We caught up with Nooshin to hear more about how she wants to use music to help others.

By Ruby Wrankmore

Name: Nooshin

University: Anglia Ruskin University

Course: MA Music Therapy

Hometown: Tehran, Iran

Favourite instrument: Piano - I started playing when I was 7 years old.

A musical start...

“After graduating from Tehran Art university in Music Performance in 2015, I established my own music institute and started working as manager and piano teacher. While doing so, I attended Iran's National Orchestra as the piano player. I participated in almost all piano masterclasses held in Iran and various programmes in music education for children. Due to the lockdown conditions, I had to limit my institute's activities. However, I managed to continue working as piano teacher for another well-reputed music school.”

“I heard a story of a family that struck me. Their child was diagnosed with autism and the parents had great difficulties finding help for him. I started looking into music therapy courses in the UK and US, and now I’m off to study MA Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin. I think this is what I am meant to do - it feels really worthwhile. I’m so passionate about helping people, especially those with disabilities. If music can help me it can help others.”

“I want to be a fully qualified Music Therapist. There’s no accredited course in Iran, so I’m looking forward to starting abroad. I’m doing it to help people, so it doesn’t matter where I am. I want to promote awareness of music therapy, and encourage others to pursue this career. It isn’t too well known - I had to do a bit of searching. There’s only a few institutions who offer this course, so I’m thankful to Anglia Ruskin.”

Hitting the right note...

“I chose ARU because Cambridge is an educational city. I get the impression that most students are focused on their studies. I attended an open day virtually and saw for myself that the programme is very good. I’ll be able to apply practically what I have learned.”

“For me as an international student, it is absolutely important to consider the facilities provided by the university as well as its reputation in the programme I want to choose. Students must think carefully about the quality of education that is offered at university in the specific field they want to pursue. And in my case, the Music Therapy course at ARU is one of the most well respected in this field.”

“I’m so proud to be one of their students!”

The crescendo...

“I have been thinking about moving abroad for many years, and the desire became stronger when Covid started. . There are some issues that a person who has never lived abroad may be a bit anxious about. In my case, I have thought about it for a while and I’m ready to tackle any challenge I face on my path. In my opinion, some culture shock is natural as I have spent most of my life in another country. I have made up my mind to start this journey to accomplish my goal.”

“CampusConnect has lessened my worries in different aspects as all of my questions are answered directly and quickly. I feel as if I am connecting with my close friends. I have also found people from my home country. It has been so nice to connect with them as we have the same issues to talk about.”

“I’m going to try my best as an ARU student. I’m going to focus on my studies, I’m going to meet many people and I’m going to experience as much as I can!”

You can keep up with Nooshin on LinkedIn, or check out her Instagram and YouTube.