Music Therapy

Music Therapists work within a wide range of clinical settings, individual and group work. They work with people of all ages; from infants and young children through to elderly adults. Music therapy can benefit people with a wide range of difficulties or challenges, including mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism, dementia and neurology, as well as people experiencing serious illness such as cancer or those who have experienced trauma. Placements include work with children and adults in the settings in which Music Therapists commonly work. 

Key areas of study include human development and growth and the clinical context for music therapy, clinical improvisation, observational studies, music therapy theory, clinical case work and supervision, introduction to research and your dissertation. Some of the core teaching will take place with peers from across the Arts and Play Therapies programmes, giving unique opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Personal development and reflection on this is central throughout the programme.

Electronic music links and personal statement - Instructions and guidelines
Please follow these instructions carefully - failure to do so may result in your application not being considered

Electronic music links/CD
Please provide:

• Two contrasting pieces on your preferred instrument
• One piano/keyboard piece if this is not your preferred instrument
• One free improvisation which may be given a title if you prefer

The total playing time should be no more than 15 minutes. Extracts from longer pieces are therefore acceptable. If you do not have piano/keyboard skills you may provide a piece on another harmony instrument.

In all your playing you should attempt to demonstrate expressive qualities, musical imagination and depth as well as technical competence. In the free improvisation you should rely on your personal musicality rather than traditional tonalities and harmonic idioms.

Do not include music where you are a member of a group, unless you can clearly be identified as soloist (for example vocalist or other soloist where you are accompanied by piano or small ensemble). Please give details if this is the case. A piece where you are the drummer or guitarist in a band, for example, is unlikely to allow you to provide an adequate representation of your capabilities.

Your music is an initial indication of your skills and does not need to be a recording of professional quality.

Please title your electronic files/CD with your name, date and details (title and composer of each piece)

Please do not send links that require passwords or specific software to open them (e.g. Dropbox).

Short personal statement

500-1,000 words. The personal statement should cover the following main areas:

• What has led you to wish to train as a therapist? You should demonstrate some insight into how your life experience has led to this application.
• Your musical background, including the genres and styles of music making with which you have experience. (If you consider yourself to possess additional musical resources or greater versatility than demonstrated in your music you should say so here).
• Your experience of work with people, particularly with those service users with whom music therapists generally work (such as children, adults or older adults with severe learning disabilities or autism, or mental health problems; many other areas of work may also be relevant). Such experience is a mandatory pre-requisite for training.
• Your understanding, so far, of the nature of music therapy as a distinctive discipline (in particular as practised in the UK). Mention relevant courses, conferences and reading, any meetings with music or other therapists, personal therapy/development etc. Please come ready to discuss some of your reading.

The personal statement is also an indication of how well you express yourself in writing and helps us consider issues we would like to explore with you during the interview.

Your completed application form should be submitted online. If you are unable to attach your music files to your application please contact the postgraduate admissions department for advice.

What percentage of alumni find subsequent employment in music therapy?

Most students who graduated last year have found employment. Some of this work is part time. Several of last year’s students have created their own work – in schools, day centres etc. Some students choose to work part time whilst maintaining other work (such as performing or teaching).

How competitive is it to get onto the course?

We receive approximately 50 applications each year. Preparing thoroughly is important in order to ensure that you have the required skills, abilities and experience (see the application pack).

Are there any scholarships unique to this course, and if so what is success in application based on (ie musical ability or academic prowess)? Are there any other sources of funding you can recommend?

There are no bursaries given by the University. There is a small award (£1,000 for 2 students) given once students are on the course, on the basis of need. There is a bursary given through BAMT (see BAMT.org for this, and also as a good source of information about music therapy). Students do find funding through charities (often local).

Are most students classically trained, and is it an issue if I am not?

The majority of students are classically trained, however, we accept students from other backgrounds and do encourage you not to let a non traditional background dissuade you from applying. As well as a high level of musicianship we also look for an ability to play in different styles/ways, and to use music communicatively and sensitively.

What level should first-instrument musicianship be? Should this be, for instance, grade 8 or post-conservatoire/ professional?

Usually, our students have a music degree or have been to music college. However, some students have come through a non-traditional music route and are able to show through their performance that they have a high level of musical skill.

Is it required that students play a second instrument, and if so what level does proficiency is needed?

Most students have a second instrument but if piano is your first study instrument, it is not required. Keyboard skills are required, and confidence with voice. Melody instruments/voice are encouraged as first study instruments.

What level of keyboard skills are required?

At least grade 5 (most students play at a higher level than this).

What is the deadline for applications?

We do not have a deadline. However, we review applications, interview and offer places throughout April, May and June (and sometimes into July). Therefore applications are most usefully submitted before Easter (March is ideal).

What should I include on my application?

Please read the "Your application" tab on the MA Music Therapy course page, prior to completing your application. Musical requirements, as well as a personal statement, make up a part of your application. Full details can be found on the course page. 

When are auditions held?

On Wednesdays in April, May, June and sometimes July.

Could you provide me with some details on the audition?

We ask for 2 pieces on first study, 1 on piano and 1 on voice. Then there is a series of questions relating to different areas of the course, and at the end of the interview, some improvisation. There is also a group audition (with other candidates) that gives further opportunities to use your music.

We also offer weekend introductory courses, 5 day Summer Schools, and 20 week part time evening Foundation Courses which provide a useful background in related professions. For more information, see our Psychology Short Courses.