venture out y'all!

The week of the World Conference of Music Therapy was purely incredible. I understood the idea of there being music therapists from all over the world, but it’s TOTALLY different when you actually experience it! 45 nations were represented at this congress, and I’m positive that was the most diverse space I’ve ever been a part of (except airports). The congress offered presentations over a vast span of topics, things like: GIM, Music therapy with Parkinson’s, Music therapy with trauma patients, etc...  People were speaking all types of languages, wearing different clothing, playing different instruments from what I’m used to. This experience really showed me that I am a part of something a lot bigger and musicians have to be cultural participants. Who knew there was 1000 other people out in the world just like me?

During one of our classes we were assigned to pick one article to write a response paper on. I chose an article by Katrina McFerran, a music therapist and researcher in Australia. Cool thing about the world conference is that she was there! It was so neat, I got to meet one of the great pioneers of our profession! I went to about 2 of McFerran’s presentations, she showed videos and made the presentations rather interactive! She was blonde, witty, very social, and a wonderful role model! At the end of the week one of the congress events was a wine tasting where I got to actually speak to her on very basic level.. about wine! I couldn’t have asked for more!  

              I would say my homesickness was the worst during the congress week, and when that happens my best advice is just to go talk to other people and keep busy. After congress, I visited Vienna and Dresden briefly. All in all, this was one fantastic trip, I got to see a part of the world that I’ve always wanted and it beat my expectations in every way. By the time it was time to go back, I wasn’t ready! If it wasn’t for my family and friends I probably would’ve skipped my flight. Goodbye Germany, Halo Georgia!