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Windows to the world opened up in a dream-like opportunity to meet and work side by side with music therapists from all over the world. My first trip to a beautiful country, Austria, which has a rich heritage of music and arts, was one of making beautiful relationships and learning from some very talented music therapists. It was a precious week with music therapists and musicians, their experiences and research, music, and making valuable connections.The topic of the World Congress, “Cultural Diversity in Music Therapy Practice, Research and Education,”gave me an insight in exactly the same. Diverse cultures and how music and therapy can vary according to the place and people.The topics discussed were varied in nature and informative. It was a wholesome experience of music and education in a package. The topics in the spotlight sessions, workshops, and paper presentations were very interesting and contributed to my expanding knowledge and gave me an insight on the various dynamic working environments, cultures, and needs of people. As much as there was disparity in all these aspects the one thing that brought everyone and everything together was music which made it possible for people of different cultures and languages could connect and share their experiences and take back beautiful memories.It gave me an understanding as to how education, research and culture can shape a person from inside and out. Music and Therapy is something that has taught me both my flaws and my positives, which circumstantially is true for all people all over the world. It’s a growth I feel that happens for us as individuals and our perspectives of looking at other people. I was amazed and learnt quite a bit as I witnessed the professional and personal relationships of peers and the grace shown to upcoming students in the field, all the while giving them immense opportunities and guidance to grow and nurture their talents.My experiences as I connected with the students and the more professional Assembly of Student Delegates gave me a note of seriousness of what is needed to be done: Connecting and building a path for all of us to tread the same as one, understanding our cultural differences, and yet attaining a lifetime relationship of respect.I have grown as a person after a week of watching the experiences and knowledge of music therapists from the world over. It has given me the confidence to do what is needed to attain such standards and moreover to make it happen in India and the neighboring countries.Bhuvaneswari RameshWFMT Southeast Asia Student Delegate
