Music as therapy
Image courtesy of Pexels
Today, World Music Therapy Day, DSDC is delighted to annouce a new music and dementia course. Christina MacLean, a University of Stirling Master’s student, is creating the course in a very exciting new placement at DSDC.
Image courtesy of Christina MacLean.
Hello everyone,
My name is Christina MacLean, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the first student to undertake a placement with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Psychology Conversion course, and I am excited to share both my personal and academic experiences as part of this journey.
Through my experiences, I have seen firsthand the profound impact music can have in fostering moments of connection, comfort, and joy for individuals living with a dementia. These insights have significantly shaped my approach in creating this course, as I firmly believe that music possesses a unique ability to engage individuals on an emotional level, enriching their lives in ways that words alone often cannot.
I am delighted to offer a sneak peek into the new Music and Dementia Training Course. This program is designed to explore how music can meaningfully contribute to the lives of those living with a dementia.
Image courtesy of Christina MacLean.
This training course will include a range of interactive activities, such as watching thought-provoking videos, reflecting on personal connections to music, and participating in a group activity. Together, we will explore different models of music therapy, including active, passive and group methods, and discover how music can be used in a variety of settings. One of the highlights will be an interactive music session, where participants can engage in music-making using instruments and singing. This will be a fun and hands-on opportunity to experience how music can foster connections and bring joy.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how music can be used to support people living with a dementia. You may also discover new ways to engage with the people in your life using music.
I am truly excited about this wonderful opportunity to lead and share this course with all of you. I hope this experience proves as enriching and rewarding for you as it has been for me. We will announce more details soon, so stay tuned for further updates!
