It feels like such a long time ago that I started as UK Programme Assistant in 2018. I really owe so much to Music as Therapy International as my experiences here have developed me so much – learning about international development practice, the therapeutic power of music, and how to develop genuinely Partner-led projects. The impact our projects have for practitioners and service users is really unique and something I am proud to have contributed to. I have learnt the values of patience and ‘walking alongside’, and understand a million times better the role of carers, educators and early years practitioners, as so crucial to our social fabric. 

I really owe so much to Music as Therapy International as my experiences here have developed me so much

Working at Music as Therapy International during the Covid pandemic was a lesson in resilience and I was so pleased with how we worked with the UK programme, to focus on sustainability and support for our Partners. The Carers Trust online project was a highlight for me, but I won’t forget the very first thing I did at Music as Therapy International: attend the 2018 Interactive Music-Making presentations on a sunny day in April with Alexia and Sarah, and watch all the Interactive Music-Makers present on their new skills. I was so impressed and continue to be by all our Partners’ work. 

On a personal level, I’ve gone from being an inexperienced but interested twenty-four-year-old to someone who could balance a programme of activities as varied as the charity’s. The opportunity to work on fundraising, research, write press releases, stories and blogs, as well as work with all of our Partners and collaborators, was a really special experience and allowed me to grow into my interests. I’ve learnt this sort of working environment is rare and something that being part of a small, responsive organisation like Music as Therapy International makes possible. 

The opportunity to work on fundraising, research, write press releases, stories and blogs, as well as work with all of our partners and collaborators, was a really special experience 

And I’ll obviously not forgot all the brilliant people I’ve met. Alexia, Richard, Makeda and Lotte have been the loveliest colleagues (not forgetting Shannon!) and I know Elsa and Kiran are going to do a great job. I’ll miss working with everyone at the Coop Centre, lunch at the Ethiopian cafe and walks around Kennington Park. Equally, the Advisory Panel have been an experienced group of people to work alongside and learn from, and the Trustees always a supportive steady hand guiding us. 

Last but not least, the Partners, who I have loved working with so much. From the Interactive Music-Makers to our partners up in Fort William – I will be following their work on the charity’s social media from now on as a supporter not a colleague, and am looking forward to seeing how everyone continues to develop their music programmes.