Music as a Global Resource: - International Council for Caring ...

SECTION:
Music for Mental and Physical Health
COUNTRY:
China
PROJECT:
USING MUSIC TO CHANNEL AND REGULATE EMOTIONS: THE BEIJING SCHOOL
PROJECT FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
DESCRIPTION:
Started in early 2011, this school-based program works with small groups of visually impaired children
through music. Its goals are to improve appropriate social behavior, emotional self-regulation and
ultimately improve school performance. Children are engaged through a combination of singing and
instrument playing to channel impulses and learn how to work cooperatively with other children.
Emotions are channeled through the use of instruments chosen by the students to help them express
intense and chaotic feelings. Through learning how to play instruments harmoniously together social
bonds are created. The teacher provides strong rhythmic and harmonic support to the students on the
piano and through verbal interventions. So far, approximately twenty children have received services.
CURRENT STATUS:
The project is currently ongoing and might be expanded in the near future. It is currently being funded by
the Beijing Education Bureau, and the Chinese Music Therapy Association.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
www.cmta.com.cn
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION:
Some sessions are video recorded and all sessions notated in an ongoing journal kept by the therapist
heading the program. These materials are then studied for behavioral changes in the children and provide
a means by which intervention strategies are evaluated.
At this early stage of implementation, improvement has already been noted by the music teacher in charge
in terms of reduced levels of aggression and agitation as well as strengthening self-esteem and
communication skills with others.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Organization: Chinese Music Therapy Association
Address: Beijing Huilongguan Hospital
Phone: 86-10-62715511, Ext: 6364; Fax: 86-10-62716285
Contact Person: Xiao Xun
E-mail: xxun123@163.com
109