Everyday Music Listening: Absorption, Dissociation and Trancing (Ruth Herbert)

This is a review of the book "Everyday Music Listening: Absorption, Dissociation and Trancing" by Ruth Herbert. Everyday Music Listening: Absorption, Dissociation and TrancingRuth HerbertFarnharm: Ashgate (2011)234 pp., ISBN: 978-1-40942-125-

Generosity, Dialogue and Change

“Generosity begins in welcome: a hospitality that offers whatever the host has that would meet the need of the guest” (Frank 2004: 2). I welcome you to this new issue of Approaches. Writing this editorial – only three weeks after the World Congress of Music Therapy (7-12 July 2014, Austria) – I find that this issue’s contents resonate with two themes that characterised the congress: generosity and dialogue. In his book, The Renewal of Generosity, sociologist Arthur Frank writes about the role of generosity in transforming “demoralised medicine” into relationships of care and dialogue between professionals (“hosts”) and patients (“guests”). In our world, where generosity has been distorted from a moral relationship to an administrative problem, Frank offers an alternative perspective; a perspective where the hospitable and dialectical nature of generosity becomes a space for mutual change of both hosts and guests. “Generosity […] always begins in dialogue: speaking with someone, not about them; entering a space between I and you, in which we remain other, alter, but in which we each offer ourselves to be changed by the other” (Frank 2004: 126). Although Frank’s context of reference is the world of medical care, his ideas are also key for other professional fields where ideas, values and practices are developed, exchanged, refracted, examined, challenged and sometimes discarded. Generosity (which in Greek means the offering of “brave gifts”, see Froudaki 2012: 51) is indeed a brave, adventurous practice. Two strangers wish to meet and this meeting poses challenges which can even lead to “misunderstanding” by one of the other. As a brave act however, the key of generosity is to avoid the estrangement or ‘ghettoisation’ of the other and to both remain in dialogue (Ansdell 2001; Tsiris 2013). Through this prism, and with guests from various countries, the World Congress offered a generous platform for exchange and constructive dialogue, and I hope that in the end we all left changed – even if just a little. Likewise, this issue of Approaches offers a platform upon which authors from heterogeneous socio-cultural contexts and theoretical orientations communicate a range of music therapeutic and educational initiatives. Despite their diversity, the ideas and practices documented in this issue reflect the endeavours of ‘hosts’ (authors: practitioners and researchers) to listen and respond to the needs of their ‘guests’ (music therapy clients, students, their families and so on). The issue begins with an interview with Anthi Agrotou – a significant personality in the development of music therapy in Cyprus. Interviewed by Dora Pavlidou, Agrotou narrates her personal journey in music therapy – a journey that portrays how an individual’s story and work is interwoven with the wider historical and sociopolitical circumstances within which they act. Melita Belgrave writes about the development of a music-based lifelong learning programme for older people in the USA, while Bo Nilsson presents a research study which was conducted in Sweden with the aim to explore the music education practices applied within the context of digitallybased music making with young people with special needs. Margaret Broad’s study explores the potential role of music therapy with bereaved parents following miscarriage or stillbirth. Moreover, this issue includes Niall Mc Guigan’s report from the conference “Rethinking Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Towards New Ethical Paradigms in Music and Health Research”, as well as five book reviews by Tamsin Dives, Carol Chambers, Evangelia Arachoviti, Bob Heath and Stella Kolyvopoulou respectively. In closing this editorial, I would like to share with you some of the journal’s recent developments, as well as its future directions: Approaches introduced the First View section which provides advance online access to papers prior to their assignment to a journal issue. Enhancing the efficiency of the journal’s review and publication procedures, First View minimises the time gap between submission and publication of texts. Approaches has announced two forthcoming special thematic issues. The first one, “Music Therapy in Europe: Paths of Professional Development”, is the fruit of a partnership between Approaches and the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC). The second one, “Music, Drama, Dance Movement and Art Therapy: Interdisciplinary Dialogues”, reflects the journal’s interest in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Potential authors are encouraged to contact the respective guest editors and discuss their writing ideas. During the World Congress, Approaches took part in a meeting of international music therapy journal editors. Among other topics, we had the opportunity to discuss the various ethical requirements in connection with journals’ peer review procedures and open access policy. Our growing editorial team welcomes two new members: Mitsi Akoyunoglou-Christou (Greece) and Melanie Voigt (Germany). As a ‘messenger’, Hermes – the official newsletter of Approaches – has become an important means of communicating national and international news, currently counting more than 1100 mailing list members1 . Kandia Bouzioti spearheads the development of Hermes, and you can share with her your news from the wider field of music and wellbeing: [email protected] In line with these developments, the editorial team of Approaches will meet in Athens in September 2014. The purpose is to critically review the journal’s current work and future directions. As generous hosts (that we are constantly trying to be!), we are interested to understand and respond to the needs and wishes of our guests, i.e. you: writers and readers. Therefore, I invite you to contact us ([email protected] ) and share your ideas and suggestions regarding the changes you may wish to see in Approaches. References Ansdell, G. (2001). Musicology: Misunderstood Guest at the Music Therapy Feast? In D. Aldridge, G. di Franco, E. Ruud & T. Wigram (Eds.), Music Therapy in Europe: Proceedings of the 5th European Music Therapy Congress (pp. 1-34). Roma: ISMEZ/Onlus. Frank, A. (2004). The Renewal of Generosity: Illness, Medicine and How to Live. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Froudaki, Μ. (2012). Book review: “Every Note Counts: The Story of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy” (Fraser Simpson). Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 4(1), 49-52. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.gr/approaches/journal/Approaches_4(1)_2012/Approaches_4(1) 2012_Froudaki_Review_ENG.pd

