Photo: C. Fischer

Where words do not help, music sometimes does. That is why music therapy utilises the powerful effect of tones and sounds as a versatile tool in a wide variety of therapeutic contexts. It can help with the expression of feelings, promotes relaxation, focus, memory and the reduction of stress, as well as social interaction and communication skills.

This potential will be available to practitioners thanks to a new continuing education programme beginning in September 2024 at Alanus University called Akademische Weiterbildung Musiktherapie auf Basis der anthroposophischen Menschenkunde (academic continuing education in music therapy based on anthroposophy). It is primarily aimed at artistic, social and health-related practitioners who work in curative educational or social therapy institutions, primary schools, hospices or health centres.  

Over the course of one and a half years in Alfter (near Bonn), the participants will acquire the relevant theoretical and practical skills to stimulate curative processes, thereby improving well-being and health. The training course, currently the only one of its kind in Germany, teaches an integrative art-based approach that makes an important contribution to a complementary treatment protocol. One of the lecturers, Odulf Damen, explains that “the focus is on the individual and their unique development opportunities in health and illness”.

Anyone who would like to explore the subject even further will be able to enrol in a master’s degree course in music therapy, coming to Alanus University in the autumn of 2025 and currently being accredited. If they meet the admission requirements, the participants can continue their studies there immediately afterwards and obtain a master’s degree within a further three semesters.