Demonstrating Sustainability in the Practices of Music Therapists: Reflections from Bangladesh

Abstract

Sustainability is a concept that has been implied but not overtly discussed in the music therapy literature.  Nonetheless, the literature does describe projects that work towards self-supporting music projects and capacity building.  In this article, a music therapist's contribution to an international development project in rural Bangladesh is used to illustrate how music therapists can embed sustainability principles into their practice.  We propose that a commitment to sustainability involve time, collaboration and realistic expectations and that these are relevant throughout the planning and process of programs that work towards the achievement of independent music outcomes. It is our contention that principles of sustainability are essential to contemporary music therapists' practice and warrant further explicit discussion.