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I had the chance to take part in the World Congress of Music Therapy in Vienna and Krems, Austria July 7th-12th, 2014. After the journey from Canada to Europe, I landed in Vienna where I spent a night before the pre-congress events. The city was vibrant with a rich musical heritage and culture. The pre-congress seminars were hosted by the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. I attended the seminar "Studying, Interning, and Working Abroad." During this seminar, music therapy professionals and students prepared short sessions discussing the challenges and benefits related to the practice of global music therapy. While the professionals presented on topics such as interning abroad or culture shock, the student panel presented their own experiences abroad. After the seminar there was a shuttle bus that brought the participants to the Congress venue in Krems, Austria. It was a huge contrast to be in a rural setting after having been in the cosmopolitan Vienna. The picturesque beauty of the town astonished everyone.The Congress began the following day with poster presentations and a Spotlight Session on Traditions and Cultural Diversity. There were also many workshops, roundtables and paper presentations. I had the chance to attend a ukulele workshop. That evening was the official Opening Ceremony, during which the flags of the 45 countries being represented in the Congress were displayed. I also had the chance to receive a formal document attesting the scholarship I was awarded. Everybody then attended a reception on campus. It was a wonderful evening to start a memorable experience.Wednesday started with the second Spotlight Session about Clinical Practice in Music Therapy. The series of speakers for this session was absolutely outstanding. Clinicians from all around the world shared clinical cases, experiences, and recommendations. Dr. Silverman's presentation was outstanding and offered a humble approach to music therapy practice. I then attended a workshop on group drumming with mental health before taking a group photo under the bridge. Following lunch, I did my first poster presentation ever on a music therapy initiative in Canada. It was wonderful to see student initiatives from all around the world and the work of student associations. I then attended a roundtable about the state of the WFMT and a workshop with Mr. Roonie Gardner. It was an honor to meet the inventor of this method that has the potential to help many patients living with physical and cognitive impairments. The cultural program of that evening was a boat trip on the Danube River. It was a lovely evening, filled with numerous impromptu musical moments and breathtaking scenery! Everyone was also closely following the football game, which resulted in many happy Argentinian fans!Thursday was my WFMT day! I had the chance to host the booth of the WFMT, as well as attend the election of the new WFMT Council. I then attended a paper presentation on a music therapy initiative in Lebanon working with Palestinian refugees. Considering the political context at the time (with active conflict in Palestine), it was a particularly touching presentation. I also attended a paper presentation discussing Culture-Centered Music Therapy in India and Australia. There was also a WFMT ASD roundtable where the old ASD members described the state of music therapy education and student concerns in their region of the world. Then the new ASD members were introduced. Following the roundtable, there was a party organized by the Congress with art exhibitions near the Congress venue. Again, there was great musical involvement, which attracted many locals who shared the musical experiences with us.On Friday, I attended the Spotlight Session, Contemporary Education and Training in Music Therapy. Of particular interest was Dr. Petra Kern's presentation on the use of new technologies in online teaching. I then attended a presentation from a Canadian fellow about music therapy with homeless youth. It was wonderful to learn about this area of music therapy and how to adapt one's approach to the client population's specific needs. I then hosted the student lounge and visited the interactive music therapy room before attending another paper presentation by Dr. Silverman about lyric analysis. I also attended a presentation on music therapy with adopting parents and the development of emotional bond with the child. During the evening was one of the most privileged experiences of all: participants of the Congress attended the dress rehearsal of an orchestra at the Grafenegg Castle.Finally, on Saturday there were the last paper presentations and Spotlight Sessions. The Closing Ceremony revealed the next Congress host: Japan. The audience was provided with unique musical experiences, especially a touching rendition of Imagine. The tail of my experience would not be complete if I did not mention the precious friendships that unfolded as a result of the Congress. Many of us went our separate ways (some travelled some more in Europe, others went home), but there is no doubt in my mind that wherever one went, he/she left Krems with the mind, body and soul filled with inspiration, motivation, and hope for our music therapy world. I will do all in my capacity to attend the next Congress, as this was one of the most privileged experiences in my life.Annabelle BraultWFMT North America Student Delegate
