Elizabeth Georgiadi, DipMP, PgDipMT President of the Musical Movement Foundation, Athens, Greece
1. I really enjoy working with children because no matter
Krzysztof Stachyra, Ph.D., MT-BC Assistant Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
1. I used to be afraid of working with young children. My training was not targeting children. Meaning, my first visit in the center for children with disabilities was like entering a different world. I discovered that it is amazing – the potential in music is like a miracle for children. I discovered that the energy of the children influenced my mood and gave me energy as well. 2. The first music therapy training was established in in Poland in 1973, but it addressed mostly theoretical work. One model, called Mobile Music Recreation was created by a music therapist/ medical doctor who developed the framework for this approach. Five to ten years ago, music therapists from abroad started visiting Poland. By now, we have learned about NRMT, Bright Start, and behavioral music therapy. 3. The future is bright! I am optimistic, because the discipline is growing fast. People are more interested in music therapy, and medical doctors are open to alternative treatments. For example, one director of a neonatal unit decided to offer relaxation music for infants and mothers in his hospital. There is also more interest in music therapy for preschoolers and education in general.
imagine 5(1), 2014
how much they withdraw or demonstrate negative behaviors, you can reach them through music. They show you pure excitement and openness. There is great potential for reaching children in therapy. The significance of early intervention can make a big difference. 2. Music therapy in Greece is in its formative stages. There are few therapists, maybe 50 in total, and very few work in early intervention. Most are qualified as music therapists and have done significant work to promote positive parenting in dyads. 3. The economic crisis has intensified the problem of establishing music therapy because there is minimal funding for early childhood and no trainings in Greece. Therefore, music therapists are not registered or have no standardized regulations. More and more families and organizations are starting to incorporate music therapy in early intervention. A music therapy organization has been started in Greece. There should be a focus on what is the role of music in the development of the child, especially how to use music in everyday life as related to development so there can be an explanation of why using music in therapy is unique to other therapies.
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