“I’m so lucky to have had so many transformational experiences” ARU ambassador Dominique tells us what it’s like to be part of the UK’s longest established MA Music Therapy course

 
 
  • Name: Dominique

  • University: Anglia Ruskin University

  • Course: MA Music Therapy

  • Home country: US

A lifelong ambition…

“I knew what I wanted to do from a really young age. When I was in high school, I loved to sing in choirs and being a therapist always appealed to me, so when I heard about music therapy I just knew it was the only thing I wanted to do! I studied it for my undergrad in the US and loved it - I had amazing opportunities to work with different people, from children in schools to adults in nursing homes. For the last three years, I’ve worked in California, using music therapy in palliative and hospice care.

I’m so lucky to have had so many transformational experiences. I loved working in hospice care because I was helping people find meaning in the end of their life, and how to have some kind of legacy continue on for their families. I love to do that through song. Often we’ll write a song about their life and record it together - the process of making a melody and song for their loved ones to keep is really meaningful.” 

So what is music therapy?

“It’s a very interactive experience between a person and a therapist to work on personal goals, which could be physical, creative, vocational, spiritual, emotional, environmental or cognitive. It’s really all about the person’s quality of life and how it can be improved through music. Music is one of the only activities that activates both sides of the brain at the same time, which is why it’s so powerful for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s been incredible for me to work with people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s who are sometimes unable to have a conversation but can remember every word of their favourite song, which unlocks a way to communicate. 

Quick facts: 

Who employs music therapists? Music therapists can work in schools, hospitals, prisons, psychiatric facilities and more! 

What skills does it take? Musical talent (voice and instruments) and therapy skills (it can be emotionally taxing - you’ll need a lot of empathy!) 

 
 

An outstanding education experience…

“Skills development is a huge part of the MA Music Therapy course at ARU. I chose this course in particular as it’s the longest established music therapy course in the UK and the programme is amazing. We’ve just wrapped up our sixth week and it’s been wonderful! We’re quite a small group of music and drama therapists so we have lots of joint lectures, meaning we can learn from each other about different creative arts therapies. You also get to know people really well due to the small cohort.

I’m in a unique position because I’m already a board certified music therapist, so it’s been great for me to share my experiences with other students. There’s so much left for me to learn too - I’m excited that this programme allows me to expand my clinical experience. As students, we work collaboratively with professors to arrange placements based on our goals and interests, so that professors can help to find suitable placements. My first one is in a children’s hospital in London, which is new for me.” 

Settling in and feeling included…

“I applied to my course quite late and only found out I was coming in mid-July. It all happened quickly but ARU International Office were SO helpful - they’re definitely the reason why I’m here. The uni hosts great events too: the international orientation was super useful and I’ve stuck with a lot of people that I met on those two days. We meet up, go out and help each other when we need it. Lots of my flatmates are international students too, which means we can figure things out together. 

Everyone on my programme has been so helpful in supporting me with settling in: they’ve taught me how to ride the trains, told me about discounts for shops, and just been so welcoming and kind. Living in Cambridge is beautiful too, and it’s an easier transition for me than a big city like London. I actually prefer to live in off-campus housing that’s affiliated with uni because it’s given me the opportunity to discover more of Cambridge and be closer to the city centre and train station.

Since my arrival at ARU came around so quickly, I wasn’t involved with CampusConnect as an incoming student, but I can see how helpful it would’ve been, especially in getting to know people before coming. Being an ambassador now means I get to connect with people from all over the world who are applying to this university. I know how difficult immigrating to a new country is, and sometimes there are questions that it’s nice to be able to ask your peers instead of always contacting the school. The school is so helpful, but peer-to-peer is also so valuable.” 

 
 

Dominique is ambitious and confident that her course will set her up for plenty of opportunities, wherever she chooses to take them: “I’ve lived in lots of places throughout my life, especially in the last ten years. I’m loving living in the UK and I know my MA will open up opportunities for work here, but I could also go home and explore fields that would’ve been more difficult to get into before my MA. The world is my oyster!” 

Lauren Valentine