CNN highlights the benefits of Music Therapy

In a recent CNN report that focused on music therapy in the United States, the news channel highlighted the case of a teenager who has been receiveing regular music therapy sessions with a therapist from Boston's Berklee College of Music. With the BBC in the UK, CNN in the States (and worldwide) and other news organisations picking up on and educating people, governments, organisations on the benefits of music therapy, its acceptance as a valid form of medical & social intervention is increasing.

Often I run ice brakers sessions, or team building days with a bunch of strangers. Then through the first moments of embarrassed giggling, jokes and excited anxiety comes their music. Tentative or bold the music breaks down their barriers and social and emotional connections are made. Acceptance and warmth starts to occur, and people are genuinely amazed at the sense of relatedness and intimacy they have created.

With all the wars currently happening in the world, and the recent conflict in Israel/Lebanon, peaceful dialogue through music is a way to create harmony, compassion and a sense of a shared experience of the world, whomever we are, whatever our religion or social background, race or creed.

The aftermarth of the 1990s war in the former Yugoslavia has seen music therapists and musicians including Pavorotti create music schools and orchestras to unite the people and build music then social then community bridges. Music Works...Duh!

My deep intention in life is to continue to use music, and more widely use The Arts as a tool for creating a world in which while peace may not always be present, war and violence are absent, and people are respected and fully able to live out their greatness and potential.