Incorporating Music Therapy-Informed Techniques into CBR: Experiences from Practice with two Children and their Families in Rural India

Authors

  • Lucy Bolger University of Melbourne https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4615-6559
  • Melissa Murphy University of Melbourne
  • Raju Tammuluri Loksamgraha Social Service Society
  • Viviyana Tirki Dilasagram

Keywords:

Music therapy, community-based rehabilitation, intercultural collaboration, online skills sharing, disability, digital health

Abstract

Purpose: This experiential account describes the process and observed impact of including music therapy-informed techniques into community-based rehabilitation for two boys with disabilities in rural India. The aim is to inform other CBR facilitators and grassroots organisations of the potential of including music in CBR.

Method: This is reported from the perspective of two experienced CBR programme leaders. While their experiences of integrating music into CBR are narrated, the methods used are reported elsewhere in an accessible format (see in-text for link). The individual cases are part of an international research collaboration between Australian music therapists and Indian CBR facilitators.

Results: In the two cases described, music in CBR supported existing physical development goals, and increased motivation and engagement in CBR for the children and their supporting communities.

Conclusion and Implications: Online peer-mentoring between music therapists and CBR facilitators can support CBR facilitators to use music in ways that supplement their existing skills. It also offers novel and engaging new ways for them to motivate participation and support development for children with disabilities and their families. CBR facilitators found that they were able to effectively embed music into their CBR work and that doing so enhanced their enjoyment and engagement in CBR.

Author Biographies

Lucy Bolger, University of Melbourne

Dr. Lucy Bolger has been a music therapy practitioner and scholar since graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2004. She has worked with people across the lifespan in community and institutional settings, in Australia, Bangladesh and India. Lucy has particular interest and expertise in collaborative processes in music therapy, sustainability-oriented practice, participatory music work with communities and young people, and international development work in music therapy. She is also interested in equity and access to music therapy, and how innovative approaches can support music participation for those in remote and rural communities. These interests continue to inform her practice, research and teaching, and are underpinned by a belief that all people should have access to music as a resource for health and wellbeing.

Melissa Murphy, University of Melbourne

Dr Melissa Murphy (PhD, RMT) is a music therapy practitioner, supervisor, educator and researcher. She has worked in mental health, aged and palliative care, but her primary interest lies in the disability sector. Melissa currently works with both children and adults with disability in the education system, community settings and in private practice drawing on her skills as a clinical music therapist, GIM practitioner and community music therapist. She is the founder of MusicSpace, a community music hub for people living in the greater Geelong and Surf coast regions in Victoria, Australia. Philosophically informed by critical and ecological theory, MusicSpace aims to foster personal and group creativity, as well as social and musical connections within the local community. She is the former National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) representative and Disability Advisor for the Australian Music Therapy Association and music therapy representative for the working group of Allied Health Professions Australia.

Raju Tammuluri, Loksamgraha Social Service Society

Raju Tammuluri is an experienced Program Coordinator and CBR facilitator who works for a community disability organisation in rural Maharashtra, India. He is a strong team leader who is committed to supporting children with disabilities and their families to participate actively in their communities through CBR. He also embraces innovation and collaboration in his work.

Viviyana Tirki, Dilasagram

Sr. Viviyana Tirki is an experienced program coordinator and CBR facilitator in rural Maharashatra, India. She is a leader in her community, working in school and community-based settings to ensure children with disabilities achieve their goals and are connected to others in the community. She is dedicated and enthusiastic about new ways to achieve outcomes for children in CBR.

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Published

2023-03-04

How to Cite

1.
Bolger L, Murphy M, Tammuluri R, Tirki V. Incorporating Music Therapy-Informed Techniques into CBR: Experiences from Practice with two Children and their Families in Rural India. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 4 [cited 2024 May 16];33(4):99-105. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/642

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 4 (2022): Winter

Section

Experiential Accounts

License

Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s)

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