Sounds of Change Academy in the Netherlands
This year, the Sounds of Change Academy is offering another intensive three-day training programme, one weekend, for professionals and advanced students who want to learn and work with the Sounds of Change method and mindset. The training is open to people who already have experience in leading music sessions with groups, community music projects and/or work experience as a music therapist.
During our work in various international conflict zones over the past seven years, we have discovered that creative music processes can have a transformative effect on people. During the moments of group improvisation and composition, music not only provides pleasure, but also creates deep connection. People gradually dare to express themselves in the safe space created and listen to each other better. They work together, coming up with new insights and ideas, before introducing them to the other group members. The personal and group reflections on the process lead to a stronger connection with themselves and the group. Music therefore functions as a means to bring about social change and teach children, young people and adults the 'life skills' that are so important for the future. For our future.
One well known benefit of making and listening to music is that it helps to reduce stress and soothe trauma symptoms. Our Academy enables people to use music in a trauma-sensitive manner as a means of providing psychosocial support and meaningful education.
“A big week with wonderful meetings with amazingly souls, the omnipotent power of music, the connection and the tolerance and acceptation in the group thanks to a very sensitive Sounds of change team.I will use all the method now with my children in Aleppo and also I aim to do so in all Syria.”
We made a film about the first edition, held in 2022, as filmmaker Joris Postema and his team followed the group. This included filming sessions carried out as part of the learning process with children in various asylum seeker centres in the Netherlands.
More information about the Sounds of Change Academy and how to register can be found on our website. And if you know anyone else who might be interested, feel free to share this post with them.
