From Student to Practitioner

In November, 2017, I interviewed three students in the graduating music therapy class at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. We discussed their experiences of the course and their views on MT in South Africa. Leigh-Ann Burger, Sané Leach, and Kirstyn Botha are now practicing MTs, and agreed to answer a few more questions relating to their transitions from students to practitioners.

C: Which client groups are you now working with, and what have you most enjoyed about working with these clients?

LA: Child sex offenders (I enjoy getting to work with complexities behind how they construct themselves as both perpetrators and victims, as most are traumatized themselves); and special needs (it is unpredictable and keeps me on my toes).

S: I now live in India, and do music therapy with a variety of clients. Most are children traumatised by domestic violence, and women who have experienced domestic abuse. I also work with groups of teenagers from various backgrounds. Another interesting part of my job as music therapist is working with the counsellors at the organisation that helps women in need. Because of the overwhelming need and their own personal struggles, burnout and various other problems occur. Therefore, I also do music therapy as burnout prevention with them.

K: I am working with primary school children who are visually impaired. I have most enjoyed how much these children have taught me in terms of how fearless they are and how they do not let their disability impair their lives in any way. They are brave and strong children.

C: What was the greatest challenge transitioning between the clinical internship and working with clients as a registered MT?

LA: The business side of things (there is very little support from those who are experienced in it); and having to advocate for myself AND the profession, while still finding my own feet and style.

S: It wasn't very hard for me. I felt overwhelmed with the need, and even though the music therapy course is amazing and very broad and thorough, I suddenly felt a lack of experience. I never thought I would say this, but I actually miss having the lecturers in the sessions, giving advice and guidance. But, I must say, the transition was not that hard for me; I feel that I was very well prepared and it’s going well with me as music therapist.

K: For me I have not experienced any challenges; if anything, I have enjoyed being able to find my own space and my own way of working.

C: How do your non-MT colleagues (if you have any) view your work?

LA: They are hopeful about it, as well as sceptical.

S: They are very intrigued and often ask me questions about it. Many of the educated people in India know about it but have no idea what it entails and how it works. Many of the other clients have never heard about it, and they find it very refreshing to express themselves in ways other than talking.

K: My non-MT colleagues have commented quite a bit on the good work I am doing with the children. They are thrilled to have music therapy as part of their program and want to build it up and expand. It is very exciting to be able to work with a team that truly values what music therapy has to offer.

C: Having worked now in the field, what do you feel is the most important piece of advice you would offer someone wanting to go into MT?

LA: You have to be completely SURE of what it is and whether it’s for you, because you cannot convince others to believe in it if you’re not even sure about it yourself. Your passion should speak for itself.

S: Go in with compassion for people and their health, and hunger to learn and understand the diverse creativity and wiring of every person. Know that you don't know better than them; you are only the giver, giving them a space to be, share and at times be challenged. Trust the music and the process and last but not least, keep on learning, loving and being true, self-aware and responsible. And when it gets too scary, trust the music, talk less and music more.

K: The most important piece of advice I could offer would be to try and get some experience in before you begin the training. There are internships available and if they have the opportunity to have first-hand experience of MT they should do it. Having had the experience and then doing the course and now working in the field I feel that my transitions have been smooth and I am thoroughly enjoying being able to work in this field.

Caitlin Schulze, South Africa

WFMT Student Delegate for Africa