Music therapists' experiences of developing clinical musicianship during training

Abstract

This qualitative research study explored six music therapists’ experiences of developing clinical musicianship skills during the music therapy Masters training program at the University of Pretoria. The study was particularly concerned with the influence of previous music training and experiences on the development of clinical musicianship skills; how the development of clinical musicianship skills influenced participants’ musical identities; and how the development of clinical musicianship skills influenced participants’ experiences and use of music in non-clinical settings. The sample was selected from registered music therapists who completed their training in 2011 and 2013 at the University of Pretoria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview transcriptions were then analysed by means of thematic analysis. Three themes were drawn from the data: pre-training, training, and post-training. Participants described their definition of clinical musicianship skills as well as what learning clinical musicianship skills entail. Their experiences of developing clinical musicianship included new experiences; valuable experiences; easier learning experiences; uncertainties and incompetence; growth and development; challenges with regard to instrumental skills, improvisation, and working with clients; and means of dealing with challenges. Data analysis revealed aspects of participants’ musical training and experiences prior to the music therapy course that were both helpful and hindering to their development of clinical musicianship. Participants also commented on the contrasts between previous musical training and experiences and their experiences in music therapy training. With regard to the influence that the music therapy training had on participants’ musical identities, changes included: development to identity as musician, music therapy adding to facets of musical identity, and other musical identities being informed by the training. Data analysis further revealed that the development of clinical musicianship skills informed participants’ use and experiences of music in non-clinical settings in that it influenced their relationships in general, changed their perceptions and experiences of music, and influenced their approach towards musicing.