Abstract
The paper explores service learning as one of the pedagogical methods for music therapy students in supporting them to become professionals who can adapt and practice a holistic approach. Community music therapy (CoMT) is proposed as a conceptual framework that can guide the development and practice of music therapy service learning projects. Accordingly, a case example is presented of music therapy student service learning project based from a CoMT orientation. More specifically, this example reflects on participation in the Creative Music Making program as a service learning project for music therapy students. Creative Music Making is an annual collaborative music performance project conducted by the Maryville University Music Therapy Program, St. Louis Symphony, and St. Louis Arc, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The paper outlines the details of the project and discusses the positive impact of the Creative Music Making project on the community participants, the over-arching community, and the music therapy students’ personal and professional development.
Highlights
Higher education plays an important role in educating students to be knowledgeable and skilled in their field of choice, and in developing responsible citizenship among students through community engagement and service (Jacoby, 2015)
Service learning can be a suitable pedagogy in music therapy education as it provides an opportunity for students to grow both in their therapeutic skills and civic engagement, while contributing to meaningful social changes
The section of the paper outlines how Creative Music Making, a service learning project based on a community music therapy (CoMT) orientation, was planned, organized, and facilitated to benefit both students and the community
Summary
Higher education plays an important role in educating students to be knowledgeable and skilled in their field of choice, and in developing responsible citizenship among students through community engagement and service (Jacoby, 2015). Service learning, based on a long tradition of experiential learning that started with John Dewey’s theory of experience and education, is a pedagogical approach that is designed to meet the students’ learning goals through community service, while mutually benefiting the community (Jacoby, 2015) In this regard, service learning can be a suitable pedagogy in music therapy education as it provides an opportunity for students to grow both in their therapeutic skills and civic engagement, while contributing to meaningful social changes. The section of the paper outlines how Creative Music Making, a service learning project based on a CoMT orientation, was planned, organized, and facilitated to benefit both students and the community
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