Cultural and Social Foundations of Music Therapy

Catalog description

Based on principles of multicultural counseling theory, this course is founded on the premise that because both the client and therapist bring to the therapeutic setting a variety of cultural and social variables, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, education, disability, religion, race, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status, it follows that all therapeutic encounters are cross-cultural encounters. This course requires an openness to in-depth critical self-reflection. Music of diverse cultures will also be explored through readings, analytical listening, experiential activities, and focused musical skill acquisition. Students will apply knowledge about diverse musical cultures to therapeutic situations. Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy. Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.