Ep 77 Alphonso Archer

Luke spoke to music therapist Alphonso Archer about his career in
music, music education, music therapy, and football coaching.
This has included big personal challenges, inspiring moments and
the development of innovative and creative approaches. 


Alphonso says:


I spent over 25 years immersed in IT, Software, and Artificial
Intelligence, building a career rooted in technological
expertise. However, a personal diagnosis of prostate cancer and a
brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2016 marked a pivotal
moment, guiding me towards the world of music therapy.


My transition was also profoundly influenced by my personal
experiences. Growing up with a father diagnosed with
schizophrenia offered me firsthand insights into the complexities
of mental health. My academic exploration in this area led to a
dissertation titled "Ambiguities in the Diagnosis of
Schizophrenia Amongst Ethnic Minorities", shedding light on
mental health nuances within the black community.

I trained as a music therapist at the University of the West of
England (UWE), graduating with distinction in 2022. As a newly
qualified freelance music therapist, I work with neurodiverse
children, particularly those with autism and other co-occurring
conditions. My therapeutic approach also encompasses adults with
autism and those managing mental health challenges. Collaborating
with a cancer charity, I facilitate music therapy sessions
tailored for those navigating the aftermath of a cancer
diagnosis.

I am publishing my master's dissertation, which centres on "How
Black Men Use Music to Cope with the Psychosocial Symptoms of
Their Prostate Cancer Post Treatment". This research underscores
my interest and commitment to understanding the intricate
connections between music, therapy, race, and health
outcomes.

At the 2022 European Music Therapy Conference, I had the
opportunity to co-present with Dr Kate Jones, who introduced her
music therapy toolkit designed for children with selective
mutism. I was also involved in workshops and discussions
surrounding race and belonging, social dreaming matrix and shared
my thoughts on the future trajectory of the music therapy
profession.

Music has been a constant as a multi-instrumentalist, starting in
church and rich experiences such as playing guitar in the
Derbyshire Youth Jazz Orchestra to jazz piano lessons with
composer and recitalist James Harpham. For over two decades, I
have taught piano, guitar and bass, instruments that I've been
connected to since my early years.

You can contact me via my new website:

www.livingwellthroughmusic.com
Twitter: @AlphieArcher