STAFF NOTES: MUSIC IN TREATMENT, SUMMER 2013

When two MVM teaching artists were recently asked about their experiences leading ‘Music in Treatment’ programs this summer, they both reflected on a common theme: difference.  Many of the youth served faced significant challenges and music often provided an outlet for the emotions they were experiencing.  It was during this process that students began to see the commonalities they possess, rather than the perceived differences that can initially divide. 

“I started working with MVM in June, helping to run a rock band camp at Youth Villages.  It was pretty cool to see the kids overcome their initial trepidation and come together to write, record and perform a song in only six sessions.  Kids overcame their differences with each other for the betterment of the group and the song.  With each program, I see a recurring theme: young people overcoming fears and doubts to take advantage of the experience that music provides.”

“During my first time ever leading groups through MVM I noticed many potentially wonderful things about the ways in which music can positively affect a child in treatment.  Two of the kids in my first program were not getting along.  They were physically fighting, verbally abusive towards one another, and wanted nothing to do with each other.  I was warned about them and asked not to task them on the same activity at the same time.  I slowly worked with them and earned their trust, got them plugged into the program, writing and singing, and by the last session I put on they were sharing a microphone, laughing and singing a song together in front of an audience.  I have seen other similar incidents like this one and they stand as a testament to the efforts and successes of the MVM staff, the program design, and the treatment centers’ staffers that help out during our group sessions.  These kinds of positive transformations, I think, are the reasons MVM is so truly necessary as a functional component of our community, and I’m proud to be involved.”