3rd European Music Therapy Day
15th November is European Music Therapy Day! Music therapists, the specialists in the field of music and health, will hold open house events and organise workshops. Special, heart-warming performances will take place. Some activities will be organised in the week before or after the 15th of November.
Sounds of Change is our theme this year. Music therapy is changing people through the use of sounds. Sounds of rhythm and melody, made by our voice or body, or by instruments that produce sounds. We’d like to send out a warm invitation to join us in making or listening to ‘sounds of change’. As music therapists we want to show everyone the power of connecting through music and how this can help people, who for whatever reason are stuck, to move forward again.Music plays an important role in our everyday lives. Music can stir memories and powerfully resonate with our feelings, helping us to express them and to communicate with others. Often we are not aware of how we are influenced by music. But research shows: music is good for our brains, it is wonderful for our bodies, it makes us move, and puts us in a good mood. Everybody can use the power of music by listening to music, playing a musical instrument or singing.
More information on all activities in Europe can be found on www.musictherapyday.com/where-when
MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy is an established and research based health profession. In Europe more than 5000 certified music therapists are working in health institutions, schools, care homes or private practices. They provide music therapy for a wide range of client groups, including children with learning disabilities, autism or behavioural disorders, adults with depression or trauma and anxiety, and older adults with Parkinson’s or Dementia.
Music therapy is helping people through music. How does this work? In music therapy, clients can listen to music, play a wide range of instruments and use their voices. They create a musical language which reflects their emotional and physical conditions. This enables them to build connections with their inner selves and with others around them. A well trained music therapist supports the client in a musical way and stimulates development or change, as beneficial to the individual’s needs. Using music therapy for a wide range of health needs is effective, cost efficient and contributes towards a healthy and warm care environment.
The EMTC is the Confederation of professional music therapy associations in Europe. The overall purpose of the EMTC is to nurture mutual respect, understanding and exchange between music therapists in Europe. The EMTC was founded on 15th November 1990 and now has almost 30 member countries. Started in 2014, European Music Therapy Day will be held each year on the 15th of November.
The European Music Therapy Day is funded and supported by the Ambitus Foundation.
