How are multicultural considerations playing a role in music therapy practice? A Nordic music therapist’s experiences from working in a paediatric hospital setting in Peru

Abstract -- In the field of music therapy, global collaborative research and clinical practice in multicultural settings are evolving. Therefore, there is an important need for integrating a multicultural perspective in music therapy. This study presents a heuristic analysis exploring the role of culture in music therapy, from the perspective of a Nordic music therapist working with paediatric patients in Peru during the autumn of 2017. The connection between cultural differences (Northern Europe and Latin America) and music therapy was explored from a personal and theoretical perspective. From a heuristic inquiry, nine themes were identified which represent the qualities of the music therapist’s personal experiences of the role of culture in music therapy practice: 1) Various expectations, 2) Music – the primary language, 3) Finding my role, 4) Expressions & reactions, 5) Time, 6) Interactions, 7) Music & emotions, 8) To connect, and 9) Sharing experiences. The findings of this heuristic analysis reflect upon the importance of self-reflection, cultural sensitivity and the music therapist’s responsibility to respect, support and keep an openness to the personal-cultural-musical background of the patient. An awareness of the music therapist’s and the patient’s cultural backgrounds is needed, as music and culture can be considered as both personal and as phenomena shared with others. Therefore, cultural considerations in music therapy practice can be necessary both in settings where cultural differences might be more apparent and in meetings with subtler multicultural aspects. Nevertheless, it is essential to strive for a balance between cultural considerations and the spontaneous connectivity in the music, in music therapy. Keywords: Paediatrics, heuristic analysis, multicultural music therapy, here-and-now, intersectionality