Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for choosing to find out more about music therapy in New Zealand. If you have a question or enquiry that is not answered here or elsewhere on our website please use the enquiries page and we will do our best to assist you with your query.
I am interested in training to become a music therapist.
All enquiries regarding training to become a music therapist (i.e. gaining the qualification of Master of Music Therapy) must be directed to Associate Professor Sarah Hoskyns or Daphne Rickson at the New Zealand School of Music.
I am a music specialist and would like to use music therapy approaches in my work.
You can contact a music therapist near you to discuss the possibility of them working with you to develop and/or support (and perhaps facilitate) a music therapy workshop in your community. To find out about the financial support Music Therapy New Zealand can offer (e.g. by underwriting your workshop) see under Resources on the website.
Some music therapists also engage in consultation activities which aim to empower others to use music more effectively in their work - email music therapists to find out who is specialising in this area.
We are looking at employing a music therapist and would like to know what salary or hourly rates are expected?
There is no standardised pay structure for music therapists in New Zealand, but most Registered Music Therapists would expect remuneration in line with other Health Professionals, according to experience.
Qualified music therapists may apply for accreditation with the New Zealand Music Therapy Registration Board and are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics set out by the Registration Board. Music Therapy New Zealand currently has an application lodged with the Ministry of Health for music therapy to become regulated under the Health Professionals Competency Assurance Act.
If you have a specific case you would like information on please contact the MThNZ administrator.
How do I become registered as a music therapist in New Zealand?
The Music Therapy Registration Board in New Zealand recognises the Master of Music Therapy degree (MMusTher) as an appropriate qualification which enables graduates to apply for registration in New Zealand. It is also able to assess applications from international music therapists who wish to practice in this country. It is likely to be easier for the Board to recognise a completed qualification if the applicant is already registered in their own country, but this is not essential - it is possible to evaluate programmes of study from course requirements and transcripts. See the Registration page for further information.
I am interested in working as a music therapist in New Zealand. What are the job prospects?
Music Therapists who wish to work in New Zealand are encouraged to register with the New Zealand Music Therapy Registration Board. The music therapy training programme in New Zealand was established in 2004 and as such music therapy in New Zealand is a relatively young profession. Although it is growing rapidly with increasing interest and a corresponding rise in job opportunities, music therapy graduates often need to create their own work. Occasionally full time positions are advertised but they are still rare.
Where do music therapists work?
Registered Music Therapists in New Zealand are employed in a variety of health and education settings in areas such as Early Intervention, Children with Special Educational Needs, Adult Learning Disability, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Rehabilitation via ACC and Aged Care, amongst others.