to clients being referred through public services or charities. Having this financial issue means that music therapists require strong organisation skills, budgeting, and business awareness. In an interview with Dr. Jin-Hyung Lee, Dr. Cheryl Dileo (2022) states “ethics is such a broad topic, ranging from the ethics of social networking to confidentiality, dealing with colleagues, professional relationships, to dealing with the community.”
Another main legal aspect to this career that a music therapist will need to be aware about is ethics. Ethics play a significant role in music therapy as these therapy sessions are personal and require confidentiality. These standards are set by the HCPC and other professional bodies such as the BAMT to comply with its standards of conduct and ethics. Being aware of personal boundaries, information, session content and appropriate consent is essential to maintaining a therapeutic and ethical relationship between the client and the therapist.
The marketing and promotional aspects of this profession
Marketing and the promotional aspects of this profession include raising awareness of the profession and also educating the public on what music therapy is. Self-employed music therapists may advertise their business on social media as it can attract clients and give the chance to grow a community. Music For Kiddos (2025) says:
“Whether you are a music teacher or therapist spreading the word about your music lessons or sessions to attract more clients in your community, building your brand and presence online as a professional, or marketing your music education or music therapy products or resources, learning about social media is a must.”
A big part of music therapy often involves networking with those who work in healthcare, education, charities and local authorities. This allows Aspiring music therapists to build professional relationships, referral opportunities and to promote the importance of music therapy.
Intellectual and personal challenges presented by the profession and how might these be dealt with
Music therapists can face a wide range of intellectual and personal challenges due to the competitive and complex nature of this field. Intellectually, music therapists often have to integrate musical knowledge with psychological theory and evidence based practice which requires continuous learning and reflection. These challenges can be overcome through professional development, engagement with research and supervision from other music therapists. McMunnigall reveals how supervision is an important mechanism for intellectual challenges in this field:
Supervision groups meet monthly – we each bring some work we’re finding challenging, and support each other with different ideas, perceptions or thoughts. It’s a great way to get a second opinion or new perspective, as well as a chance to workshop different scenarios.
The personal challenges to this career includes working with vulnerable individuals and this can be emotionally challenging as some therapists may encounter mental health problems, trauma, illness or distress. Having emotional stress can increase the risk of an individual experiencing a burnout if it’s not managed effectively. Music therapists are able to address these personal challenges through supervision, reflection, peer support and self care. Maintaining these self care strategies will help with a music therapist’s emotional wellbeing.
What career-progression/development opportunities are available within the profession?
There are a wide variety of career progression and development opportunities such as taking on leadership roles, pursuing teaching and running private sessions/practices. Music therapists will have to take on entry level clinical roles such as working in hospitals, schools, carehomes, hospices or community centres. Taking on these roles allow music therapists to experience working with a diverse range of client groups. Specialising in areas such as mental health, children, neurodiversity and elderly care will allow music therapists to refine their skills to adjust and serve appropriate sessions to a variety of clients.
Experienced music therapists may progress onto taking up leadership or managerial roles. These roles include senior or consistent positions within clinical services. “As an experienced practitioner, you could become a senior or consultant music therapist, managing the work of a team of therapists” (NHS Scotland, 2023). Taking on these roles will involve budget managing, overseeing service teams, supervising and mentoring trainee music therapists. Therapists will be able to influence the development of services, support the growth of other follow music therapists, and contribute to music therapy programs.
Conclusion
Music therapy is a challenging pathway as it’s a competitive career. It requires professional skill and emotional strength as this field requires dedication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning. However, having the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals, ranging from children with development needs to elderly clients with dementia, provides therapists with experiences to develop skills such as versatility, empathy, problem solving and resilience. As music therapists gain more experience, opportunities such as taking on leadership or managerial roles will allow therapists to expand their knowledge and develop their skills.
Bibliography:
British Association for Music Therapy What is Music Therapy?. Available online: https://www.bamt.org/music-therapy/what-is-music-therapy [Accessed: 27/12/2025].
Jin-Hyung Lee (2022) Ethics in Music Therapy Education [Video]. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BvArw6KOZQ [Accessed: 27/12/2025]
McMunnigall, L. What does a music therapist do in a day? A day in the life of music therapist Loren. Available online: https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/what-does-a-music-therapist-do-in-a-day/ [Accessed: 28/12/2025]
Music For Kiddos Social Media Marketing for Music Therapists and Music Educators. Available online: https://www.musicforkiddos.com/blog/podcast17#:~:text=Whether%20you%20are%20a%20music,social%20media%20is%20a%20must. [Accessed: 29/12/2025].
National Careers Service Music therapist. Available online: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/music-therapist [Accessed: 29/12/2025].
NHS Music therapist. Available online: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/music-therapist [Accessed: 28/12/2025].
NHS Scotland (2023) How to become a music therapist. Available online: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/explore-careers/allied-health-professions/music-therapist/ [Accessed: 27/12/2025].
O’Brien, J. (2024) Music Therapist. Available online: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/music-therapist [Accessed: 28/12/2025]
