Sophie is a musician and a second year student at Auckland University, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music and Psychology. Recognising the profound effects that music has had on her life as a musician, she is interested in music and the effects that music and other forms of expression through art have on our human life experience. For example, why do we get an overwhelming sense that we have dealt with a problem after expressing it – through forms like writing a song, creating a piece of art, or even just talking about it? Are there links between music and identity, music and emotion and self development, memory and human sociality, and if so, what are those links?
Intrigued by the possible answers to these questions, Sophie hopes to one day learn more about their possible applications in psychology, and in enhancing people’s lives through music and expression. After observing that many of the patients in a rehabilitation centre for addiction had incredible creativity and talent, she wondered what could happen if that creativity was developed. She wishes to one day work in a rehabilitation programme teaching music, and to work to reduce the common negative perceptions that society has of addicts and sufferers of mental health conditions.
Sophie has worked as a musician and songwriter in New Zealand for the last few years and has worked overseas in Chile as a musician and teaching english.
