Studying for his Masters of Music Therapy, University of Melbourne student Elliot is on placement with the Xavier Allied Health team until the end of October. We had a chat to Elliot to understand how he is finding his time at Xavier, why he chose music therapy, what inspires him and more!

Q1: How is your placement going so far?

I’m really glad to be working with Xavier. The uni actually arranged this connection, and I’m grateful that Xavier Music Therapist Becca Johnson put up her hand to supervise student placements this semester!

Q2: What does a typical work day look like for you at Xavier?

On community days, Becca and I go to see music therapy clients in their homes and in community settings all over Brisbane. I’ve decided that it’s a prerequisite for every music therapist to drive a car packed full of guitars, drums and unidentified percussion instruments! Then every Friday, I join Becca and Art Therapist Charlie at Xavier Place, where they run a creative arts therapy program for all the guests. This might involve songwriting, impromptu jam sessions, or just chatting and playing music with the guests in the nice outdoor space.

Q3: What inspires and energises you?

I have found it so inspiring to observe music therapy in action over the past few weeks. It has been amazing to see how playing music together creates opportunities for human connection, above and beyond any physical or cognitive challenges that people have. I have a lot of respect for how music therapists like Becca use music strategically to help people develop communication skills, engage with others, or to simply have a good time!

Q4: What are your career goals once you graduate?

At the end of my Masters, I’m hoping to be a Registered Music Therapist, which means I’ll be able to do similar work as what I’m experiencing here at Xavier. I’m looking forward to this, though I don’t know exactly what corner of music therapy I will find myself in.

Q5: What are your passions outside of work?

I’m also a performing musician, so I try to do enough gigs outside of music therapy to keep my fingers limbered. Aside from that, I love jogging, hanging out with friends and my small fearsome bichoodle.

We wish Elliot all the best as his continues his Masters education and looks forward to graduating at the end of 2025!