Beginning my career and blogging?

I have been thinking a lot recently about whether writing a blog would be something I would enjoy and find beneficial and as you can see my first post was in July 2014 and we are now beginning December! This has been a difficult decision.

• is it appropriate to write a blog whilst being an arts therapist?
• will my dyslexia hinder how I write especially as no one will be proof reading it?
• what would I write about? Music therapy, teaching and bands/performances?
• how can I ensure that it is understood that all views are my own?

As you can see these are only some of the questions which I have thought about.

I googled music therapy blogs and was surprised to see that the most prominent ones are from our colleagues across in the pond in America. With one exception : Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Blog - however the last post on here was October 2013. 

This makes me wonder

"Why?"

 

Why is it that we, as music therapists over hear either aren't blogging (I know some organisations are because I read them before and during my training) or aren't coming up on google?

Reading through some of the blogs I am surprised at the different styles of blogging privacy - I don't think these are the best words, but I hope you understand what I am trying to say - There are blogs out there similar to mine where you can see my name and what I do, but there are some which also detail likes and dislikes, family in the about section. There are also ones which are anonymous in that I haven't found a name but can narrow it down to where someone is working in the country. Some have youtube videos introducing themselves and sharing songs they use. Some talk about their practices and how they reflect on work, use supervision, some are open about having at times difficult sessions and their own feelings surrounding this. Those of feeling hated and the countertransferences we work with.

Some of the above has made my eyes open and go : "really...you are writing that?!" and then the other side of me especially as I am beginning my career sits ups and goes : "ahh, ok. Thank's for sharing this." 

So reading these blogs hasn't made my decision much easier, and I think back to conversations I had whilst training with staff and peers and the different ways we all approach social media. I use it a lot. I have my settings on very high as I like to know what I am sharing and who with, I am also very conscious of what I write, post, take a photo of, or share. I check regularly if there have been any chances, and I also am quite picky about who I follow or interact with.

• Facebook I find is easier for me to manage. I only have family and friends on it. People I talk to, sms, email, and see face to face! A few previous work colleagues too, but only ones which became friends.
• Twitter I have an anonymous one, and a music one. I have 2 because I am still unsure of how much of myself I want out there. Do people I work with need to know which of my friends I have gone out with over the weekend, or the lovely presents my partner surprises me with, or even do they need to know who my partner is! Whereas the one I use for music and music therapy allows me to link with other professionals, share gigs and concerts, events, conferences.
• Instagram again I have 2. I love Instagram. I am picky about what photos I post up but I like to share the places I visit, foods, crafts, and I love seeing other peoples. I follow people who have shared interests with me and it provides inspiration, but again do people I work with and alongside need to know what I think of my outfit, or hair, the food I've eaten or the animals I've spotted.
• LinkedIn I've found it useful for interacting with other professionals.
• Tumblr nope I never got into that one but I know many who are! More for seeing beautiful photos than anything else!

All of this makes me go round and round in circles so I think that what I am going to do it trial this. See what sort of posts I write and whether I feel comfortable or not.

I am going to make a link to all the music therapy blogs that I have come across in another post because there are some amazing articles, insights, projects and events happening in the UK and US which I've found interesting so am sure others will too.

Studies have finished!

After many years of wanting to become a Music Therapist, I have now achieved it!

I have spent the last two years studying at Guildhall School of Music and Drama on their Music Therapy Master's course. People have asked me to describe what it was like to study there but it is really difficult to explain. I loved and loathed the place.  I discovered aspects of my self which musically, emotionally and socially were surprising in both very positive and negatives ways. I cried more times during this course than I think I have in my life!! This was with laughter and sadness, embarrassment and pride.

Words which sum up my two years:

Refreshing    Rewarding    Exhausting   Exhilarating   Amazing   Eye-opening   


Career building    Stressful    Friendship making    Competitive   


Thought provoking    Self discovery    Life changing    Hard    Difficult    Easy   


Confusing    Clearing    Mind blowing


There are so many more words I could use, but the most important aspects of the training I received was that I am now qualified to work as a music therapist in the UK. I am HCPC registered and am working part-time. I have had the opportunity to study on one of the best courses (I think so anyway) in the UK and received up-to-date musical, music therapy and clinical training.

I am now ready to venture into the wider world and begin the next step in my career. That is after I've been on holiday with my wonderful partner who has supported me throughout the last two years both financially and emotionally!!