Changes in the Music Therapy "Space" - With Cultural Engagement in the Local Community as an Example.

Journal/Book: Nordisk tidsskrift for musikkterapi. 1993; 2: 11-22.

Abstract: To understand what music therapy is, we need both definition of music therapy and reflections on music therapy practice. These reflections should be built on concepts that help to see how music therapy changes in time and in different societies. With this in mind the article discusses concepts presentend by Even Ruud(1990) and Kenneth. E. Bruscia(1989). The article suggests a model based on the tree concepts of problem, task and approach. The problems that music therapists work with can not only be connected to the individual, but are also created in the relationship between the individual and the community he lives in. Working with these problems the music therapist may take on different tasks, like profylactic work, treatment and rehablitation. Other tasks, like education, consultation and research are also important. To take on a task, the music therapist chooses an approach, reflecting his values, theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Problem, task and approach could be seen as three dimensions creating the "space" for the work of music therapist. In this "space" different combinations of problem, task and approach is possible. And the "space" will be changing, both because the categories of the three dimensions will change in time and because new combinations can be created. A new and growing "space" is then presented and discussed: the community work, or cultural engagement in the local community. Background and some theoretical issues are discussed, as well as some very briefly guidelines for research. To understand what music therapy is, we need both definition of music therapy and reflections on music therapy practice. These reflections should be built on concepts that help to see how music therapy changes in time and in different societies. With this in mind the article discusses concepts presentend by Even Ruud(1990) and Kenneth. E. Bruscia(1989). The article suggests a model based on the tree concepts of problem, task and approach. The problems that music therapists work with can not only be connected to the individual, but are also created in the relationship between the individual and the community he lives in. Working with these problems the music therapist may take on different tasks, like profylactic work, treatment and rehablitation. Other tasks, like education, consultation and research are also important. To take on a task, the music therapist chooses an approach, reflecting his values, theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Problem, task and approach could be seen as three dimensions creating the "space" for the work of music therapist. In this "space" different combinations of problem, task and approach is possible. And the "space" will be changing, both because the categories of the three dimensions will change in time and because new combinations can be created. A new and growing "space" is then presented and discussed: the community work, or cultural engagement in the local community. Background and some theoretical issues are discussed, as well as some very briefly guidelines for research. To understand what music therapy is, we need both definition of music therapy and reflections on music therapy practice. These reflections should be built on concepts that help to see how music therapy changes in time and in different societies. With this in mind the article discusses concepts presentend by Even Ruud(1990) and Kenneth. E. Bruscia(1989). The article suggests a model based on the tree concepts of problem, task and approach. The problems that music therapists work with can not only be connected to the individual, but are also created in the relationship between the individual and the community he lives in. Working with these problems the music therapist may take on different tasks, like profylactic work, treatment and rehablitation. Other tasks, like education, consultation and research are also important. To take on a task, the music therapist chooses an approach, reflecting his values, theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Problem, task and approach could be seen as three dimensions creating the "space" for the work of music therapist. In this "space" different combinations of problem, task and approach is possible. And the "space" will be changing, both because the categories of the three dimensions will change in time and because new combinations can be created. A new and growing "space" is then presented and discussed: the community work, or cultural engagement in the local community. Background and some theoretical issues are discussed, as well as some very briefly guidelines for research.

Note: This article is built upon a conference proceeding; "Music Therapy as Cultural Engagement, or: How to change the world, if only a bit" - from the 7th world congress in music therapy in Vitoria-Gasteiz, July 1993 Language: New Norwegian ress: Høgskuletutdanninga på Sandane, 6860 Sandane

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