You'll need to do an approved postgraduate course in music therapy  and then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

To get on a postgraduate course in music therapy, you'll usually need a degree in music.

However, you might be accepted if you have an education or psychology degree and you have a high level of music skill.

To apply for a postgraduate course, you'll need 1 or 2 years of paid or voluntary work experience in a health, education or social care setting.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could do an Arts Therapists Level 7 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

You'll find it useful to have volunteering experience in health, education or social care.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through the The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of the fine arts
• 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
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a music therapist you could:

• meet with clients of all ages, families and other professionals
• assess your client's needs, plan therapy goals and prepare for sessions
• use a variety of musical styles and instruments in client-led, group or individual therapy sessions
• monitor progress and have regular sessions with a senior music therapist
• write reports, make recommendations and keep confidential records
• clean and maintain instruments and order supplies

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.