On Developing Policies and Practices in Music Therapy: Personal Reflections from the Experience of Nordoff Robbins in London

Abstract

Pauline Etkin
Interviewed by Giorgos Tsiris

Note from the interviewer:
It is my pleasure to initiate the interview section of Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, by presenting here my interview with Pauline Etkin which was given at the Nordoff Robbins Centre in London, UK on the 5^th of January 2009.

Based on Etkin’s experience of being the Chief Executive Officer of Nordoff Robbins, in addition to her rich diverse experience in the field of music therapy on a practical and policy level; this interview focuses on the development of policies and practices in music therapy – an issue that will hopefully be of interest especially for countries, such as Greece, where music therapy is in its initial stage.

The interview was recorded, transcribed verbatim and then edited. Some footnotes have also been added to the original text in order to provide some useful additional information and suggest some sources through which the reader can find further information with regards to the issues discussed in the interview.

I would like to warmly thank Professor Helen Odell-Miller who, based on her personal major contribution to the development of music therapy in the UK, offered her support in the editing process of this interview.

This interview will hopefully encourage further constructive dialogue and reflections on related topics, and inspire the conduction of interviews with other significant figures in music therapy both on national and international level.