WFMT FOR STUDENTS

Tea House Meeting

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 06:44:36 +0900

The new WFMT Assembly of Student Delegates met with the WFMT Council at a beautiful Tea House to discuss the
• Assembly of Student Delegates’ vision
• Goals and Objectives
• 2011-2014 Projects, and the
• Support from the Council.

We enjoyed each other company and an excellent cup of tea, while exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Here are some visual impressions:

In the headline photo:
Left: Dr. Annie Heiderscheit (Secretary/Treasurer), Marion Tennant (Regional Liaisons for Eastern Mediterranean), Dr. Petra Kern (President), Rose Fienman (Executive Assistant), Anna-Kristina Stekl (Germany), Lucila Pivetta (Argentina); Right: Tim Minchin (Australia), Puchong Chimpiboon (Thailand), Dr. Sumathy Sundar (Regional Liaisons for Southeast Asia), Dr. Patricia Sabbatella (Chair, Education & Training), Melanie Kwan (Singapore), Jen Spivey (U.S.A.).

Photos taken by Dr. Gene Behrens (Regional Liaison for North America).

Reflections from the 13. World Congress of Music Therapy 5

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:05:52 +0900

My name is Lucila, a Music Therapy student from Latin America, and I was fortunate enough to attend the World Congress of Music Therapy in Korea. Attending this congress broadened my understanding of how culture can significantly influence the way in which Music Therapy is applied and perceived. Furthermore, it was valuable to see esteemed professional music therapists share their knowledge and research, as well as to witness the enthusiasm of so many students willing to engage in constructive debate around the study of and participation in Music Therapy. I'm grateful to be a part of this wonderful worldwide music therapy community!

Lucila Pivetta, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Reflections from the 13. World Congress of Music Therapy 4

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 23:40:52 +0900

“Where am I?” was my first impression upon wandering through the highly-advanced and futuristic airport in South Korea in early July. I continued wondering the same thing as I made my way to a hostel via Korea’s subway system, the third largest in the world, and watched as business casual clad Seoulites tapped away at giant computer screen monitors available in all underground stations to check routes and zoom in on street view images of their destinations.

I continued asking myself the same question throughout the World Congress where I got to meet music therapists from all over the world, including countries such as Scotland, Qatar, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and of course, Korea, to name just a few. The paper presentations, workshops and spotlight sessions were equally varied: I experienced a workshop comparing Indian ragas and American blues, a symposium on music therapy and global crisis intervention, a paper presentation using music therapy to facilitate motivation and change in addictions, and a spotlight session featuring the most respected researchers on music therapy and medicine in the world…and that was day one.

Receiving one of the student scholarships and attending this conference were immeasurably valuable for me. While the data, statistics and facts I learned from presentations were interesting, it was the mere exposure to the inexhaustible breadth of music therapy practices and research around the world that was incredibly stimulating and inspiring as a student. And beyond this, making personal connections with those who are the agents of this global growth of music therapy was truly unforgettable and impacting.

Julie Lytle, Capilano Univeristy,

Reflections from the 13. World Congress of Music Therapy 3

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 07:21:25 +0900

I cannot believe that the World Congress of Music Therapy already was three weeks ago as my impressions and memories are still very vivid. I learned so much about different populations served in music therapy, cultural aspects, and latest developments of the field in different countries. I enjoyed the impressive cultural highlights and it was really exciting to learn a little bit about Korea and the Asian culture.

But the most important and as well funny moments happened while meeting and getting to know music therapist and students from all over the world. I had many enriching, valuable, and touching conversations. The interactions gave me so many food for thought, showed me different options and possibilities of practicing music therapy, and some inspired me a great deal. I am still thinking about many things, planning, organizing, dreaming about my music therapy future.

It was a quite a trip to Asia and required to save up some money. But, I really do not regret one minute nor any cents. I only can give everyone this suggestion: If you ever have the chance to attend a World Congress of Music Therapy, GO FOR IT!
I had a wonderful time!

Greetings from Germany

Anna-Kristina Stekl, University of Applied Science Heidelberg, Germany

Reflections from the 13. World Congress of Music Therapy 2

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:07:36 +0900

I have often looked at the “Window to the World” section of the website, interested in reading how individuals engage with cultures other than their own through music therapy. Although my travel experience has not yet included service provision, I feel that attending the 2011 World Congress in Seoul was an instrumental component in moving closer to that goal. Many sessions relayed others’ international work experience in both crisis and stable situations, offering valuable professional information.

Each day presented an opportunity to explore yet another facet of South Korea’s rich cultural heritage, be it food, language, music, architecture, or social customs. In addition to the wonderful learning opportunities provided at the congress, I feel that I gained personal and professional knowledge through interacting with the citizens of Seoul as I took care of daily tasks, such as grocery shopping and transportation. The experience of living in a foreign culture, even for a short time, provided valuable insight that will enable me to empathize better with the challenges of clientele who are living in a new cultural context.

In addition to personal growth, I had the opportunity to meet music therapy students and professionals from a variety of countries and to learn about global music therapy education and practice through paper presentations, workshops, and social gatherings. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of attending the 2011 World Congress was the formation of friendships with international colleagues. Dialogues regarding regional music therapy efforts and personal experiences enhanced my knowledge of the field as well as established a global network to support me as I continue my education. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2011 World Congress and am already saving pennies for the next global conference!

Jen Spivy, Colorado State University, U.S.A.