Completing Six Years of Publications and Moving Forward

Welcome to this new journal issue of Approaches. This issue begins with an interview of Dag Körlin. Interviewed by Anna Böhmig, Körlin talks about certain basic aspects of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) as a receptive music therapy method, while he makes particular reference to the GIM training programme in Greece and his contribution to the programme’s development. Then, Aglaïa Maria Mika presents a qualitative research study exploring music therapists’ understandings of mindfulness and its role in their work. Through a case study, Paige Rose and Karyna Johnson explore the effects of structured musical activity sessions on the development of communication skills of a child with autism. Daphne Rickson’s ethnographic study focuses on an inclusion project of students with intellectual disabilities in a professional musical orchestra in New Zealand. Informed by socioculturally sensitive conceptual frameworks, Rickson discusses a number of issues regarding the social construction of disability, the role of music participation and the sense of belonging in relation to social inclusion and the sense of wellbeing both of the individual and the wider community. In addition to the papers above, this issue includes six book reviews, while Mitsi Akoyunoglou-Christou and Potheini Vaiouli write about their experience from the World Music Therapy Congress (7-12 July 2014, Austria). Finally, you will find the journal’s standard information sections (new international publications, upcoming events, and the translated abstracts of this issue’s articles) as well as the abstracts from the pre-conference of the ISME Commission on Music in Special Education, Music Therapy and Music Medicine (17-18 July 2014, Brazil). This issue marks the completion of six continuous years of publication of Approaches. Establishing its identity as an interdisciplinary and bilingual (Greek-English) journal, during these years Approaches has published texts by 204 authors who come from 28 countries and different fields within the wider area of music and health (such as music therapy, music education of vulnerable populations, and community music). The work of editorial board members and reviewers – and, of course, the contribution of authors and the ongoing support of the readership – have been instrumental for the journal’s development until today. Now it is a time of change. Responding to the emerging perspectives for the journal and the needs of the scientific and professional communities it serves, a number of changes are under way. Among other things, these changes concern the expansion of Approaches’ editorial team and the enhancement of its ways of communicating with the readership, to include the use of social media. (1) With this opportunity I would like to warmly welcome Catherine Carr as the Associate Editor of Approaches. Catherine, who is based in Queen Mary University of London (United Kingdom), undertakes this role after four years of experience in the journal’s team, and she brings with her an invaluable experience as researcher, tutor and practitioner within the field of music therapy. Catherine’s work will assist significantly in managing submitted manuscripts and ensuring the high peer-review quality offered in Approaches. Closing this editorial, I note that the next chronological year (2015) is dedicated to the publication of two special issues: The first issue is about “Music Therapy in Europe: Paths of Professional Development”. This issue, which I co-edit together with Hanne Mette Ridder, is a collaboration between Approaches and the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC). The second issue for 2015, with Vicky Karkou serving as the Guest Editor, is dedicated to “Music, Drama, Dance Movement and Art Therapy: Interdisciplinary Dialogues”. The submissions deadline for this issue is on 15 February 2015. In parallel, the submission of manuscripts which do not fall within these special issues will carry on as normal. Such manuscripts will be published directly on the journal’s First View section. (1) You can stay informed about these forthcoming changes through Approaches’ mailing list. To sign up, please email: [email protected] . Suggested citation: Tsiris, G. (2014). Completing six years of publications and moving forward. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 6(2), 71-72. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.g

New Publications in Greece (2013-2014)

