Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy: A ‘lobal’ reflection

Central to the development of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance has been the concept of 'lobality', a term Mícheál Ó Súilleabháinin used to describe the local-global dynamic. The Academy's recognition of this dynamic has signified a commitment to resonate with its location in a way that also strikes resonance with a global community. An example of such 'lobal' resonance is exemplified in the Academy's development of the first degree programme in music therapy on the island of Ireland. Impassioned with the belief in music's capacity to promote health and well-being, while inspired by music therapy pioneers internationally, Micheal's leadership led to the founding of the MA Music Therapy programme in 1998. This marked a brave departure for music and arts education in Ireland whereby artistic and healthcare practices combined to create the first and only professional music therapy training in the country. These fundamental steps have led to the training of over one hundred graduates who through their practice of music therapy have touched the lives of many individuals and communities in Ireland and beyond. Written from educator, graduate and practitioner perspectives, the chapter reflects on this flagship programme and its legacy.