The Flanagan Scholarship returns to Rhodes for the sixth time in eight years
Melissa Marsh - Flanagan Scholar
Melissa Marsh, an honours student in the Music Department at Rhodes University is the sixth Rhodes graduate out of the last eight recipients to be selected for the prestigious national Flanagan Scholarship. Melissa has applied to study at the Norloff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London next year where she hopes to combine her academic interests in music and psychology in a course-work masters degree in music therapy. Validated by London City University, the Centre is renowned for its high clinical and research standards.
“Without this scholarship, I would not have the amazing opportunity of studying at such a centre of excellence. Financially, I could not afford to study abroad, and I am very excited about being able to continue my studies in London,” said Melissa. “In applying for this scholarship, I did not even dream that I would be the recipient of the award! Academically, the Nordoff-Robbins Centre is one of the most prestigious places to study music therapy.”
Obtaining her academic half colours for each year of her Bachelor of Music degree between 2005 and 2007, as well as being placed on the Dean’s List for Academic Merit, Melissa is both an outstanding student and an accomplished performer. She has performed as the first violinist for the Rhodes University Orchestra since 2005, was a member of the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005, performed as a solo violinist in the Eastern Cape Opera Company’s production of Moon Prince in 2005 and regularly plays as first violinist with music groups performing at weddings and other social functions. Having studied Psychology as her second major, Melissa has also worked with a physically disabled child during 2005, and volunteered with the Grahamstown Schizophrenic Half-way House between 2006 and 2008.
Her exemplary academic record aside, Melissa says her studies at Rhodes have groomed her for this award and her further studies in many ways. “Rhodes taught me to think critically. The music department exposed me to different styles of music, and gave me a thorough grounding in performing and composition (among other aspects) which have helped me to develop as a musician,” said Melissa. “I have also had the wonderful opportunity in my fourth year to have a registered music therapist as an external supervisor for my dissertation.” Melissa’s dissertation was grounded in music therapy theory, which gave her the opportunity to conduct therapeutic music sessions with three children experiencing interactional difficulties.
On completion of her studies, Melissa plans to return to South Africa to practise as a music therapist. “I am particularly interested in working with children, not necessarily only with interactional difficulties, but especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Melissa explains. “I believe that music therapy is a great resource, especially for children, as the intervention moves beyond the barrier of words, which are often inadequate to express oneself.” Music therapy involves both client and therapist making music together. The client does not need to be ‘musical’ but is provided with appropriate instruments such as a drum or other percussion instruments on which he/she can make a noise and express him/herself. “Music in this context provides clients with an area in which they can do well, in which they cannot fail. They are not judged on how well they play, and thus music therapy often enhances the self-esteem of clients.”
Melissa is the 29th recipient of this national scholarship, awarded specifically to South African women who are proficient in English and wish to pursue their full-time postgraduate studies in any academic field. The scholarship provides funding for two years to assist with the costs of travel to and from South Africa to university abroad, tuition fees, residence fees, book allowance, clothing allowance and pocket money.
