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Mary: What is your previous experience with music therapy?Dirk: I attended the music therapy program at the University of Kansas, USA. After graduation, I worked with a variety of populations in several settings (i.e., Adult MR population–Richmond State School; Adult MR program–Wharton County Community College; Dementia, Geriatric, Psychiatric, Geri-Psych, Adolescent Psych, Substance Abuse populations–Outpatient and inpatient hospitals in the Baton Rouge Area) and as Adjunct Professor at the Sam Houston State University in Texas, USA. In 2005, I arrived in Doha, Qatar.Mary: How did you get connected with your current workplace?Dirk: I found the job offer at a Center for Children with Special Needs in Doha, Qatar through the AMTA job hotline.Mary: Were you looking for a job overseas, specifically? Have you always been interested in working overseas?Dirk: No! At that time I was not looking for jobs overseas. I applied to the Peace Corps after graduating from high school but did not have the skill set they desired. So, an interest to contribute and work in a cross-cultural setting has been there for a long time.Mary: What kind of music do you use, as in genres, instruments, scales, etc.? How did you learn?Dirk: Some maqams (Arabic modes) use quarter tones and some do not. There are electronic keyboards capable of playing quarter tones. There is even an app from Yamaha that achieves the same thing, but it only works with about 4 different Yamaha keyboards so far. Kurd and Hejaz are two maqams that do not use quarter tones yet have an oriental sound. Some children are familiar with music from children's movies (such as Disney and such), children's videos, or video game soundtracks. I have transcribed several Arabic songs from various sources. My transcriptions have been predominantly, but not exclusively, Arabic music. I also use a lot of improvisation. I studied oud (a string instrument similar to a lute) for one year and am currently studying the ney (Arabic bamboo flute). My oud teacher toured with Fayrouz, a famous Lebanese singer. My ney teacher works at Qatar Music Academy.Mary: How is music used in the culture? How is music therapy viewed?Dirk: There are some stricter sects of Islam who prefer to hear only percussion and voice, so no strings or winds. I am not certain what the resistance is to these instruments, but I have not met any parents who refuse music therapy or restrict it in private sessions; it has not affected my work, as most parents are understanding in these matters. Music therapy is probably equally understood or misunderstood as it is in the United States.Mary: Where do you see music therapy expanding to in Qatar (schools, hospice, special needs, etc.)?Dirk: Dr. Petra Kern has consulted with the Qatar Music Academy and Qatar Foundation on establishing clinical music therapy programs and eventually a music therapy training program in Qatar. There is interest and a commitment to expanding services on high levels. It will take time for these things to develop. There are always a number of factors in such endeavors that have to be walked through as they present themselves.Mary: What has been the biggest challenge in the music therapy program? Biggest challenge culturally?Dirk: Clinically, it has been difficult to hire people. Many want to come for some type of short-term experience, but not too many want to commit for the long term. Generally, older music therapists have families and are settled and do not want to give that up. Regarding young music therapists, when you begin to work in another culture, it sometimes seems like you have about 4-5 less years of experience than you do, and if you had none to begin with, I think it might be very hard. Culturally, being a married man, I avoid some of the bigger cultural challenges. I think it would be difficult being single here, as many marriages are arranged. Polygamy, while not common, is allowed, and Muslim parents are expected to raise Muslim children. This may or may not be of concern, but it is good to be aware either way.Mary: Has anything surprised you in a positive way?Dirk: Arabs value friendships, and I have begun to learn about what creates better ones. Many of my colleagues have been patient and helpful to me as I try to learn Arabic and a new culture. When we received our shipment of instruments for the new building we found that we were perhaps the best equipped clinic on the planet.Mary: What does it take to work in Qatar as a foreigner? How could one prepare for it?Dirk: I think you need a sense of adventure, patience, flexibility and a value of friendships. Being good at improvising with students and transcribing music would be helpful. There are books like http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Arabs-Contemporary-Guide-Society/dp/0983955808 which are good introductions to the culture. Understand there is classical Arabic and also various colloquial forms, such as Egyptian, Khaleegi (Gulf), etc. It would be good to get http://press.georgetown.edu/book/al-kitaab/alif-baa and try to learn the Arabic alphabet.
About the Interviewee:
Dirk Cushenbery, M.M.E., MT-BC is an American music therapist providing music therapy services at a Center for Children with Special Needs in Doha, Qatar. He is the only board certified music therapist currently working in Qatar.Mary Brieschke, Music Therapy Student, University of LouisvilleMusic Therapy Intern, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of ChicagoNote: This interview series was part of the University of Louisville’s Internship seminar under the instruction of Dr. Petra Kern.[fusion_separator top="40" style="dotted"/]
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