Η ενότητα Νέες Δημοσιεύσεις στην Ελλάδα στοχεύει στην ενημέρωση του αναγνωστικού κοινού για την τρέχουσα ελληνική βιβλιογραφία σχετικά με τη μουσικοθεραπεία, την ειδική μουσική παιδαγωγική και άλλα συγγενή επιστημονικά πεδία. Η ενότητα αυτή περιλαμβάνει δημοσιεύσεις βιβλίων, πρακτικών από συνέδρια, κεφαλαίων και άρθρων που έχουν δημοσιευτεί στην Ελλάδα κατά το τρέχον και το προηγούμενο χρονολογικό έτος. Περιλαμβάνονται κείμενα γραμμένα στην ελληνική γλώσσα, καθώς επίσης και αγγλικά κείμενα τα οποία έχουν δημοσιευτεί σε ελληνικές πηγές (όπως ελληνικά βιβλία, πρακτικά και περιοδικά). Η ενότητα αυτή δημοσιεύεται στον πρώτο αριθμό κάθε τεύχους του περιοδικού. Συγγραφείς, ερευνητές και άλλοι ενδιαφερόμενοι είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι να στείλουν στον Αρχισυντάκτη ([email protected]) σχετικές παραπομπές δημοσιεύσεων ώστε να συμπεριληφθούν στο επόμενο εαρινό τεύχος του περιοδικού.The section New Publications in Greece aims to raise the readership’s awareness of the current Greek literature regarding music therapy, special music education and other related fields. This section includes publications of books, conference proceedings, chapters and articles that have been published in Greece during the current and previous calendar year. It includes texts written in Greek language, as well as English texts which have been published in Greek sources (e.g., Greek books, proceedings and journals). This section is published in the first issue of each volume of the journal. Authors, researchers and any interested parties are welcome to send relevant references to publications to the Editorin-Chief ([email protected]) so that they can be included in the next journal’s Spring issue

New Publications in Greece (2011-2012)

Η ενότητα Νέες ∆ηµοσιεύσεις στην Ελλάδα στοχεύει στην ενηµέρωση του αναγνωστικού κοινού για την τρέχουσα ελληνική βιβλιογραφία σχετικά µε τα πεδία της µουσικοθεραπείας και της ειδικής µουσικής παιδαγωγικής. Η ενότητα αυτή περιλαµβάνει δηµοσιεύσεις βιβλίων, πρακτικών από συνέδρια, κεφαλαίων και άρθρων που έχουν δηµοσιευτεί στην Ελλάδα κατά το τρέχον και το προηγούµενο χρονολογικό έτος. Περιλαµβάνονται κείµενα γραµµένα στην ελληνική γλώσσα, καθώς επίσης και αγγλικά κείµενα τα οποία έχουν δηµοσιευτεί σε ελληνικές πηγές (όπως ελληνικά βιβλία, πρακτικά και περιοδικά). Η ενότητα αυτή δηµοσιεύεται στον πρώτο αριθµό κάθε τεύχους του περιοδικού. Συγγραφείς, ερευνητές και άλλοι ενδιαφερόµενοι είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι να στείλουν στον Επιµελητή Σύνταξης ([email protected]) σχετικές παραποµπές δηµοσιεύσεων ώστε να συµπεριληφθούν στο επόµενο εαρινό τεύχος του περιοδικού.The section New Publications in Greece aims to raise the readership’s awareness of the current Greek literature regarding the fields of music therapy and special music education. This section includes publications of books, conference proceedings, chapters and articles that have been published in Greece during the current and previous calendar year. It includes texts written in Greek language, as well as English texts which have been published in Greek sources (e.g., Greek books, proceedings and journals). This section is published in the first issue of each volume of the journal. Authors, researchers and any interested parties are welcome to send relevant references to publications to the Editorin-Chief ([email protected]) so that they can be included in the next journal’s Spring issue. &nbsp

“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” – Celebrating People, Life, and Music

