Abstract

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the experiences of music therapists from Mumbai, India providing professional music therapy services to a clinical population intersected by class, caste, and gender. Three participants from Mumbai were interviewed to study both pre-determined themes based on the current literature and emerging themes that unfolded in each of the participants individual narratives. The following were the four primary themes that are discussed in the study: (a) caste, class, and gender; (b) professional challenges; (c) benefits of practicing music therapy in Mumbai; and (d) vision for the profession in India. Results revealed the various challenges, benefits, and scope for policy enhancement within the existing music therapy profession in India. The findings also raised important questions about equity, access, awareness, funding, and advocacy of music therapy in India. Finally, this study hopes to support the formulation of a standardized music therapy practice in India and increase the much-needed representation of diverse voices in the global music therapy landscape. Information on limitations of the inquiry as well as potential implications and areas for future research are addressed.