I am passionate about promoting wellbeing in people through the medium of music. I completed an MA Music Therapy degree (with distinction) at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London in July 2021. During the course, I had placements in a care home, a mainstream primary school, and a high secure forensic psychiatry hospital. Before this, I completed an MMus Instrumental Performance (violin) and BMus(Hons) at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the UK.
I enjoy working with people of all ages and abilities but have found my passion to lie in working in the field of mental health. This can include anyone, from children to elderly people. During my music therapy training, I wrote a dissertation on how music therapy can benefit women who have experienced gender-based violence. This work led me to start a music-based support group with Rhodes University’s Counselling centre, where in 2022 I co-facilitated a group specifically for female-identifying students who have experienced GBV.
I am currently training in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (https://www.gim-sa.co.za/) to become a fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery, as well as attending a Certificate Course on the foundational concepts of Jungian Psychology through the South African Association of Jungian Analysis.
In 2024, I will be working as a part-time lecturer at the Rhodes University Psychology department by lecturing a module on therapeutic interventions.
I am registered as an allied health professional with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (registration number AT0001759) and the Board of Healthcare Funders (practice number 1058657).
Makhanda Music Therapy 