Compassionate Human First, Music Therapist Second

In this paper we elucidate the concept that music therapy can be a radical force for social justice in institutions. We share our interactions with people in music therapy who have lived experience of disability and/or life-limiting health conditions as an impetus for exploring the intersections of social justice, radical and political action, and the institutional settings where music therapy work takes place. In doing so, we challenge definitions of professionalism in music therapy, invite speculation on how music therapy may contribute to systemic oppression and healthcare justice, and offer the idea that being a compassionate human might be the fundamental purpose of music therapy. The intention of this narrative-infused contribution is to encourage a shift within the current discourse from theoretical and idealistic engagement with social justice frameworks to empirical and critical understandings and approaches. We make use of Foluke Taylor’s (2023) anti-oppressive and forgiving style of writing with “loose threads” to expand the scope of our discussion and to invite our audience into dialogue with us. Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge in particular our colleagues Fatima Lahham, Hannah Dash, and Luke Wilson, all of whom have gifted significant time to contribute to our thinking and help us find paths to nuance and clarity. Thank you also to Jacob Harrison, Beth Pickard, Alison Hornblower and Kim Saul for reading earlier drafts of this work and providing useful reflection and feedback.