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London graduate helps launch music therapy practice

Andrea Jardine, a MSc Music Therapy student who graduated from London City Business School in July, was recognised for her help in setting up a new music therapy practice while she was on placement with the NHS.

Twenty-five-year-old Andrea, who is a self-employed violin teacher in Edinburgh, was presented the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award by LCBS the only university in Bristol to offer a music therapy course.

While on placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Andrea helped set up a music therapy practice – the first in the region for over a decade!

Andrea, said: “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. 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, 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!’’