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Exhibition statement

Exhibition Statement: Welcome

College students are put under a huge level of stress and anxiety from academic and societal pressures that will continue even after graduation. One tool that is always passively used is the love of music, whether that is creating or listening to it. However, music has so much more to offer when one takes the time to understand its emotional effects, the context of its themes, and its value as a part of reducing our stress and anxiety. In our music therapy workshop, “The You in Music,”  we not only focused on different themes commonly found in music, we also were able to experience how music is able to change and broadcast universal feelings. Everyone experiences similar emotions, especially during times of stress, therefore we should use music to combat negative emotions and enhance the positive ones. Through listening and experiencing the message different songs have to offer, we were able to understand our own thoughts and processes that we can use to help us come out of our own slumps and into a happier and more productive mindset.

Exhibition Statement: Text

Music's emotional and mental effects have been known since the beginning of civilizations.  In many ancient theories illnesses were thought to be,” inner disharmony between the body-humours,” and that music allowed people to “restore the harmony,”. Later the combination of this idea and existing medical beliefs and philosophy lead to the theory of music theory and its ability to “directly influence the state of mind,”(Even). While the practice and use of music therapy is fairly recent it is found that participation in music therapy “reduces anxiety and physical effects of stress” by combining the relaxing activity of listening to music and comprehending music’s emotional affect in an individual ( Craig).

Exhibition Statement: Text

From learning how to comprehend and interact with music, students gained a better understanding of how to use music as an activity or tool to reduce their stress and anxiety.  In this exhibition you will see a variety of interpretation of music's influence and presence in art, such as original music of common themes, images that were inspired by a specific musical decade, and a painting that was made to not only relax the artist, but the viewer as well. As a workshop leader, I have gained so much perspective from my students on empowering and important topics such as sadness, self-image, pop culture, and many others.

I would like to thank, whole heartedly, Heather, Harold and Gabrielle, for giving me the opportunity and support to be a workshop leader in the Art Scholars . As well as, a shout out to my fantastical TA Ashley Wagner for lending an ear and eye to helping run this workshop and My parents who keep my love of music going !

Exhibition Statement: Text
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About The Workshop Leader

To learn more about me and my experience in Arts Scholars, check out my eportfolio using the link below.

Exhibition Statement: Welcome

References

  • Even, Ruud. "Music Therapy: Health Profession or Cultural Movement?", Music Therapy, Volume 7, Issue 1, 1988, Pages 34–37, https://doi.org/10.1093/mt/7.1.34 

  • Craig, Heather. “What Are the Benefits of Music Therapy?” PositivePsychology.com, 21 Apr. 2021, positivepsychology.com/music-therapy-benefits/

Exhibition Statement: About
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