In preparing this journal issue of Approaches, the international communities of music therapy, musicology and music education bid farewell to two ‘giants’: Tony Wigram and Christopher Small respectively. Tony Wigram (1953-2011) was instrumental in the development of music therapy worldwide. His contribution to a range of educational and research projects around the world played a catalytic role in the development of music therapy as a profession and discipline, while his extensive writing is a rich legacy for the future generations of music therapists (and others) (1). Paying homage to Wigram, this issue begins with a tribute to his life and work, written by Hanne Mette Ridder and Ulla Holck. On this occasion I would like to express my personal gratitude to Tony for his contribution to the field of music therapy, and convey his warmest greetings to the whole Greek music therapy community – something that he expressed in March 2011 when we met for the last time. A few months after Wigram’s death, another ‘giant’ – this time from the field of musicology and music education – died: Christopher Small (1927- 2011). Small’s pioneering work, and particularly his influence in understanding music as an act, as something we do (something that he described with the use of the neologism musicking), has contributed significantly to the development of dialogues in a range of fields, including music therapy and special music education. Small’s death coincided with the preparation of a number of articles for publication in Approaches that focus on the role of musicking in the field of music therapy and other related fields. This conjuncture of events led to the publication of a broader tribute with reference not only to the importance and applications of the concept of musicking, but also to Small’s life and wider work (2). This tribute begins with two texts written by Danae Stefanou and Panagiotis Kanellopoulos who write about Small’s contribution to the fields of musicology and music education respectively. Drawing from their personal experience, each author presents through their own light the central role that Small played in changing the ways we understand music - highlighting at the same time the social, cultural and political dimensions of music. Next comes Daniele Parziani’s article entitled Orchestral Conducting as Educational Practice: A Smallian Perspective of Relationships and Pedagogy in Youth Orchestras. The author, drawing from his experience as a conductor, focuses on the application of musicking and of Small’s theory in music education and particularly in conducting youth ensembles. The ideas presented here provide fertile questions and potential pathways for applications in other fields of practice, including those of special music education and music therapy. Some of these questions are raised in the Interlude that links the article of Parziani with the one that follows and with which the tribute to Small is completed. This last article of the tribute focuses on the concept of musicking by studying the meanings of musical act in the construction of identities, as well as of music as health and therapy. This study follows an interdisciplinary perspective where new musicology meets music therapy. In this way, a systematic introduction of the term of musicking in Greek language (as ‘mousikotropia’), as well as in the respective (inter)disciplinary discourses is attempted. Then three book reviews by Maria ApostoliadiLe Bouder, Kimberly McCord and Dimitris Sarris respectively, as well as two conference reports are presented: Theo Dimitriadis writes for the World Congress of Music Therapy (5-9 July 2011, South Korea), while Muriel Swijghuisen Reigersberg writes - through an ethnomusicological perspective - for the SEMPRE conference ‘Striking a Chord’; Music, Health and Wellbeing: Current Developments in Research and Practice (9-10 September 2011, UK). This issue concludes with the translated abstracts of articles, as well as the standard sections: New International Publications and Upcoming Events. In closing this editorial, I would like to quote a few words by Tony Wigram and Christopher Small, who - each one in his own way - highlighted through their work the power of music in human life: You must never forget to believe in the power of music in our lives and as a therapy for people suffering from very severe mental and physical health challenges, who are even in despair (3) Tony Wigram The fundamental nature and meaning of music lie not in objects, not in musical works at all, but in action, in what people do. It is only by understanding what people do as they take part in a musical act that we can hope to understand its nature and the function it fulfils in human life. Christopher Small (1) For a collection of Wigram’s publications, see Wigram and Sutton (2011), as well as the archive of Aalborg University: http://vbn.aau.dk/da/persons/tony-wigram%28b8606bb6-763c415b-bd4b-0b83df7f0db3%29/publications.html Also, for an extensive tribute to Tony Wigram see the journal Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, issue 11(3), www.voices.no (2) For a collection of essays about Small’s life and work, see https://public.me.com/robertwalser   References Small, C. (1998). Musicking: The Meanings of Performing and Listening. Hanover, NH: Wesleyan University Press. Wigram, T. (2011). Speech to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Retrieved on 16 October 2011, from www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpPLsULmFGA Wigram, T. & Sutton, J. (2011). A dialogue with Prof. Tony Wigram. Considering music therapy research in a changing world: A review of publications and their related links with the development of the music therapy profession over 3 decades. British Journal of Music Therapy, 25(1), 8-31.   Suggested citation: Tsiris, G. (2011). “Standing on the shoulders of giants” - Celebrating people, life, and music. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 3(2), 60-61. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.g

