Introducing the New Interview Series: The UK and a European Perspective

Abstract

Readers of the BJMT will be aware that a series of interviews with UK-based music therapists (the Historical Perspectives Series) has now come to an end. It was fitting that the final two interviews marked the contributions of two administrators. Both Denize Christophers for the BSMT and Diana Asbridge for the APMT gave a strong impression of the huge development of UK music therapy over the years. Looking to the future, this development looks set to continue worldwide. In the UK, we are concerned in particular with the administration of our professional bodies and working within the framework of State Registration and Continuing Professional Development.

Following on from the first set of interviews, the new series will add a broader perspective, incorporating contributions from both inside and outside the UK. This will offer us an opportunity to view UK music therapy within another framework – one that is grounded in our history, while also acknowledging changes within the profession, and looking towards future developments. It is a conscious move from the past to the future, and will contribute to the ongoing dialogue between the UK and the rest of Europe at a time of significant change.

The following set of three interviews incorporates the thoughts of therapists who are directly involved with developments in music therapy in different areas of Europe. Tony Wigram will need no introduction, and here he writes in his capacity as a colleague who has considerable experience of work in the UK and in Europe (in particular, his involvement with the Masters and PhD courses in Aalborg, Denmark). Nigel Hartley who, as Chairperson of the APMT, represents the UK profession at an exciting and challenging point in its history, is also informed by his experience of working in other European countries. Jos De Backer, the head of the Leuven Music Therapy Masters in Belgium, and a well known presenter and teacher in many European countries, is also the current President of the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC).

For the interview, each of these experienced therapists was asked a series of questions, which fell into four categories:

general perspectives of the state of the profession

employment and clinical practice

research and training

the UK perspective

Questions and answers are printed below. The broad range of opinion and experience documented offers a unique view of the profession as a whole, and of how developments in the UK fit within a European perspective. In forthcoming editions of the Journal, a series of further interviews will develop the themes identified by Hartley, Wigram and De Backer. It is apt that the interviews end with De Backer's acknowledgement of the fact that whereas the many differences between countries cause challenges, these differences also ultimately add to a richness and breadth of knowledge and experience which must, at all costs, be respected. At times of change it is essential to bear this sentiment in mind.