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but what IS music therapy?

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So, what is music therapy? Well, it is pretty much what it sounds like: music being used for therapy purposes. And, at the same time, it is so much more. And sometimes what one believes to be music therapy is, actually, not music therapy at all. Confused? Good. Let us dive in.   Music therapy elevator pitch The best 10-second pitch on music therapy I have arrived to after practising for nearly 15 years sounds as follows: Music therapy is the professional use of live and recorded music and its elements (rhythm is one example) with the goal to improve health, wellbeing and social connectedness of people and communities. Music therapy is a vast and powerful field (as you can easily gather from these music therapy definitions offered by professional associations from around the world ). If we went for a cup of coffee together, I could easily go on for a couple of hours telling you about all the wonders and secrets of the music therapy profession. Luckily, you are safe from my enthusiasm, r
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the author’s brief bio and professional statement

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Hiya. I am Alisa Apreleva, PhD, MT-BC, NMT, music therapist , singer , neuromusicology researcher and storyteller, community singing coach , based in Oxford, UK. This is an introduction entry, brief and sweet - just so you know what to expect reading this blog. Please do share your thoughts in the comments: I’d appreciate if this is a conversations rather than my monologue. Cheers! What dreams may come When I was six and a well-meaning adult would ask me what I wanted to be, I answered without hesitation: “I am going to be a doctor. And in the evenings I am going to sing in the circus”. The inquisitor would laugh, my mom would sigh, everyone present would usually agree about me being a very imaginative child, then proceed with their business of being sensible.  “I am going to be a doctor. And in the evenings I am going to sing in the circus” Quarter of a century forward (ugh!) - and, after curious and educational spells in forensic linguistics, journalism, music performance, clinical
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welcome to Sing4Change!

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Hello, and welcome to Sing4Change – the international community for people of all ages and abilities who believe in the ancient magic of singing. Currently local to Oxford, UK. Together we delve into the fascinating realms of ethnomusicology, music therapy, neuromusicology and music psychology. We speak about therapeutic and social benefits of singing. We explore traditional music cultures from around the world. And, most importantly, we brainstorm the ways to bring more of the singing power to your life, your family and your community.  Sing4Change is all about people making music together - in a natural, relaxed, real, fun, perfectly imperfect, holistic kind of way. The way that sets you free, fills your body with life, nurtures your spirit and opens your heart to the world.  This blog is a labor of love and of a lifelong adventure in singing. Subscribe for singing tips, voice health advice, folk stories, random scientific facts and virtual sing-alongs! Dr Alisa Apreleva, Sing4Cha
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our programmes: Sing2Gather

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Sing2Gather is all about people singing together to have fun and to feel better – physically and emotionally.  Rooted in indigenous traditions of circle singing from around the world and supported by the latest neuromusicology evidence, Sing2Gather workshops help people of all abilities and all cultures to find their voice and their best, balanced self . No previous singing experience is necessary to participate in this or other Sing4Change circles.  \ Sing2Gather experiences are interactive and inclusive. In a gentle, therapeutic manner, you will be introduced to the basics of singing technique. Then you will learn simple melodies and rhythms in the same way our ancestors learned – through the experience of singing together, in a group, following a leader.  Depending on the format and the particular group goals, Sing2Gather sessions may include: breathing, movement and vocal exercises body percussion exercises learning a traditional song phrase by phrase group vocal improvisations
Location: Oxford, UK
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our programmes: Songs4Comfort

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Music making is natural, familiar and good for us, humans. Music accompanies and comforts us throughout our lives. It stirs our emotions, brings out memories and gently guides us spiritually. It helps us to stay connected to each other. It soothes and energises the body. It gives us a chance to learn about different cultures and to reconcile conflicts. It lets our creativity soar – at any age. Songs4Comfort (Songs For Comfort) is a music program for seniors, where we use interactive live singing, movement, conversation, and simple music activities and games to support physical and emotional wellbeing of community members aged 65+ and their families and caregivers if present. The program is tailored to the unique needs of every community we engage with and can take various forms. Here are just some examples: Interactive live sessions at day centers for seniors; Immersive education workshops for caregivers who wish to learn about therapeutic benefits of music for seniors; Zoom sing-alon
Location: London, UK
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our programmes: Singing Sisters

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There is something very special and sacred about women gathering in a circle and singing together. Through the ages, this has been a traditional form of a women’s club, a forum, a psychotherapy group, a chosen family. One who feels her roots will never feel alone. Singing Sisters is a singing workshop for women of all ages, where the participants find their voices, learn to feel and trust their body, find support of other women, tap into their innate creativity and build resilience to meet the challenges the contemporary urban living brings. No special music talents or previous singing experience are needed to participate in Singing Sisters workshops. In a gentle, therapeutic manner, you will be guided through activities that may include breathing, movement and vocal exercises body percussion exercises learning a traditional women songs from different cultures phrase by phrase singing simple chants and affirmations group vocal improvisations (yes, you we can!) creating vocal soundscap
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our programmes: Music.ALS - Music-based support for people affected by ALS / MND

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Music not only nurtures us emotionally: in the recent decades we keep unveiling its potential for neurorehabilitation. Singing, playing music instruments, movement to preprogrammed music and other music-based activities are successfully used to help people with stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, dementias and “the Stephen Hawking disease” – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or motor neurone disease (ALS / MND). Music.ALS is a music program for persons with ALS / MND, their families, caregivers and medical care teams around the world. Its music activities are based on years of clinical practice and thorough, peer-reviewed research . Learn more and download free exercises at Music.ALS webpage. Dr Alisa Apreleva:  "Since 2012, I have been developing ways to help persons living with ALS / MND sustain their vitality by means of live and recorded music exercises. When planning treatment, every client’s disease type and progression have to be carefully conside
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