Self-employed violin teacher and a self-proclaimed arts therapies advocate, Edinburgh-based Andrea Jardine, decided to advance her skills and undergo a MSc Music Therapy degree at QMU - the only university in Scotland to offer a music therapy course.
While on placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, 25-year-old Andrea helped set up a music therapy practice – the first in the region for over a decade! As a result, QMU presented her with the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award for her fantastic contributions to the health profession during her time on the course.
Now graduated, Andrea reflects on her time as a student at QMU in her Graduate Story.
Why did you choose to study at QMU?
I initially had applied to a music therapy course in England for a change of scene – given I have lived in Scotland my whole life - but after visiting QMU for the first time, I quickly changed my mind.
The support and guidance that I’ve experienced at QMU couldn’t have been replicated at any other university, particularly as I am neurodivergent myself. The lecturers had a lot of time for us, and I’m so grateful for them.
I loved the benefit of working with the art and drama therapy students at QMU, exchanging knowledge and ideas, and the smaller cohort size was a huge plus.
What interested you about your chosen course?
I’ve always been interested in music and started learning the violin when I was eight years old. I was diagnosed with anxiety as a teenager and noticed that music had positive effects on my mental health. I first heard of music therapy towards the end of high school and thought it sounded like a great profession even though I didn’t know what it would entail. This led me to study music at Edinburgh Napier University - I knew I wanted to work in the music industry, but didn’t have a set goal in mind. During my third year, my passion for teaching violin and music theory really developed, having undertaken modules in instrumental teaching where I had the opportunity to assist in violin lessons in school settings. I took an introduction to music therapy module in my 3rd year at Napier, and this confirmed that I definitely wanted to pursue this career!
After a few years working as a pupil support assistant and violin teacher, I was keen to find out more about how music can facilitate relationships, communities, health and wellbeing, so the MSc Music Therapy course at QMU seemed the perfect next step.
I’ve always been a passionate advocate for arts therapies and its potential to help with physical and mental wellbeing, which is why I’m also a Trustee for the Scottish Music Therapy Trust.
What did you enjoy the most about your course at QMU?
Definitely my practical placement with the NHS. In our final year on the MSc Music Therapy course, we were able to experience setting up a music therapy practice in places that haven’t had such a service before. I decided to do my placement in Dumfries and Galloway, where I’m from, so I could spend more time with my family and also bring the service to a rural area. It was nerve-wracking being the only music therapist in the hospital at the time, but it was a great opportunity to create more awareness of the work we do, and learn from and work alongside a variety of other professionals - from occupational therapists and nurses, to psychiatrists.
I was able to work in a variety of settings with a wide range of patients of different ages and with different needs, witnessing just how much music can help improve a person's health and well-being. I learned to work autonomously while also working as part of a wider team, and it was great to learn how to manage referrals and a caseload of my own clients.
My final year placement was a truly special experience. I hope that by doing my placement there, it has paved the way for art therapies to be introduced to Dumfries and Galloway. It would be wonderful if music therapy could become a permanent service in the region!
What have you been doing since graduating from QMU?
Since graduating, I have been continuing to conduct violin lessons, as well as playing at weddings and other events both in and around Scotland, and even sometimes travelling further afield. I recently presented a case study from my final year placement at the music therapy conference, which was run and organised by current QMU music therapy students.
Now that I’m a qualified music therapist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council since receiving my degree from QMU, I am looking to secure my first role as a music therapist. I would love to continue working with adults living with dementia and contributing to research in this field. I hope that, in the future, with more practice experience under my belt, I will run my own music therapy practice, working with neurodivergent children or adults with dementia.
