Photo by Lucas Kao (from Something Smashing)
I have always been drawn to free improvisation and interested in experimental and intuitive music making. Understanding improvisation in terms of communication, relationship and health led me directly to music therapy.
I currently divide my time between lecturing on the MSc Music Therapy course at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, music therapy work, project-based participatory music making and performance.
I completed my doctorate in 2021 at the University of Edinburgh with supervisors Professor Raymond MacDonald, Dr. Rachel Darnley-Smith and Professor Jonathan Wyatt. In this, I explored humour in music therapy with persons living with dementia using arts-based reflexive methodology.
Regular collectives/ensembles/bands/research networks I am involved with include TRIO (with Su-a Lee and Mairi Campbell), Mairi Campbell and The Pendulum Band, The Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, The Authentic Artist Collective, Concurrent Research Network and Something Smashing.
In addition to my work in the UK, I have been lead music therapist for Music as Therapy International's Project Rwanda since 2010, working in south-west Rwanda with local partners from two centres for children with a wide range of disabilities. I sit on the steering group for the project and am also a member of the charity's Advisory Panel.
Qualifications:
Ph.D, 2017 - 2021 University of Edinburgh
MA Music Therapy, 2006 - 2008 Anglia Ruskin University
MMus Performance, 2000 - 2001 University of Leeds
BA (Hons) Music, 1994 - 1997 University of York
I currently divide my time between lecturing on the MSc Music Therapy course at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, music therapy work, project-based participatory music making and performance.
I completed my doctorate in 2021 at the University of Edinburgh with supervisors Professor Raymond MacDonald, Dr. Rachel Darnley-Smith and Professor Jonathan Wyatt. In this, I explored humour in music therapy with persons living with dementia using arts-based reflexive methodology.
Regular collectives/ensembles/bands/research networks I am involved with include TRIO (with Su-a Lee and Mairi Campbell), Mairi Campbell and The Pendulum Band, The Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, The Authentic Artist Collective, Concurrent Research Network and Something Smashing.
In addition to my work in the UK, I have been lead music therapist for Music as Therapy International's Project Rwanda since 2010, working in south-west Rwanda with local partners from two centres for children with a wide range of disabilities. I sit on the steering group for the project and am also a member of the charity's Advisory Panel.
Qualifications:
Ph.D, 2017 - 2021 University of Edinburgh
MA Music Therapy, 2006 - 2008 Anglia Ruskin University
MMus Performance, 2000 - 2001 University of Leeds
BA (Hons) Music, 1994 - 1997 University of York