'University of Pretoria - Department of Philosophy'
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.Mini-dissertation (Mmus)--University of Pretoria, 2015.tm2015MusicMmusUnrestricte