The Irish World Music Centre at UL has launched Ireland's first master's programme in music therapy. Traditionally, music therapists have had to go to Britain or the US to train. Although more than 70 US universities offer education and training in music therapy and there are up to six programmes in Britain, up till now no similar programme has been available here, according to Dr Kaja Jensen, who lectures in music therapy at Southern Methodist University in Texas and is currently acting course leader at UL.

Put simply, music therapy is the use of music-making or listening or moving to music to achieve a therapeutic aim, she says. "Music therapists work with people with learning difficulties to work on social skills, emotional awareness or pre-academic skills, for example. They could work with the elderly to trigger memories or in a psychological setting to promote social interaction." Ireland's first music therapy programme - of two years' duration - is open to graduates of music, psychology or related disciplines who have a musical skill. "You do need to be able to play an instrument," Jensen stresses. "We interview/audition all suitable applicants." Dr Wendy Magee, an Australian working at the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability in London, will take over as course leader in February. Her specialty is neuro-rehabilitation, while Jensen works with infants and adults who are HIV-positive.

UL students will work closely with patients and staff at St Vincent's Centre, Lisnagry, Co Limerick, a special school for physically and mentally handicapped children. "Practical work is the backbone of the course," Jensen notes. The association with St Vincent's apart, students can expect to work in areas including both geriatric and psychiatric medicine.