CLASSICAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL MUSIC THERAPY
The third visit of the ERASMUS+ Project “Special education students overcome obstacles with art therapy” took place in Estonia at the Ämmuste SCHOOL (Ämmuste Kool). Educators of a small town school are making huge miracles in order to integrate and socialise their students within the society.
Introduction of the music therapy in Estonia was not by chance, because this country is known around the world for their music festivals. Estonians were the first of the three Baltic States to organise the Baltic Song Festival. One of the biggest festival for choirs in the world. Therefore, there is no surprise that the visit of the project participants started on the stage next to the statue of the legendary conductor and composer of Gustav Ernesaks.
The hosts of the visit organized workshops for making kuvytsi by use of recycled materials. Kuvytsi were made by implementing STEAM learning. The process required not only for the actions of cutting but also counting, measuring and harmonising of the sound. Such activities help the special education students to develop their personal skills, as well as musical skills. This was shown first-hand to the project participants who were able to make their own instruments and play the anthem of the European Union (an Ode to Joy). This was a day for unconventional – but at the same time - very educational and functional therapy.
Next, another therapy exercise had taken place in the wild. At the swamp of the Soma National park, the participants were listening to the chirping tunes of birds, running water, rustling of the forest and humming of insects. This sound therapy was for relaxing and gathering of strength from the nature.
Classical art therapy exercises continued at the Estonian Traditional Music Centre where the participants were introduced to old musical instruments and their music, and afterwards - at Ämmuste school - where the speaker gave their lecture alongside hypnotizing music from the singing pots.
Not forgetting the fact that one of the aims of the Project is to apply and try out the learning methods introduced during the visits back at our schools, we believe that every educator will find a therapy method suited for their students.
TURKEY
Music therapy uses the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to help people improve their mental health and overall well-being.1 It’s a goal-oriented intervention that may involve:
- Making music
- Writing songs
- Singing
- Dancing
- Listening to music
- Discussing music This form of treatment may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety, and it may help improve the quality of life for people with physical health problems. Anyone can engage in music therapy; you don’t need a background in music to feel its beneficial effects.
