Alexstar / Depositphotos.com
Perth will host its first music therapy symposium this weekend, bringing music therapists and community members together for workshops, music-making and hands-on learning.
The Inspiration Symposium: The Heart of Music Therapy in Practice was created by music therapists Nicola Oddy and Rebecca Worden.
Oddy said the idea grew from conversations about music therapy conferences that often focus on theory, case studies and research. The organizers wanted to create an event where participants could experience the work.
Worden says music connecting with people is a wildly-shared experience.
The weekend begins Friday with a workshop led by Australian music therapist Denise Grocke, followed by concurrent sessions and a welcome reception at Fiddleheads featuring an open mic.
Saturday includes a workshop with Soon, a Montreal-based music therapist band. Participants will help create and record a song through improvisation, looping and layered sounds.
The event is also open to people who are not music therapists. Saturday evening will feature Singspiration, an instant choir experience with Soon and local musicians.
Sunday includes more sessions, along with a workshop led by New York music therapist Diane Austin and an environmental vocal exploration led by Oddy in Stewart Park.
She explained what that practice is.
Advance registration is closed, but day and workshop passes are available at the door. Get details here.
