From a chance encounter at 17 with inspirational music therapist Billy Jackson to launching her own music therapy service in the Highlands, Karen’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of music – and the determination required to turn passion into a profession. Now graduating from Queen Margaret University’s MSc Music Therapy programme, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her path and how studying at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø helped her realise a lifelong ambition.
What were you doing before coming to ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø?
After gaining my first degree, a BA in Scottish Music, I began a career as a freelance performer and a peripatetic clarsach tutor, which enabled me to travel the world and make lifelong connections with great people. My burning desire to use music to help and support others continued to bubble away during clarsach and instrumental tutoring, and this seemed to open doors to starting various musical groups for adults living with dementia, mental health challenges, and addiction, as well as for children and young adults with additional needs.
What initially sparked your interest in music therapy as a career?
Working with children and young adults with additional needs prompted a career pivot, during which I earned a second degree in Primary Education. Life experience and the ability to weave music into everyday school life enabled pupils with additional needs to communicate and connect in many ways that the traditional curriculum did not provide. The latter part of my teaching career sparked my passion for music therapy, leading me to pursue a third degree in music therapy.
What were the key factors that influenced your decision to study at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø?
Living in the Scottish Highlands with a young family meant that, despite a lengthy commute, I could study at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø - the only university in Scotland to offer a music therapy course. The course description aligned with my passion and aspirations and offered the additional experience of studying alongside art and drama therapists, providing opportunities to share and learn from each other’s modalities. After a creative conversation with one of the excellent tutors on the MSc Music Therapy course, in which I learned how I could combine my studies with family life, I was certain it was for me.
Can you tell us about your placement experience and what you learned from it?
University days were packed with theoretical and practical lectures and workshops, which prepared us well for our placements. ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø took every possible step to secure a placement for me in the Highlands, allowing continuity for both my family and my studies. During my first placement, I worked under Kristen Smith, one of Scotland’s leading music therapists, at Harmony Music Therapy, and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. This placement, along with sound advice and support from my Practice Educator and Personal Academic Tutor, equipped me to set up a successful music therapy service at NHS Highland during my second-year placement, for which ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø presented me with the ‘Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award’.
How has the course helped prepare you for your future career?
The experience of working with a wide variety of populations on placements, the support from the MSc Music Therapy tutors, and the knowledge gained throughout the MSc Music Therapy course have prepared me well to establish my own business, Highland Music Therapy. I cannot thank the tutors and practice educators enough who supervised and supported me throughout the past two intense years. This is literally a lifelong dream come true!
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be self-employed, working in schools, hospitals, hospices, day care centres, and private homes as a music therapist under my business name, Highland Music Therapy, in Inverness and the surrounding areas.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying music therapy at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø?
The intensity and personal demands of the music therapy course mean you need to be open to vulnerability and to asking for support and advice when needed, in order to grow as a person and as a trainee music therapist. ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø goes above and beyond to offer help, advice and support. Explore and make full use of what’s on offer. It is only with the incredible support of my family, friends and the staff at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø that this was made possible for me. Oh, and definitely keep a personal journal. This will prove invaluable!
