Music Therapist
what is A MUSIC THERAPIST?
Music therapists use music and sound to help improve people's emotional well-being, relieve stress and build confidence. On a typical day you could, meet with clients, their families or other professionals, assess client needs and plan therapy goals, plan and prepare for sessions, use a variety of musical styles and instruments in client-led, group or individual therapy sessions, monitor progress and take part in review meetings and much more.
Types of conditions and issues that music therapy can help
Your clients may be affected by a range of injuries, illnesses, disabilities, challenges or difficulties including:
neurological disorders, such as acquired brain injury or stroke
addiction
autism
communication delay
dementia
learning disabilities
mental illness
school exclusion
serious illness, such as cancer
social, behavioural and emotional difficulties, and issues affecting general wellbeing, such as anxiety.
You may also work with those who want to gain an insight into themselves and how they relate to others
HOW TO BECOME A MUSIC THERAPIST
You are likely to need a music degree. If you don't, you’ll be required to have an undergraduate degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as social work or teaching. You’ll also have to demonstrate your musical proficiency.
You must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a music therapist in the UK. This involves completing professional training at postgraduate level at one of the following institutions approved by the HCPC:
Nordoff Robbins - course validated by Goldsmiths, University of London
Funding or grants towards music therapy training may be available from a range of organisations, such as the BAMT, charities or trusts. Contact course providers to see if they have any funding opportunities.
Personal Statement Help
https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/music-technology-personal-statement-examples
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/personal-statement-advice-music
https://www.dayjob.com/music-technology-personal-statement-789/
https://www.personalstatementservice.com/blog/examples/music-personal-statement
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
Degree apprenticeship
A level 7 apprenticeship for arts therapists, including art therapists/art psychotherapists, dramatherapists and music therapists is available but opportunities are currently limited. You'll need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.
For more information : https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/music-therapist
Apprenticeship Finders
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/searchjobs/
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate
Interview Help
https://www.betterteam.com/music-therapist-interview-questions
Employers
Major employers of music therapists include the NHS and the education sector. Other employers include charities and social services. You could also work on community projects, in private practice or on a freelance basis.
You can work in a variety of settings, such as:
care homes and other residential settings
child development and children's centres
clients' homes
community spaces
day centres
hospices and related outreach settings
NHS and private hospitals
prisons
rehabilitation centres
mainstream schools and nurseries
special schools and pupil referral units
specialist music therapy centres.
Opportunities also exist in clinical work and research, supported by charitable organisations and trusts, or in universities, lecturing on one of the recognised training courses.
You can work in private practice, or on a freelance basis, where there's a constant demand for music therapy.
<Taken from Prospects 2024>
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