In Times of Crisis: Music, Love and Human Life

During the preparation of this issue of Approaches, major social, political and economic shifts have taken place not only in Greece, but also in other countries across the world, often with adverse consequences on people’s everyday living. In times of crisis, such as the present one, the question ‘what is the potential role of music in human life?’ becomes crucial. What can music offer to promote not only personal wellbeing, but also social renewal and transformation? What can music practitioners (such as music therapists, music teachers, and other professionals within the field of music and health) offer to the local communities within which they live and work? In times when existing social structures are deconstructed, when political and economic systems fail, when people’s hope, faith and social bonds are weakened, what can music practitioners actually bring? As I seek answers to the questions above, two words come to mind: music and love. Some examples of attributing practical meaning and applying these words in life can be found in the work of visionary individuals, such as Boxill, Geuter and Robbins. “Music therapy is love in action”: these are the words of Edith Boxill (1916-2005), who founded the Music Therapists for Peace (1) (MTP) network in the 1980’s and dedicated her work to peacebuilding internationally. According to her, music therapists have invaluable resources which can benefit people’s lives beyond the limits of the ‘treatment room’ (Vaillancourt 2011). Boxill believed that music therapists’ resources and skills can bring “love in action” within the global community, and I suppose she did not refer to love in the romantic sense of the word. Boxill’s perspective appears to resonate with Herbert Geuter’s (2) view who considered love as a particular quality of perception (Turry 2001). This quality of perception is characterised by one’s will to understand another’s needs and potential. Commenting on love and its role in the relationship between music therapist and client, Clive Robbins (1927-2011) had stated the following: “I think one’s [a therapist’s] own attitude of love for a client is tremendously important. That is not a romantic or sentimental love. It is selfless or unconditional love: I want you to be happier. I know you. I‘ve become attached to you. I want to serve you, so that your life can become richer and more complete. I want to serve you that you can push aside the things that are destroying your later life and your relationships. I want you to teach me more about what it is like to be you…” (Robbins 2009). The power of love and music’s role in expressing and communicating this power was a recurrent theme in Robbins’ presentations. Indeed, it is not a coincidence that after his death he is remembered as “an example of love in action” (Turry 2012). The work of Robbins, Boxill and other visionary people, functions as a source of inspiration, especially in times when the power of love is often replaced by the ‘love’ for power. With these thoughts in mind, and in a time of crisis, I warmly welcome you to this new journal issue. Here you will find a range of material including four articles, five book reviews and a conference report as well as a series of supplementary material: abstracts from a pre-conference seminar of ISME (2012), translated abstracts of articles, and a list of new international publications and upcoming events. Each of the four articles in this issue draws from diverse professional and cultural fields of music practices, focusing on different aspects of these practices. Tina Warnock writes about the use of non-verbal voice in music therapy. Drawing from her work with a young girl with severe learning disabilities and autism, Warnock reflects on how voicework can enable people to build connections within themselves, with others and with their environment – an essential process for one’s growth and wellbeing in life. Moving from an individual music therapy setting in the UK (Warnock) to an educational group setting in Germany, Irmgard Merkt’s article presents her work with the inclusive choir Voices which is part of the project Dortmunder Modell: Musik at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at TU Dortmund University. In this context, the author presents the choir’s philosophy and ethos as well as its implications on the development of cultural participation models that promote the social inclusion of people with and without disabilities. Merkt’s article has an implicit element of social activism, something that becomes more evident in Hannah Linklater’s and Lewis Forbes’ article where two cross-cultural community music projects between children in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Scotland are described. Linklater’s and Forbes’ work shows the power of music to serve as a catalyst for communal change and development of social bonds between inter-ethnic groups of people. Music’s potential for community growth, integration and mutual acceptance resonates with Boxill’s and Robbins’ vision as outlined above. Vision and practice however, need to be combined with critical thinking, evaluation and systematic evidence gathering for one’s work. Martin Lawes’ article focuses on this combination as an essential element, both for responding to the contemporary demands for evidence-based practices and for securing funding for the continuation and development of services. In particular, Lawes introduces an adaptation of the AQR (Assessment of the Quality of Relationship) instrument which is specifically designed for music therapy and autism (Schumacher & Calvet 2007). The author shows how the use of this instrument within the education sector can contribute to the development of therapeutic plans, as well as to termly and annual reports. The articles (as well as the other material) included in this issue reflect not only the wealth of music practices (from music therapy, to special/inclusive music education and community music), but also the wealth of the resources that music practitioners can bring to the societies within which they live and work. So let\u27s not overlook the possibilities that music and we – as musical beings and music practitioners – can bring, especially in times of crisis. Perhaps, through and within music, we can bring and share a different quality of perception. Perhaps we can bring ‘love in action’ to a world where the will to power appears to prevail. Perhaps we can learn from each other how it is to be in another’s position and find alternative ways of co-living in the world. Perhaps we can improvise. Together. Now.   For further information, see Boxill (1997) and the following website: musictherapistsforpeace.org Herbert Geuter was Paul Nordoff’s and Clive Robbins’ mentor (see Simpson 2009).   References Boxill, E. (1997). The Miracle of Music Therapy. Gilsum, NH: Barcelona. Robbins, C. interviewed by Giorgos Tsiris (2009). On spirituality, music and therapy: An interview with Clive Robbins. Unpublished interview, 23rd April 2009, London, UK. Schumacher, K., & Calvet, C. (2007). The “AQRinstrument” (Assessment of the Quality of Relationship) – An Observation Instrument to Assess the Quality of a Relationship. In T. Wosch & T. Wigram (Eds.), Microanalysis in Music Therapy: Methods, Techniques and Applications for Clinicians, Researchers, Educators and Students (pp. 79-91). London: Jessica Kingsley. Simpson, F. (2009). The Nordoff-Robbins Adventure: Fifty Years of Creative Music Therapy. London: James and James Publishers. Turry, A. (2001). Supervision in the NordoffRobbins Music Therapy Training Program. In M. Forinash (Ed.), Music Therapy Supervision (pp. 351-377). Gilsum, NH: Barcelona. Turry, A. (2012). Thank you, Clive. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 12(2), Special Section: In Memory of Clive Robbins 1927- 2011. Retrieved on 29 November 2012, from https://normt.uib.no/index.php/voices/article/vie wArticle/652/539 Vaillancourt, G. (2011). Music Therapists for Peace: A rebirth. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. Retrieved on 12 November 2012, from http://testvoices.uib.no/?q=fortnightlycolumns/2011-music-therapists-peace-rebirth   Suggested citation: Tsiris, G. (2012). In times of crisis: Music, love and human life. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 4(2), 82-84. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.g

