What former students say
David Robinson (2011 graduate)
“The transition from local authority town planner to music therapist is not the most natural career change! I’ve always been a passionate yet amateur musician and I reached the point in my life where I wanted music to play a bigger part. Within a year of making the decision to change career, I’d discovered music therapy and started training with Nordoff Robbins.
“Music therapy really is everything I thought it would be and more. I’ve done placement work with several client groups and have been inspired by how people work to overcome severe challenges in their lives – and inspired by those people who help them. The course has completely changed my relationship to music. I’m now much more appreciative of the possibilities that there are in music rather than just thinking of it as a recreational thing – it’s a lot more. I would never have imagined music could make the difference that it does to people and places. It really can transform lives.
“A very important aspect of my training is that I was going through it with other students, who were also on their own personal and professional journeys. We were there together to share the joys and discoveries, as well as the more difficult aspects of the training. It would not be the same at all on your own. We learned together, sharing and celebrating with each other.”
Camilla Farrant (2010 graduate)
“Inspiring, eye-opening, challenging and fun are just a few words to sum up my experience of training at Nordoff Robbins. I came to study music therapy after working as a classical singer, a year after graduating from university. My motivation was growing up with a brother with severe autism and witnessing his connection with music.
“In my placement work the changes I witnessed in clients made me realise that training as a music therapist was the best decision of my life. But I didn’t just gain great training and clinical experience, I met inspiring clients, colleagues who will be friends for life and a supportive team of tutors whose knowledge, passion and drive are what make the Nordoff Robbins training programme so special.”
Lindsay McHale (2008 graduate)
“When I left my job in marketing at a major record company to train as a music therapist I didn't know if I had made the right choice - but I can say now it was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made. The training programme has been the most incredible two years and it really has been a life changing experience. I have learnt an enormous amount from my year group and also from the fantastic team of tutors here.
“My clinical placements on the course have been varied; children who had a variety of special needs, adults in terminal care and adults on a locked-psychiatric unit. I found all the work fascinating, challenging and enjoyable but particularly the adult psychiatry - so much so that I applied for a job in this area!”
Alison Hornblower (2007 graduate)
“My training was an exceptional couple of years, full of laughter and tears which were supported by inspirational tutors and a wonderful peer group. The Masters programme allowed me to gain essential experience in working with a variety of needs. I particularly enjoyed my second year working with adults within mental health and dementia and the opportunity to research and question my experiences and the profession, through writing my own dissertation.
“I now work in a variety of settings for Nordoff Robbins South West. I have had the responsibility of setting up projects within day centre and residential settings for adults with learning difficulties and dementia. My training changed my life in so many ways and I am now finding my own way as a qualified music therapist, exploring exciting opportunities that music therapy can encompass.”
