Indias First Postgraduate Course in Indian Music Therapy

Submitted as proposal for onlineCourseOn SWAYAM

Course coordinatorAwadhesh Pratap Singh TomerAssistant professor, Music DepartmentDr.Harisingh Gour university Sagar M.P..

Music therapy is the use of music and/or musical elements (sound, rhythm, melody and harmony) by a qualified music therapist, with a client or group, in a process designed to facilitate and promote communication, relationships, learning, mobilization, expression, organization, and other relevant therapeutic objectives, in order to meet physical, emotional, mental, social and cognitive needs. Music therapy aims to develop potentials and/or restore functions of the individual so that he or she can achieve better intra- and interpersonal integration and consequently a better quality of life through prevention, rehabilitation or treatment. (World Federation of Music Therapy (1997))

Music Therapy is an emerging discipline in India but still it is in initial state, with many individuals practicing music therapy, some of them even medical professionals. A few premium medical institutions have introduced music therapy to patients as a complementary therapy. Presently there are no universities offering music therapy courses in post graduation level , however a few universities have proposals to introduce them.

Proposed Postgraduate Course in Music Therapy in Indian context is designed to fulfill the needs of Indian society and its clinical needs. As Indian music is melody based and differs from western music and culture, Music therapy in India needs indigenous inputs in it.

This course seek to train suitably experienced and skilled musicians or Psychologists, Doctors, Counselors, Therapists of other alternatives fields those have proven musical skills; to practice as music therapists at masters level.

The aims of the course are met through the attainment of a range of clinical and academic intended learning outcomes.

Objectives-

Course overview

This course is first of its kind in India and the world as it offers music therapy studies with Indian prospective and it is based on Indian music therapy practices. The course also include study of Ancient Indian Music therapy Practices and concepts of healing through Swara and Raga, bridging both the therapy practices i.e. Indian and western music therapy.The course offers a wide range of practical knowledge through Projects, Case Studies and Dissertations which are included in course work.

Post Graduate Course in Music TherapyProgram structures-The course is designed as PG course having 2 years program each having 8 core course .

First year

CourseCodeTitle of paperMMT121Indian and Western Music MMT122Human Development and GrowthMMT123Music studies; clinical improvisationMMT124Psychology, counseling and guidance MMT125Music Therapy & Multi-disciplinary Theoretical StudiesMMT126Observation studies and Therapeutic research MethodsMMT127Music therapies; Studies, aspects and approaches

Second year

CourseCodeTitle of paperMMT221Music Therapy effects on Human body, Animal and Plants; MMT222Music Therapy Practices MMT223Music and the Brain; Neurotransmitters and NeurologyMMT224Child Psychology and Development MMT225Creative applications of Sound and VibroacousticMMT226Chronobiological Aspects of Music PhysiologyMMT227Final Project MMT228Case Study/ Final Dissertation

Music therapy course is not included in UGC Model Curriculum hence UGC approval is required.Course will include one month classes in each year. Qualified instructors as guest and visiting experts and support staff is required.Course material will be developed with the help of joint efforts of university teachers of music department and external Experts.The distant course will be administered by Course coordinator and working group nominated by him. Regular funding and expenses of running it will decide its fee structure.

Five international models of M.T.Analytical Music Therapy Guided Imagery and musicNordoff Robbins Music Therapy Behavioral Music Therapy Benenzon Music Therapy Basic contents of Course workAspects of teaching relating to musical skill developmentLessons to adapt musical improvisation skills to the therapeutic situation. Multi disciplinary academic approach towards therapeutic excellence.Critical awareness of culturally and clinically appropriate treatments for different population. Methodology, Research methods and practices. Relationship development and awareness of clients viewpoint and requirements. Different Theories, Models, Improvisations, advancements, Practical techniques are included.

Different aspects and approaches:-Ethological aspects Community Music TherapyChronobiological approachVibroacoustic Therapy Psychology and PsychotherapyNeuroacousticsPsychoanalytic interpretation of observed events

A +ssessment:-Written assessment: Group discussions and Detailed theoretical based questions in the form of quizzes and term exams. Essays comparing music therapy in practice and another arts therapy discipline. Other assessments: Oral assessment with two assessors in which students present and discuss case work they have undertaken.Marking system-End Semester Exam will be of 100 or 80 marks with 20 marks for oral presentation in selected papers.Grading system i.e. GPA and CGPA pattern according to university ordinance.

Placements -With the help of different organizations, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, de-addiction centers, mental asylums, schools, detention centers, orphanages, old age homes, counseling and guidance centers, community work group etc; jobs can be provided .Self employment as Music Therapist and performer.

References MA Music Syllabus, Department of music , Dr. H.S. Gour university Sagar

MSc Music Therapy (Nordoff Robbins) Syllabus, 2-Year FT, offered by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh MA in MUSIC THERAPY Syllabus, Roehampton University, LONDON, http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/pg/mt

Postgraduate Student Handbook, Music Therapy MA Award approved by the Health Professions Council and Anglia Ruskin University, 2011-2012Online Course on music therapy by Music For Health Services by Arthur Harvey, Don Campbell,

Music therapy, to me, is music performance without the ego. Its not about entertainment as much as its about empathizing. If you can use music to slip past the pain and gather insight into the workings of someone elses mind, you can begin to fix a problem.

Jodi Picoult (Author of the bestselling bookSing You Home)

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