Report on the Music Therapy/Songwriting Workshop

RUSA 2.0 – Promoting Mental Health in Schools: A Collaborative Mental Health Program in Chennai

Authors

  • Deepa Iyer S Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3585-1238
  • Dr. S Thenmozhi Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras, Chennai, India
  • Dr. Rajshri Ramakrishna Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v23i3.3871

Keywords:

songwriting; music theapy; children; mental health; adolesents

Abstract

This report presents the outcomes of the Music Therapy/Songwriting Workshop held from August 3rd to August 30th, 2021, funded by the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), a centrally sponsored programme by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with the concept of music therapy, introduce various music therapy intervention models, and specifically focus on the role of songwriting as a therapeutic tool. Participants were selected from the University of Madras based on their expertise in music, language, and psychology.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the workshop, including its objectives, methodology, and key outcomes. It highlights the content covered during the training sessions, which included an introduction to music therapy principles, an exploration of different music therapy intervention models, and an in-depth focus on the role of songwriting as an academic and educational modality. Furthermore, the report presents the outcomes and impact of the workshop on the participants.

Author Biographies

Deepa Iyer S, Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, Chennai, India

Deepa Iyer S is a Project Fellow for “Promoting Mental Health in Schools - a collaborative mental health program in Chennai, India” funded by the Government of India. She is a Ph.D. Scholar at the Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, having complete her BA, MA, and MPhil in Indian Music. Additionally, she holds a PG  diploma in counselling and psychotherapy, and her research centers on the efficacy of receptive Carnatic music therapy in managing mental health.

Dr. S Thenmozhi, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras, Chennai, India

Dr. S. Thenmozhi holds a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Madras and is a Washington State Certified Clinical Supervisor. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing issues such as Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and more. Her extensive experience includes roles as a Psychological Counsellor at the Madras High Court, Chennai, India and as a Director at Srishti Special School, Chennai, India. Dr. Thenmozhi is an active member of various professional associations and offers counselling and psychotherapy services while also providing supervision and training workshops. She is one of the principal investigators of the RUSA 2.0 initiative “Promoting Mental Health in Schools - a collaborative mental health program in Chennai,” funded by the Government of India.

Dr. Rajshri Ramakrishna, Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai, India

Dr. Rajshri Ramakrishna, with 35 years of experience in teaching South Indian classical music, is among the principal investigators of the RUSA 2.0 initiative, “Promoting Mental Health in Schools - a collaborative mental health program in Chennai,” funded by the Government of India. She hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the Karaikudi bani tradition and has been influenced by esteemed gurus. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor and Head in charge at the University of Madras, with degrees in music and multiple publications. Her expertise spans Carnatic music, particularly Veena, Voice, and Music Theory, and she has also explored music therapy from an Indian music perspective.

Photo of the authors Deepa Iyer S , S. Thenmozhi and Rajshri Ramakrishna

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Published

2023-11-01

How to Cite

Deepa Iyer S, S Thenmozhi, & Ramakrishna, R. (2023). Report on the Music Therapy/Songwriting Workshop: RUSA 2.0 – Promoting Mental Health in Schools: A Collaborative Mental Health Program in Chennai. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 23(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v23i3.3871

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3 (2023)

Section

Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Deepa Iyer S, S. Thenmozhi, Rajshri Ramakrishna

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