A STUDENT at Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Musselburgh has graduated with a trio of special accolades for “outstanding work”.

Abz Irwin-Ransom, an established songwriter and teacher, received the three awards after two years on QMU’s postgraduate music therapy course, which she completed alongside her work as a vocal coach.

The Excellence in Postgraduate Research, the Musical Adventurer and the peer-nominated Standing Ovation! awards acknowledge her “hard work, dedication and commitment to pushing creative boundaries” throughout her time at QMU.

After securing a first-class degree in commercial music, a master’s degree in dance, and with 15 years’ teaching experience in dance, singing and performance, Abz returned to education to study music therapy, inspired to help others through her love for music.

Abz said: “When I first discovered QMU’s MSc music therapy course, I was encouraged by its flexibility and celebration of all musical backgrounds, and was excited to learn more about how music can transform people’s lives, particularly those living with injury, illness or disability.

“As a songwriter, I have been lucky enough to perform my songs across the UK, with songs featured on ITV’s This Morning show, BBC radio, and one song became the anthem for the National Young Carers Festival.

“Songwriting is a core part of me, so being able to write songs as part of my dissertation research was incredible!”

Abz’s research, supervised by Dr Nicky Haire, explored improvisation as a self-care tool for music therapy students with complex trauma. Abz achieved a distinction for her dissertation and is hoping to publish her research alongside the album of songs she created during the process.

She added: “I am now hoping to set up a service for adults with learning disabilities in Edinburgh, as well as continuing my studies with hopes of completing a PhD in the future.”

The long-established MSc in music therapy at QMU is the only music therapy course in Scotland.

On the day of Abz’s graduation from QMU, she celebrated with her family and classmates at a ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, attended by QMU’s chancellor and TV presenter, Dame Prue Leith CBE.