The Article "Lose Yourself in the Music, the Moment, Yo! Music Therapy in an Adolescent Group Involved in Gangsterism" immediately caught my attention when I read it. The idea of using music to reach adolescents involved in gangs is something very different than what is mostly going on in the United States. As a music therapy student, I am very interested in learning about all of the ways music therapy can be used.
This semester, I am working with children who are in the extended care unit of a psychiatric hospital. I found that in many ways the children I am working with compare to the adolescents in South Africa. For example, several of the children I am working with in the hospital are there due to abuse in the home or aggressive behavior. While music therapy is an activity that is part of the schedule for the children, I often wonder why they choose to participate so actively. As mentioned in the article, the music seems to energize and gives purpose to the kids. I see similarities with my group. I think they come into group feeling that it is a place where they can express themselves and not be judged. It also seems to be a place where it is ok for them to share feelings - especially those of anger. Recently, we did an activity where the children had to play an "angry time" in his/her life on a drum. I was surprised at how willing the kids were to play that time and then share with the group what it was about. I think the music gives them a sense of freedom to work through some of the times that they don't have a chance to work through in other places.
Another point that I found intriguing was that the talking happening in the session did not directly relate to the music. I often find that the improvisations that are happening in the music are only the beginning of the children feeling open. Once the improvisation is finished, the group may then feel ok to talk about other things. Music can be an extremely powerful medium for conversation.
Finally, I find it very important for the music therapy space to be a place where anyone can go to express feelings either musically or otherwise. It needs to be a place where the person will not be judged not matter what is said. Music should be an activity that people can relate to. Because it is a confusing time, I find these things especially important for children and adolescents.