Rising musical star wins treble of awards

Abz received the three awards after two years on QMU’s postgraduate Music Therapy course, which she completed alongside her work as a vocal coach. The Excellence in Postgraduate Research, the Musical Adventurer and the peer nominated Standing Ovation! awards acknowledge Abz’ hard work, dedication and commitment to pushing creative boundaries throughout her time at QMU. 

After securing a 1st class degree in Commercial Music, a Master’s in Dance, and with 15 years teaching experience in dance, singing and performance, Abz returned to education to study music therapy, inspired to help others through her love for music. 

Abz, said: “The arts are incredibly powerful and can communicate some of our biggest experiences in ways that are emotive and allow us to feel seen, heard and valued. As someone who has relied on the arts to bring healing and hope into my life, being able to offer the same opportunities to others through music therapy is a real privilege and joy. 

“When I first discovered QMU’s MSc Music Therapy course, I was encouraged by its flexibility and celebration of all musical backgrounds, and was excited to learn more about how music can transform people’s lives, particularly those living with injury, illness or disability.  

“As a songwriter, I have been lucky enough to perform my songs across the UK with songs featured on ITV’s This Morning show, BBC radio, and one song became the anthem for the National Young Carers Festival. Songwriting is a core part of me so being able to write songs as part of my dissertation research was incredible!”  

Abz’s research, supervised by Dr Nicky Haire, explored improvisation as a self-care tool for music therapy students with complex trauma. Abz achieved a distinction for her dissertation and is hoping to publish her research alongside the album of songs she created during the process.  

She continued: “My time on the course has helped me develop in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve worked alongside some incredibly talented musicians and with tutors who gave me every possible opportunity to succeed. My placements in both the NHS and local council organisations allowed me to gain real-life experience as a music therapist. 

“I am now hoping to set up a service for adults with learning disabilities in Edinburgh as well as continuing my studies with hopes of completing a PhD in the future.”  

This long established MSc in Music Therapy at QMU is the only music therapy course in Scotland. It offers stimulating and varied learning experiences for students, including practice placements in various settings.  

"It was a pleasure to work with Abz during her studies and I’m delighted she has received these awards! As a student, she was insightful and creative, and wholly committed to her own learning. I hope she is able to engage with many people in her work as a music therapist, and I wish her all the very best in her future practice."

On the day of Abz’s graduation from QMU, she celebrated with her family and classmates at an impressive ceremony held in Edinburgh’s beautiful Usher Hall, attended by QMU’s Chancellor and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith CBE. Abz was one of 1300 students who graduated in person from Queen Margaret University across three ceremonies in July.