Abstract:
This study explores the experiences of a group of music therapy students in setting up and
working at three community placements: a residential home for the mentally disabled, an
HIV/Aids clinic at a state hospital and a shelter for homeless boys. The study investigates
how these students made use of a Community Music Therapy framework in conducting,
reflecting on and discussing the music therapy work at these placements.
The research was conducted utilizing qualitative research methodology and data were in
the form of three semi-structured interviews which were conducted with the six students -
two from each placement. Transcriptions of the interviews were subjected to content
analysis by the researcher and these findings are discussed in relation to seven
categories, namely Space and Boundaries, Performance, Community Music Therapy
Theory, Staff’s varying Attitudes and Involvement, Goals and Value, Logistics and
Challenges, and Students’ Personal Development. Lastly three themes that emerged
from the data, namely Shifting the boundaries: music therapy inside and out; Interacting
with the context and Students’ development: professional and personal growth, are
discussed.
