Choosing the Right Interpreter: Reflections on My Experience

Abstract

Music therapists are now frequently working outside of their own cultures with individuals who may speak a different language from them. While music can be one vehicle of connecting and communicating with clients, oftentimes an interpreter is still necessary. This article presents an overview of my personal experience working with interpreters in various settings. Benefits and challenges of working with an interpreter are discussed as well as recommendations for working with interpreters. It is hoped that this article will create a dialogue among the Voices community about working with interpreters in the music therapy setting.

Keywords: music therapy, interpreter, relationships