Music for the young generation

“MUSIC THERAPY FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION”
Debbie's report on Mercedes College

In my role as the assistant coordinator of the Learning Assistance Programme at Mercedes College, I liaise with staff, parents and volunteers in an endeavour to provide individual programs that will support the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. Providing opportunities for growth promotes personal success, confidence and self-esteem, creating a more solid foundation for their future.

Hearing about the marvelous benefits of music therapy and Dr Sardeshmukh's mastery in the field, several staff members expressed an interest in inviting him to the College. In October 2001 students ranging in age from ten to seventeen years, met Dr Sardeshmukh for the first time when he conducted several group music therapy sessions. A lecture/demonstration was also held for music students who were studying the Indian system of music. They showed great interest in learning more about the history of the sitar and making comparisons between our cultures.

Students involved in music sessions were asked to observe their response to the music and reported feeling more peaceful and relaxed following their session. Teachers also commented on the calming nature of the music and were pleased with the positive feedback that they received from their students.

Since 2001, our Year 12 classes have become a special focus for music sessions. Their year level coordinator takes a holistic approach to supporting their needs and strongly believes that music therapy has helped to combat the stresses felt by these young people in their final year of schooling. Sessions were originally held at the end of the school year as students prepared for their final exams but this year, in response to requests from students, it was decided to offer a session at the very beginning of the year.

Students listen to music for approximately thirty minutes and then they have an opportunity to discuss their observations with Dr Sardeshmukh. Wonderful conversation always follows and everyone has the chance to share in his or her own way. The students are always fascinated to learn about the effects that the music vibrations have on the body on a cellular level and to have their physical responses explained in a scientific manner.

Students frequently ask how they can find a balance in their lives saying that they often feel very tired. Conversation is then focused on the need for a healthy diet, restful sleep and exercise. Dr Sardeshmukh suggests that good home cooked meals offer the best foundation for creating more energy.

A large number of the 1200 students who make up our student body have experienced music therapy, some will have been lucky enough to have had more than one session. Already this year, Dr Sardeshmukh has conducted sessions for the Year 12 students and during his next visit in June all students in our middle school, students aged between eleven and fifteen, will be attending sessions. Due to the overwhelming response from Year 12 students, Dr Sardeshumkh will now be working with them each time he visits the College.

In February this year the College played host to a group of students and teachers from a Talented and Gifted cluster group representing ten Catholic Colleges from around Adelaide.

They very much enjoyed meeting Dr Sardeshmukh, experiencing music therapy for the first time and having the chance to chat informally about the benefits of this therapy.

Even the youngest members of the College community met Dr Sardeshmukh when he paid a surprise visit to their classroom last year. They were very curious and managed to produce an endless stream of questions, these only being brought to an end by a lively piece of music on the sitar. Hearing the music, the children immediately began singing, dancing and clapping, totally involved in the music, no fear, no inhibitions - just pure joy.

This beautiful child like state is undoubtedly something that we would all like to experience. Music therapy helps us on a journey of self realization and a return to our natural state.