Life journeys of Korean music therapists in New Zealand

This study explores the life journeys of Korean music therapists living in New Zealand by examining their early immigration experiences, settlement processes, professional pathways in music therapy, and engagement with music at these different stages of life. Thus, this research aims to enhance diversity within the music therapy profession by sharing the stories of a community of New Zealand music therapy professionals and introducing the profession to immigrant communities in New Zealand. Through semi-structured interviews with three Korean music therapists, the following key themes emerged: (1) Pull and push factors of moving to New Zealand; (2) Between two worlds; (3) Music as a companion; and (4) Being a Korean music therapist in New Zealand. These findings prompted discussion on four key topics: (1) The price of a new life; (2) Wearing two hats: Navigating Korean and Kiwi identities; (3) Transnational professional pathways; and (4) Music as a key for “knocking on the door to integration.”