On 15th November this year, we will celebrate the 11th European Music Therapy Day.
The Rhythm of Wellbeing is this year’s motto, capturing the essence of how music therapy can support mental health. This phrase encapsulates the idea that music therapy can create a harmonious balance between mind and body to promote health and well-being. The phrase also underscores the idea that everyone has their own unique rhythm to achieve well-being, and music therapy can help individuals find and maintain that balance through personalised, therapeutic musical experiences. Promoting this motto will raise awareness about the benefits of music therapy in mental health care, encouraging more people to explore and experience the profound effects of music on their mental and emotional well-being.
Follow the 4 easy steps below as you plan your contribution to the 11th European Music Therapy Day!
The first step is to get in touch with your country representative. You can find their contact info here. Please let them know what you are planning for Music Therapy Day so they can make sure events and media are coordinated, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure the integrity of the music therapy message.
2. Translate the flyer into your language
Each year we create a collection of flyer translations, celebrating European languages. We encourage you to use the flyer to publicise EMTD events in your country both online and in print. Feel free to add your association logo. You can download the Powerpoint files to customise the flyer using the following links:
Once you have translated the flyer, please send a PDF to info@musictherapyday.eu so we can include it in this year’s collection.
3. Organise an event
When it comes to planning an event, the sky really is the limit. Past events have included concerts, seminars, webinars, panel discussions, drum circles, flash mobs …
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Play instruments in a public space like a reception area, foyer, shopping centre or train station. Passers-by could join in if there are instruments on empty chairs. Is it possible in your setting for clients to contribute to the event? This could be a surprise flash mob or something people know about in advance.
- Invite colleagues or friends (musicians?) to join in and make it a special event.
- Hold a music workshop in a school or community centre, creating instruments like drums, shakers or wooden chimes.
- Arrange a seminar on music therapy, inviting doctors, health care workers, policy makers, politicians, teachers or whoever is a relevant partner for music therapy in your country.
- Make use of social media: Facebook, YouTube, X, Instgram or TikTok (hashtags #musictherapyday, #rhythmofwellbeing and of course #musictherapy).
- Talk to a radio station/music channel to announce music therapy day, maybe talking to listeners during the broadcast, playing their favourite piece.
- Connect with a national celebrity or artist to promote the event.
- Brainstorm with music therapy students.
- Create a song on the theme in your language.
Playing in the foyer of a clinic in Belgium.
4. Make a video
Make a short video greeting. Up to 90 seconds is good for most people’s attention span in the social media era. The shorter the better! Here are two ideas:
- Create a song on the theme in your language.
- Make a video greeting of a short jingle in a location that represents your country’s culture.
So . . . create your video and upload it to Youtube or a file transfer service like Wetransfer and send the link to info@musictherapyday.eu!
We are really looking forward to seeing and sharing videos from all around Europe!
Here are five examples to inspire you from previous years:
