What is Music Therapy

‘Music is Therapy and has always been so’ - Yehudi Menuhin.

The concept of using music as a therapy relies on its power as a universal language to communicate without words, which can act as a barrier to reaching many different kinds of people. Music therapists, by developing a relationship with their clients through music, help them  to increase and realise their potential. Music therapy aims to impart self-confidence, a means of self-expression and self-awareness, and to aid communication and social skills via a shared musical experience. Music therapy sessions generally use improvised music in various styles and idioms to produce a response in the client, which is then developed and built on in subsequent sessions. Clients can be of any age and may have one or more of a variety of physical, mental or social disabilities, although certain courses and approaches to music therapy may concentrate on a specific area. Work may be carried out individually, in groups or, more often, a combination of both. Music therapists will often be working as part of a team in conjunction with doctors, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, teachers and parents, whether they are based in a hospital or special school, or operating privately.
 

Training

There are nine music therapy courses available in the UK, all of which demand a high level of practical musicianship, generally coupled with a music diploma or degree.

MA Music Therapy, Anglia Ruskin University
Admissions Officer, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, CAMBRIDGE, CB1 1PT
t 01223 363271, ext 2045
e h.thurston@anglia.ac.uk
w www.anglia.ac.uk

Diploma in Music Therapy, part-time (2 years), University of Bristol
University of Bristol, Department of Music (Continuing Education Office), Victoria Rooms, Queens Road, Clifton, BRISTOL, BS8 1SA
t 0117 954 5032
e ruth.hill@bristol.ac.uk
w www.bristol.ac.uk

Diploma in Music Therapy, Guildhall School of Music and Drama / City University
The Registrar, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Barbican, LONDON, EC2Y 8DT
t 020 7628 2571
w www.gsmd.ac.uk

Master of Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins), Nordoff-Robbins / City University
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre, 2 Lissenden Gardens, LONDON, NW5 1PP
t 020 7267 4496
e matraining@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
w www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk

MSc Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins), Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University, University Drive, MUSSELBURGH, EH21 6UU
t 0131 474 0000
e admissions@qmu.ac.uk
w www.qmu.ac.uk  

MA/Postgraduate Diploma Music Therapy, Roehampton University
Roehampton University, Erasmus House, Roehampton Lane, LONDON, SW15 5PU
t 020 8392 3232
e tessa.watson@roehampton.ac.uk
w www.roehampton.ac.uk

MA Music Therapy (Community Music Therapy / Nordoff-Robbins), part-time, Royal Northern College of Music / City University
[hosted in Manchester by the RNCM]
contact Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre, 2 Lissenden Gardens, LONDON, NW5 1PP
t 020 7267 4496
e matraining@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
w www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk

MA/Postgraduate Diploma Music Therapy, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
School of Music, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, CARDIFF, CF1 3ER
t 01222 342854
e music.admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk
w www.rwcmd.ac.uk/musictherapy

MA Music Therapy, part-time (2 years), University of the West of England
Continuing Professional Development and Conference Unit, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Health Training and Research Centre, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BRISTOL, BS16 1QY
t 0117 328 1158
e HSC.CPD@uwe.ac.uk
w www.uwe.ac.uk

Career Prospects

Qualified music therapists can usually expect to work with children and adults with a range of special needs including learning disabilities, physical and psychological disorders and sensory impairments. Music therapists are usually employed by the National Health Service, local education authorities, the Department of Social Services or are self-employed. Work is carried out in various settings, such as hospitals, special schools, day centres, the community or in private practice.
 

Association of Professional Music Therapists
Louise Karena, APMT Administrator, 61 Church Hill Road, EAST BARNET, EN4 8SY
t 020 8440 4153
e APMToffice@aol.com
w www.apmt.org
Looks after professional matters (pay, conditions, standard of practice) and promotion of music therapy information. Organises conferences, meetings and information on careers etc.

British Society for Music Therapy
61 Church Hill Road, EAST BARNET, EN4 8SY
t 020 8441 6226
w www.bsmt.org
Promotes use and development of music therapy. An advisory body and centre of information dissemination on services, training, bibliography and research. A non-professional body - membership is open to those whose vocational activities enable them to further the objects of the Society.

NOTE: in Spring 2008, the APMT and the BSMT will merge and the new organisation will have different contact details. Please check back for updated information.

Incorporated Society of Musicians
10 Stratford Place, LONDON, W1C 1AA
t 020 7629 4413
e membership@ism.org
w www.ism.org
The professional association for all musicians. Music Therapists benefit particularly from free public liability and legal expenses insurance schemes, free legal and tax advice and the monthly Music Journal.

National Music and Disability Information Service
Vicki Smith, NMDIS, Sound Sense, 7 Tavern Street, STOWMARKET, IP14 1PJ
t 01449 673990
e info@soundsense.org
w www.soundsense.org
Information and advice on all aspects of music and disability issues, as well as publications.

last updated November 2007

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