Cultural Stories in Music Therapy

According to the World Culture Report of UNESCO (2000), cultures are not fixed, bounded and crystallized containers. Instead they are “transboundary creations, exchanged through the world […]. We must now regard culture as a process rather than as a finished product” (UNESCO 2000: 15, as cited in Thomson 2005: 11). A similar view is adopted by Stige (2002) in his seminal book Culture-Centered Music Therapy. Stige writes that culture is not a fixed entity. In contrast, he thinks of culture as something flexible, as “continuously developing ways of life and practices of meaning-making, ranging from the individual to the regional to the global level of social organization” (Stige 2002: 1). From this perspective, the constant flow of culture, as an embodied everyday experience, is made up by the subtleties and complexities of individual and collective life histories. The article and interviews included in this issue of Approaches, illustrate these various levels of ‘cultural stories’, as well as their mutual interaction. In the article Music Therapy and Culture: An Essential Relationship? Daisy Morris explores the role of culture in music therapy practice. Taking Aigen’s (2001) premises on music, culture and therapy as a starting point, Morris discusses how our therapeutic awareness and receptiveness as music therapists interrelates with our cultural awareness. She explores how music therapy work can be affected by both the therapist’s and the client’s cultural backgrounds and histories, as well as the wider cultural framework within which therapy takes place. The interview section of Approaches, which is inaugurated in this issue, starts with an interview of Pauline Etkin who reflects on the development of policies and practices in music therapy. Etkin, whom I had the honour to interview, draws on her rich personal experience in Nordoff Robbins, London. She interweaves creatively historical facts with politico-economic aspects, while she brings in the foreground personal stories which often stay ‘behind the scenes’. Etkin reflects on aspects of the music therapy development in the UK, as well as Nordoff Robbins’ role in this development, while she discusses their potential relevance to the development of music therapy profession in other countries, such as Greece, where music therapy is in its initial stage. The next interview is with Diane Austin who was interviewed by Evangelia Papanikolaou. This interview explores the use and significance of voice in music therapy, and more particularly the pioneering voice-based model of psychotherapy that has been developed by Austin: Vocal Psychotherapy. This exploration reflects on Austin’s (2008) recent book The Theory and Practice of Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self by drawing on her own personal life history, but also from her extensive clinical experience as a vocal psychotherapist. This issue of Approaches concludes with two new sections: i) New Publications in Greece, and ii) Upcoming Events. Both sections are dedicated to the fields of music therapy and special music education, while they draw from the international community with an emphasis on Greece. These sections aim to provide useful information and raise the readership’s awareness of relevant news and developments. This raise of awareness is linked directly with Approaches’ vision (Tsiris 2009) for advancement of scientific dialogue, for fertile connection of practice, theory and research, as well as for reliable public update through the free dissemination of its articles and resources. Approaches, like many other online peerreviewed journals (e.g. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, see Stige 2009), follows the wider international movement of Open Access publishing. This open access to scholarly journals is vital to research progress and public advancement (COPE 2010), especially during the recent economic downturn that both Greece and other European, but not only, countries face. This downturn has already brought consequent challenges on healthcare and educational services, as well as on the funding resources for research and publishing. Approaches hopes to support effectively the work of practitioners and researchers in the fields of music therapy and special music education by promoting a culture where evidence-based practice is balanced with practice-based evidence.   References Aigen, K. (2001). Music, meaning and experience as therapy - Kenneth Aigen interviewed by Brynjulf Stige. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 10 (1): 86-99. Austin, D. (2008). The Theory and Practice of Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self. London and Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Compact for Open-Access Publishing Equity (COPE) (2010). Retrieved May 20, 2010, from www.oacompact.org Stige, B. (2002). Culture-Centered Music Therapy. Gilsum: Barcelona Publishers. Stige, B. (2009). Open access and the vision of Voices, 9 (3). Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from www.voices.no/mainissues/mi40009000341.php Thomson, N. (2005). Are There Moments When Culture Doesn\u27t Matter? Exploring Moments of \u27Musical Meeting\u27 in Cross-Cultural Music Therapy. Master’s Thesis, Nordoff Robbins, The City University, London. Tsiris, G. (2009). Welcome to Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 1 (1): 4-5. UNESCO (2000). World Culture Report: Cultural Diversity, Conflict and Pluralism. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.   To cite this text: Tsiris, G. (2010). Cultural stories in music therapy. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 2 (1): 4-5. Available online: http://approaches.primarymusic.g

