> About > Lifetime Achievement Award > Past Recipients - Pauline Etkin OBE

2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Pauline Etkin OBE

Pauline began her career as a teacher, becoming head of music at a Teacher Training College in South Africa. As a music therapist, she initially worked with children with life-limiting conditions in South Africa and Soweto. She came to London in 1986 where she worked primarily with children at two special education schools and at the Nordoff Robbins charity in North London. She continued to work for the charity for 30 years.

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.