Katherine Sobey

Kay first studied at the Royal College of Music in the 50s, and worked after this as a piano teacher whilst also being a farmer’s wife and bringing up 2 daughters. In 1985 she attended a schools career evening where Leslie Bunt spoke about music therapy, which seemed to offer her a welcome change of direction. After researching the available training courses and undertaking some voluntary work she chose to train at Roehampton. She qualified as a Music Therapist in 1986, having found great satisfaction in making music with others in this new way and also with what she describes as a ‘huge feeling of needing to learn more’. She began clinical work with children with special needs, adults with profound learning disabilities and adults with mental health problems; clinical work which has continued to this day (32 years). Kay also studied with Valerie Sinason and following this took her MA at the Tavistock in Psychoanalytical Observation. Currently her clinical work is with Music Well in Rye where she provides sessions in a mainstream primary and nursery school

Pauline became deputy director of NR supporting Sybil Beresford-Peirse and in 1990 was appointed Director of the Charity and later CEO. Together with a team of tutors, she developed the two-year full time Masters of Music Therapy training programme and she remained Head of Training for 10 years.

For 21 of her 30 years at Nordoff Robbins, she held the role of CEO, leading the charity and developing awareness and understanding of music therapy, both nationally and internationally. Although Pauline 'retired' in 2013, she continues to play an important role in the profession; chairing the BAMT Training and Education Committee, alongside her role as a BAMT Trustee. She is additionally a Trustee of the Music Therapy Charity and continues to do international consultancy work for Nordoff Robbins. Pauline also continues to work closely with the HCPC as a 'Partner' focusing on registration and education matters.

Pauline was awarded an OBE in 2012 for her services to music therapy, and in Einstein's words, she describes this award as being for all of the music therapists, clients, carers and supporters of our profession; 'GIANTS who shoulders she stood on'. Shortly afterwards, was awarded the BAMT Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution to the profession and academic discipline of music therapy.