The week of the 2017 Memorial Day holiday will go down as a landmark week for the music therapy profession in the United States. Let’s start at the end…
Through a partnership between the Kennedy Center and the National Institutes for Health (NIH), music therapy was on full display during the June 2-3 “Sound Health: Music and the Mind” event. Through a series of lectures from music therapists, scientists, and performers, participants learned of the connection between music, science, and health–a connection experienced and practiced regularly by music therapists.
To promote the event, singer Renee Fleming (Artist Embassador for the Kennedy Center) performed “God Bless America” with Captain Luis Avila and his music therapist Rebecca Vaudeuil during the 2017 National Memorial Day concert. Viewers had the opportunity not just to learn about Captain Avila’s journey, but also how music therapy played a role in his rehabilitation (as it can for many of our military personnel). It also felt quite captivating to hear Renee Fleming talk about music therapy—she’s a passionate spokesperson and compelling speaker.
As a music therapist, it’s thrilling to witness the growing interest in and awareness of this intersection between music, science, and health, an intersection I have been intimately connected to for over 15 years.
It’s an exciting time to be in this profession.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Music is the best therapy! It has a great healing power. It’s great that there is a dedicated week organised for the same.
KIMBERLY, music therapy always has great power. We all know that benefits gained from using music as a tool include reducing stress, help to educate and improve the general quality of life as well. Thanks and keep posting things like this.
Hey Kimberly, music therapy is actually effective and has immense healing power. It is good to know that there is a special week for music therapy. Thanks for sharing this beautiful blog.
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