A MUSIC therapy student has been recognised for her help in setting up a new music therapy practice while she was on placement locally with the NHS.
Andrea Jardine, 25, last month graduated with an MSc in music therapy from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh.
During her course she undertook a placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, where she helped set up a music therapy practice — the first in the region for over a decade.
As a result, Andrea, who is a self-employed violin teacher, was presented with the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award by QMU.
She said: “In our final year on the 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.
“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!’’
A passionate advocate for art therapies and its potential to help with rehabilitation, Andrea is also a trustee for the Scottish Music Therapy Trust, and one day hopes to run her own music therapy practice, working with neurodivergent children or adults with dementia.
