Music Therapy is essentially an active, participatory, process in which the art medium (music) is used to increase clients’ wellbeing. Clinical improvisation is designed to help the student explore and extend the technical, expressive and interactional aspects of his/her improvisation skills and to relate these to specific theoretical concepts. This enables them to develop appropriate modes of working to meet client needs. Students will already have a professional standard of instrumental or vocal competence and a strong musical background, whether in formal study (a BA in music) or practical experience (performance). Studies are planned to help them apply these skills most effectively in the context of Music Therapy theory and practice.
Placements
lie at the heart of the Music Therapy programme. In working with their own
individual client and group students have the opportunity to establish a
significant therapeutic relationship with clients and engage in a process that
is potentially beneficial for all those involved. With sufficient supervision provided within
the programme and the opportunity to share in the experiences of those students
working in different settings, students are prepared for future work as
professional therapists.