While intensive, specialized training is achieved in certain scopes of practice like music therapy, music thanatology, creative arts therapies, and sound therapies, there is a need for all of us to understand (at some level) the impact of the sounds and the music around us on our health and wellbeing. Furthermore, in order to use music in situations of care, one does not need to be a professional musician or therapist. This guide will demonstrate that all of can care through music. As we learn to do this, we may open pathways of mutual understanding, discover opportunities for strengthening relationships and tangibly pass the peace. The Guide focuses on developing an intentional music care presence in your community, combining general principles with practical and contextualized suggestions.

Target learning group

Music Care is an approach which attempts to inform and train caregivers, musicians and any other community music care stakeholder in the therapeutic use of music. Music Care may be especially helpful but not limited to the following community members:

Layout of Guide

Part One - Chapters 1-4 give an overview of Music Care. The landscape is drawn for defining music as a healing agent historically and in 21st century accounts. The effects of music on well-being are discussed as well as identifying what a care community is.

Part Two - Chapter 5 looks at eight practical guidelines of Music Care that help us navigate choices.

Part Three - Chapters 6-9 describe Music Care Approaches and gives concrete ideas and suggestions on how to bring music into your community of care.

Part Four - Chapters 10-12 offer real life stories of how caregivers have used music as care in their context. You can assess for yourself your readiness to engage in Music Care. And there is a reading resource list for those who want to dig deeper and go farther in the therapeutic use of music.

Opportunities for Reflection - At the conclusion of most chapters and sometimes peppered throughout a chapter, there are opportunities for the learner to reflect on their own journey or context. Taking the time to answer the reflective questions will provide a more thorough experience and application of music care.

Recommended Uses

Music Care: Musical Approaches in Caring Communities, A Practical Resource Guide may be used as:

• A PERSONAL RESOURCE - to provide background information to those who wish to expand their understanding of Music and Care through its inclusion of evidence-based information (quantitative and qualitative) and recommendations for further reading
• IN-SERVICE TRAINING - to be the basis of a workshop, an outreach or an in-service for community agencies, volunteer programs or music care stakeholders who use music as an adjunct to their current practice
• A SMALL GROUP STUDY - to be used as a point of discussion and reference for caregivers, musicians or community stakeholders who want to expand their music care skills