Two Years of Approaches

This new issue of Approaches marks the beginning of the third year of the journal’s life! Celebrating this anniversary and the successful completion of two years of the journal’s publications, the first article presents a review of Approaches from 2009 onwards. This review outlines the profile of the journal and presents an analysis of its publications. The outcomes emerging from this analysis are discussed on a broader basis taking into account the contemporary state of music therapy and special music education in Greece (Papanikolaou 2011; Tsiris 2011). Following this review, an article by Deborah Parker entitled Reading the Music and Understanding the Therapeutic Process: Documentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Improvisational Music Therapy is presented. In this article the author addresses various questions regarding the documentation and presentation of clinical material from improvisational music therapy – a topic that is often at the heart of music therapy discourses on educational, professional, and research levels (e.g., Bergstrøm-Nielsen 2009, 2010; Wosch & Wigram 2007). Parker proposes a model for documenting material from music therapy sessions where traditional music notation is combined with graphical representations and written analysis. The practical application of this model is illustrated through a case study of individual music therapy with a woman with autism. This case study is accompanied by relevant sound excerpts which contribute to further understanding of the proposed model. The above articles are followed by three book reviews written from experts who come from different countries of the world. Harriet Powell from the United Kingdom reviews the book Connecting through Music with People with Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers (2009), Thomas Wosch from Germany reviews the book Where Music Helps: Community Music Therapy in Action and Reflection (2010) and Deborah Blair from the USA reviews the book Constructing a Personal Orientation to Music Teaching (2010). The latter book (unlike the former two) comes from the field of music education and Blair approaches it through her own personal experience in the field of special music education. Additionally, a brief tribute to the work of Helen Bonny is presented in this issue by Evangelia Papanikolaou. This tribute is written on the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of Bonny who founded the Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) method and devoted her life to the development of the method worldwide. Also, a new section of the journal is introduced in this issue: Conference Reports. This section offers the opportunity for professionals to share their experiences, thoughts and reflections, as well as relevant audio-visual material from conferences that they have attended in Greece or abroad. These conference reports aim to strengthen the scientific dialogue and update the wider readership. This section is inaugurated with a report by Lucia Kessler-Kakoulidi from the Europa InTakt 2010 - Culture and Persons with Special Needs: MusicSilence-Sound-Movement which took place at the University of Dortmund, Germany in October 2010. This issue of Approaches concludes with the translated abstracts of the articles, as well as with the (already established) sections of the journal: New Publications in Greece and Upcoming Events. I hope the future issues of Approaches continue the dynamic route that the journal has followed so far, which this present new issue continues. Enjoy your reading!   References Bergstrøm-Nielsen, C. (2009). Graphic notation in music therapy: A discussion of what to notate in graphic notation, and How. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 1(2), 72-92. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.gr Bergstrøm-Nielsen, C. (2010). Graphic notation – the simple sketch and beyond. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 19(2), 162-177. Papanikolaou, Ε. (2011). Salutation and introductory speech [in Greek]. In the proceedings of the 1st day-conference of ESPEM. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, Special Issue 2011, 9-13. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.gr Tsiris, G. (2011). Music therapy in Greece. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. Retrieved from www.voices.no Wosch, T., & Wigram, T. (Eds.). (2007). Microanalysis in Music Therapy: Methods, Techniques and Applications for Clinicians, Researchers, Educators and Students. London: Jessica Kingsley.   Suggested citation: Tsiris, G. (2011). Two years of Approaches. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 3(1), 4-5. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.gr

