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How to Become A Music Therapist

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What is a Music Therapist

A Music Therapist uses the power of music to help people improve their health and well-being. They work with clients of all ages, from young children to older adults. Settings include hospitals, schools, community centres, and aged care facilities.

As a Registered Music Therapist (RMT), you create tailored therapy plans for each client. Sessions involve techniques like singing, songwriting, and improvisation. These methods help clients express emotions, build communication skills, and work towards personal goals.

You will also track client progress and write reports. Working alongside doctors, teachers, and families is a big part of the job. Every day is different, and you get to see the real difference your work makes.

If you love music and care about people, this career is deeply rewarding. The field is growing, with more opportunities in mental health, disability services, and aged care. It is a career that blends creativity with a genuine desire to help others.

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Career Outlook for Music Therapist

The music therapy profession in Australia is growing. About 414 music therapists currently work nationwide (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census data). Most are women (71%), and 61% are aged 25 to 44. Part-time work is common, with only 28% working full-time. This makes the career flexible and well-suited to varied life commitments.

Average salaries fall between $95,000 and $100,000 per year for full-time roles (SEEK, June 2026). Music Therapists are in demand across hospitals, schools, aged care, and NDIS disability services. The sector is growing. More people recognise music as a proven tool for health and well-being.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Music Therapist

Step 1: Complete an Undergraduate Degree

To enter a music therapy master’s program in Australia, you need a bachelor’s degree first. Many fields are accepted, including music, education, allied health, social science, and psychology. The AMTA-accredited master’s programs include an audition and interview process, so strong musical skills are an asset.

Step 2: Enrol in an AMTA-Accredited Master of Music Therapy

There are two AMTA-accredited degrees in Australia. You can study the Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne. Or you can study the Master of Creative Music Therapy at Western Sydney University. Both take about two years full-time and include practical placement. Commonwealth Supported Places are available at both universities.

Step 3: Complete Your Practical Placement

Your master’s program includes supervised placement in real-world health settings. These may include hospitals, schools, aged care homes, and disability services. This is where you apply your learning and build hands-on therapy skills. Your supervisor will help you build confidence in working with clients.

Step 4: Register with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Once you graduate, apply to register with the AMTA as a Registered Music Therapist (RMT). You must meet AMTA’s rules, including holding an accredited degree and the required practice hours. You must be registered before you can practise professionally in Australia.

Step 5: Maintain Registration Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

AMTA requires all registered music therapists to take part in ongoing CPD each year. This may include workshops, conferences, peer review, and further study. CPD keeps your skills current and helps you deliver the best possible care to your clients.

What does a Music Therapist do?

A Music Therapist’s day is varied and fulfilling. They start by checking client needs and setting therapy goals. Sessions use techniques such as singing, songwriting, and improvisation to help clients express themselves. They also document progress, write reports, and work closely with other health staff and families. Every client is different, which makes the role creative and rewarding in equal measure.

Tasks

Music Therapists help clients use music as a path to healing and growth. They run sessions for individuals and groups across a wide range of settings. Their work combines clinical skill with creativity to support physical, emotional, and cognitive health goals.

  • Assessing clients – Meeting with clients to learn about their needs, background, and goals.
  • Developing treatment plans – Building personalised music therapy plans based on each client’s goals and challenges.
  • Running therapy sessions – Using singing, songwriting, improvisation, and music listening to support healing and growth.
  • Monitoring progress – Tracking client responses and updating plans based on what is working.
  • Providing support – Offering encouragement and guidance to clients and their families during therapy.
  • Working with other professionals – Teaming up with doctors, teachers, and carers to support holistic care.
  • Writing reports – Documenting client progress and session outcomes for clinical records and referrals.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a Music Therapist, you need both musical talent and a genuine care for others. You will need to play at least one instrument and be comfortable singing and improvising. Understanding how music affects emotions and behaviour is just as important as your musical skill.

Good communication skills are a must. You will need to connect with clients from all walks of life and build real trust. Writing skills matter too, for assessments and reports. Staying curious and committed to learning is key, as AMTA registration requires regular continuing professional development (CPD).

Skills & Attributes

  • Musical proficiency (voice and/or instruments)
  • Clinical assessment and treatment planning
  • Empathy and active listening
  • Clear communication, verbal and written
  • Improvisation and creative thinking
  • Knowledge of psychology and health conditions
  • Report writing and clinical documentation
  • Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
  • Patience and resilience
  • Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)

Average Salaries

The average annual salary for a Music Therapist in Australia is around $97,000 (source: SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles start around $75,000. Senior roles can reach $120,000 or more. Most Music Therapists work part-time, so total earnings vary widely by hours worked.

min $75 K

max $120 K

av $97 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.