What started as a challenge during uncertain times because of the pandemic, unfolded as a beautiful journey, more inspiring than what we could have wished.
We started our 3 year mandate in Edinburgh. In fact, it was the first time that the three of us could meet each other in person. The years before, EMTC work was limited to online meetings. So, even though we regularly had very open online meetings and phone calls to brainstorm about our mission in the EMTC, it was exciting to connect in real life. No big surprise, but this encounter was warm, vivid and optimistic, a very good start to fly off for three years of dedicated work.
“Build your architecture from what is beneath your feet” (Hassan Fathy).
We strongly believe that our warm connection was a good breeding ground to improve and strengthen the already existing working relationships within the EMTC. We got a chance to support professional associations in their own countries and to strengthen the connection on the European political level. It is a privilege to feel the EMTC grow, to hear and see amazing stories of small and energetic associations putting so much effort into the field of music therapy, to see the dedication of professional music therapists in the field,… We got goosebumps when bigger European associations welcomed the EMTC as an example: because of the inclusivity, because of the wide range of countries being part of the association, because they want to know more about music therapy.
With a warm heart and a lot of gratitude, we pass on our mandate to Elisabeth Kaczynski, Rachel Swanick and Catherine Clancy. They will start their own EMTC journey, and we wish them all the best.
Thank you all for having us. This experience enriched our lives and our perspective as professional music therapists.
Warm regards,
Elide Scarlata
Rita Maia
Nele Fiers
