10 Years of UPH Music Therapy: A Journey of a New Discipline in Indonesia

UPH Music Therapy Clinic

As the only formal education institution for undergraduates that provides music therapy training in Indonesia, UPH Music Therapy has a great duty in preparing prospective music therapy practitioner at a young age. Certainly, there are other related factors such as public?s understanding about health and well-being and stigmas regarding mental illness and disabilities that will accompany the journey of this discipline. The intimacy between music and man, as well as its life, along with the role of music in relation to health, are some things that should be introduced to many people.

With a small number of members, collaboration then becomes a driving force in introducing the effect of music in daily life. One of them is through Music Therapy Clinic, which has been established since 2005. Seminars and workshops, both from music therapist and music therapy researchers from in and outside of Indonesia, have also been held in and outside of UPH. 

Monica also emphasized that there have been a number of attempts which have been done to enhance people?s knowledge and understanding about music therapy education in UPH. Among them are collaborations with educational and public health institutions to support students? projects and by ensuring a promotive learning environment with a proper supervision from local party, so that the benefits might be felt mutually by all parties.

UPH Music Therapy also held sharing sessions with certain populations, along with communities with similar goals, that is to reduce the number of stigmas in the society regarding mental health and to increase the well-being of those who are excluded by the society, who often aren?t heard due to the limited freedom of expression caused by their average verbal ability, physical as well as psychological condition.

Just like a child who is undergoing changes to become a teenager, UPH Music Therapy is still busy exploring itself. However, UPH Music Therapy has a dream and commitment to contribute to the improvement of the well-being of the people of Indonesia (rh).

UPH Music Therapy Concentration also held a Music Therapy Workshop for Child Development with an International Music Therapist Expert, Shu Che, BMT, MA, Bachelor of Music Therapy and Minor in Psychology, from Georgia College and State University.