Special Issue 7 (1) 2015, “Music Therapy in Europe: Paths of Professional Development” – Article
Perspectives on the development of the music therapy profession in the UK
Alison Barrington
Abstract
This article highlights some of the key issues that have been involved in the professionalisation of music therapy in the UK. Many music therapy pioneers have been involved in establishing validated training courses, making links with other professions allied to health and ensuring secure pay and conditions for music therapists. State registration occurred in 1999 after much negotiation and this article explores some of the processes involved in this development as well as noting the way in which music therapy currently provides rich and diverse services within many settings.
Keywords
music therapy; UK; professionalisation; training; state registration
Biography
Alison Barrington has been a lecturer at Guildhall School of Music and Drama since 2005. She is also currently the external examiner for Anglia Ruskin University and one of the editors for the British Journal of Music Therapy. She completed her PhD entitled ‘Music Therapy: A Study in Professionalisation’ from Durham University in 2003 where she also lectured in the music department. Her clinical music therapy practice has included working in schools and day centres for children and adults with learning disabilities as well as adult palliative care settings.
Email: Alison@musictherapist.org.uk