Community Building Through Inclusive Music-Making

Abstract

Abstr Abstract actThe objective of this project was to expand the boundaries of regular music therapy sessions at a non-profit organization to include performances and workshops with community musicians. The goals and practices used for persons with physical disabilities prepared participants to benefit from inclusive music-making with local community musicians who had no previous music therapy experience, but whose performing styles were closely aligned with the musical preferences of our participants. The four collaborative workshops, which were held over six months, involved music therapy participants, accredited music therapists, local musicians, and volunteers engaging in music making together where teaching and learning was shared amongst all involved. The workshops were also an important mechanism for raising greater awareness of the needs and abilities of the music therapy participants.

The use of musical interactions to collaborate with teaching staff and specialist services at a special education school.

“…This conveys how valuable a community focus is in detailing a music therapist's role within this setting. Through a community lens, music therapists are able to work across contexts which can provide in a flexible approach for harnessing connection and relationship building (Davidson, 2012;Stige & Aaro, 2012;Gosine, Hawksley, & Quinn, 2017;Aigen, 2012).…”

“…The technique of songwriting may invoke the preconceived idea that one must have a certain cognitive ability, reserved for verbal groups whom can understand the process of writing a song (Bertolami & Martino, 2002). However, through a modified approach to basic songwriting, opportunities can be given to lower functioning children and adolescents for them to engage in this interactive therapeutic activity (Gosine, Hawksley & Quinn, 2017). Through songwriting, children with complex needs have the space where they may begin to be more aware of others, to notice themselves within a group context, and acknowledge one another through these individual expressions.…”

“…The songwriting activity is able to take on another level of expression with the function of deeper analysis of lyrics, musical dynamics, and instrumental representations (Bertolami & Martino, 2002). Gosine et al (2017) discuss their project whose mission was to engage, inspire and empower persons aged from 16-21 years old with varying disabilities through community music therapy. The group music therapy sessions consisted of both verbal and non-verbal participants.…”

“…This sense of connectedness through the shared musical experience of songwriting also promoted a positive reaction to belonging in the group. An insightful aspect of their project was that the effects of the music therapy extended beyond into everyday life for the individual participants (Gosine, et al, 2017). Musical experiences that are shared in this way can serve as a medium through which the effects can develop in other areas of a person's life (Stige, 2002).…”

“…It is important to understand and accept the ideas of participants and to use the activity as a form of community building. The music therapist's role is to contain the songwriting process and to provide an accessible therapeutic experience for everyone (McFerran, 2010;Gosine et al, 2017;Bertolami & Martino, 2002;Baker & Wigram, 2005).…”