Karen turns lifelong dream into reality with MSc Music Therapy

Forty-six-year-old Karen Sutherland, from West Hill, Inverness, graduated with an MSc Music Therapy at QMU’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Monday 6 July 2026. She was joined by Queen Margaret University’s Chancellor, Patrick Grant – entrepreneur and judge of BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee. Karen and her fellow graduates also celebrated alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM). 

Karen was also presented with the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet Award, recognising her exceptional commitment to promoting and developing music therapy. Her achievement comes as she builds her own business, Highland Music Therapy, bringing specialist therapeutic support to communities across the Highlands. 

An encounter with inspirational music therapist Billy Jackson at 17 inspired Karen’s lifelong ambition to help others through music. After completing a BA in Scottish Music, Karen built a successful career as a freelance performer and clarsach tutor, travelling the world and teaching people of all ages. Alongside this work, she developed musical groups for adults living with dementia, mental health challenges and addiction, as well as children and young adults with additional needs. 

Reflecting on what inspired her to pursue music therapy as a profession, Karen said: “My burning desire to use music to help and support others continued to bubble away throughout my career. Working with children and young adults with additional needs eventually led me to retrain as a primary teacher, where I saw first-hand how music could help pupils communicate and connect in ways that the traditional curriculum sometimes could not. That experience reignited my passion for music therapy and led me to pursue a third degree.” 

Living in the Scottish Highlands with a young family meant that choosing where to study was a significant decision. As Scotland’s only provider of a music therapy qualification, QMU offered Karen the opportunity to pursue her ambitions while continuing to balance family life. 

She explained: “The course description aligned perfectly with my aspirations, and I was particularly excited by the opportunity to learn alongside art and drama therapists.” 

A highlight of Karen’s studies was gaining hands-on experience through placements arranged by QMU. The University worked to secure a placement close to home, enabling her to continue her studies while remaining based in the Highlands. 

During her first placement, Karen worked with Harmony Music Therapy under the supervision of leading Scottish music therapist Kristen Smith. Building on this experience, she went on to establish a successful music therapy service within NHS Highland during her second-year placement – an achievement that earned her QMU’s Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet Award. 

Karen said:

Over the last year, Karen has been developing her own business, Highland Music Therapy, and will work across schools, hospitals, hospices, day care centres and private homes throughout Inverness and the surrounding areas. 

Looking ahead to the future, she is excited about bringing music therapy services to more people across the region. 

Graduating with an MSc in Music Therapy and an award recognising her advocacy and leadership, Karen leaves QMU ready to make a lasting difference through the power of music, while bringing a vital service to communities across the Highlands.