Music, Health and Wellbeing: The Need for Polyphonic Dialogues

Reflecting Approaches’ interdisciplinary and intercultural vision, the pages of this new journal issue contain articles from different disciplinary, professional and cultural spaces. At the heart of this diverse grid of professional practices and disciplinary perspectives however, lies a common denominator: music’s power to bring change in the person’s health and wellbeing (Bonde 2011; MacDonald, Kreutz, & Mitchell 2012). The polyprismatic understanding of this common denominator forms the basis for fruitful dialogue and development of different practices and fields which are not independent entities but mutuallydefined parts of a constantly evolving system. Contributing toward understanding this common denominator, the articles of this issue document multidimensional facets of music and its impact on health and wellbeing. This documentation happens on a research, practice and theory level, while it concerns the uses of music within a range of contexts, including therapeutic, educational and artistic contexts, as well as in the context of everyday life. Setting the tone for this issue, the interview with Alice-Ann Darrow highlights the need for interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation. Drawing on her extensive experience in the fields of special music education and music therapy, both in the USA and internationally, Darrow describes the tangible possibilities that interdisciplinarity can offer to the lives of people with whom different professionals work. In this context a number of themes emerge such as inclusion and ‘musical rights’. Then, the first two articles (by Carol Chambers and David Akombo) present research findings from the field of music therapy and community music respectively. Carol Chambers explores the use of humanised images in song in the context of music therapy. Based on her doctoral research, the author presents a case study which examines the song choices of a woman during music therapy sessions in a medium-secure forensic unit in the United Kingdom. Chambers shows how humanised figures, as third person characters, may act as a form of representation and experimentation that facilitate the therapeutic process. On the other hand, David Akombo studies the effects of participation in African drumming circles. The results of this study, conducted with adolescents in the USA, show how a form of community music, such as drumming circles, can help to reduce anxiety and improve academic performance. The next two articles offer perspectives from practice, describing the application and implementation of different music programmes. More specifically, Julie Wylie and Susan FosterCohen draw from their work with children with special needs and their families in the Champion Centre in New Zealand. The authors present four case studies through which they illustrate the importance of musical play in early intervention. Then, Tom Northey describes the work of Jessie’s Fund, a British charity that supports children with complex needs through music therapy and other creative music services. The author focuses on a six-month project which was conducted by Jessie\u27s Fund in collaboration with a special school in the United Kingdom. In addition to presenting this project and its outcomes, the author outlines a number of factors that can contribute to the realisation of similar future projects. Moving from research and practice to theory, Dylan van der Schyff writes about the therapeutic aspects of musical experience in everyday life. Through a critical literature review and by synthesising ideas from fields such as music psychology and philosophy of music, the author proposes an embodied conceptualisation of the emotional response to music and musical meaning, and the importance of this conceptualisation in both clinical and everyday contexts. Moreover, this issue includes Robert Fulford’s report from the 40th anniversary conference of the Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (SEMPRE, 14-15 September 2012), as well as three book reviews by Stuart Wood, Varvara Pasiali and Mariko Hara respectively. Lastly, Janet Graham, Claire Molyneux and Sarah Hoskyns write a short tribute to Robin Howat: a pioneer music therapist colleague who died in October 2012. Closing this editorial note, I warmly welcome the new editorial board members of Approaches: Deborah Blair (USA), Kevin Kirkdale (Canada), Kimberly McCord (USA), Daphne Rickson (New Zealand) and James Robertson (United Kingdom). The diverse areas of expertise of each contribute to the further development of the journal’s vision for polyphonic dialogues within the wider field of music, health and wellbeing.   References Bonde, L. O. (2011). Health musicing - Music therapy or music and health? A model, empirical examples and personal reflections. Music and Arts in Action, 3(2), 120-140. Retrieved on 9 June 2013, from: http://www.musicandartsinaction.net/index.php/maia/article/view/healthmusicingmodel MacDonald, R., Kreutz, G., & Mitchell, L. (Eds.). (2012). Music, Health, and Wellbeing. Oxford: Oxford University Press   Suggested citation: Tsiris, G. (2013). Music, health and wellbeing: The need for polyphonic dialogues. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, 5(1), 5-6. Retrieved from http://approaches.primarymusic.g