ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

We are thrilled to announce our inaugural international symposium, “MEETING IN MUSIC”, Music Therapy – where we are and future directions. This event is designed for a diverse audience including music therapy professionals, practitioners from other creative arts therapies, music educators, and anyone who works with or integrates music into their professional practice. Our primary goal is to showcase the multifaceted world of music therapy, demonstrating how music and music therapy elements can be woven into individual and group work across various settings. We’ll highlight the evolution of this field in Slovenia and look at best practice examples from abroad. The symposium will explore the intersections between music therapy and other musical activities and therapeutic approaches, aiming to chart a course for the future of music therapy.

 

The symposium took place over two days, on September 7, 2024, and September 8, 2024. Saturday’s program was aimed at a broader Slovenian audience, while Sunday’s program was intended for music therapists from Slovenia and abroad, as well as other interested parties.

podpora odnosu mami otrok KOOH PK

Thanks to the sponsors

We sincerely thank the donors for their valuable financial support of the international symposium Meetings in Music. Their donation was crucial to the success of this event. Thanks to their support, we were able to gather top experts in the field of music therapy from Slovenia and Europe, organize a rich program of lectures and workshops, and thus contribute to the development of music therapy in Slovenia and beyond.

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

MEETINGS IN MUSIC

Music therapy - where are we and where are we going?

The symposium was held over two days, on September 7 and 8, 2024. On Saturday, we addressed the broader Slovenian public, and on Sunday, music therapists from Slovenia and abroad.

TICKET PURCHASE

PROGRAM

SATURDAY, September 7, 2024

8.30 – 9.00Registration and morning coffee
9.00 – 9.15Opening remarks and musical prelude
9.15 – 10.00Katarina Habe, University of Ljubljana, Academy of Music

Music as a Catalyst for Inclusion and Connection
10.00 – 10.45Simona Kokot, ZGTS

On Music Therapy
10.45 – 11.00Break
11.00 – 11.45Špela Loti Knoll, IK

10 Years of Music Therapy Education and Profession Advocacy at the Knoll Institute
11.45 – 12.30Rozalija Dvoršek in Mihaela Kavčič, ZGTS

Slovenian Music Therapy Association
12.30 – 14.00Lunch break
14.00 – 18.00Experiential workshops
18.00 – 18.15Closing session

SUNDAY, September 8, 2024

8.30 – 9.00Registration and morning coffee
9.00 – 9.15Day 2 opening remarks and musical prelude
9.15 - 10.55Development of Music Therapy in European Countries
9.15 – 9.40Austria: Elisabeth Kaczynski
9.40 – 10.05Netherlands: Gerben Roefs
10.05 – 10.30Britain: Rachel Swanick
10.30 – 10.55Hungary: Zsófia Fekete and Rita Kárpáti
10.55 - 11.15Break
11.00 – 12.30Round table: Development of Music Therapy in Various European Countries

Participants: Špela Loti Knoll (SLO), Rozalija Dvoršek (SLO), Gerben Roefs (NL), Rita Kárpáti (HU), Zsofia Fekete (HU), Karin Schumacher (DE), Rachel Swanick (UK),

Moderator: Petra Gabršček (ZGTS)
12.30 – 14.00Lunch break
14.00 – 17.00Experiential workshops (music therapy in practice)
17.00 – 18.00Closing session

PREDAVATELJI

Katarina Habe is employed as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana. With her combined expertise in music and psychology, her research and professional work in the field of music psychology successfully integrates the analytical approach of a psychologist and the intuitive, holistic mindset of a musician. Lately, she has focused her research efforts on investigating the effects of music on overall well-being (physical, emotional, social, and mental) in different populations. In her lecture entitled “Music as a Means of Inclusion and Unification,” she will highlight the primary effects of music on an individual’s overall well-being (physical, emotional, social, and cognitive).

Katarina holds a PhD in psychology and has completed her studies at the Conservatory of Music in Ljubljana. In her doctoral dissertation, she explored the influence of music on cognitive functioning, focusing on the Mozart effect. She regularly collaborates with the Knoll Institute for Music Therapy, as well as with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education at the University of Maribor, where she lectured for many years at the Department of Preschool Education.

 

In the lecture, she will highlight the key psychological foundations in using the effects of music and address the questions: when, where, and how to use music as a means of inclusion that impacts the well-being of individuals with special needs as well as neurotypical individuals, inviting all into a co-creative interweaving.

Simona Kokot completed her studies in music therapy at the Knoll Institute, the institute for music therapy and supervision, in 2021 with her final thesis titled “Music Therapy for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.” In her private practice, she conducts group and individual active music therapy sessions.

In the lecture “On Music Therapy,” she will address fundamental questions like: Is music therapy a profession or an art? What is the difference between music therapy and a music creativity workshop? Can any musician be a music therapist? And more.

Since 2008, Simona has been working with adults with intellectual disabilities, where in addition to her work as a qualified nurse practitioner, she also engages in music activities (vocal and Orff ensemble groups).

 

The client groups she works with in music therapy include children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual disabilities, individuals with cerebral palsy, the blind and visually impaired, the elderly, and individuals with dementia. She conducts shorter training sessions and workshops on music therapy. She is an active member of the board of the Slovenian Music Therapy Association (ZGTS).

An academic oboist, Špela Loti Knoll has further enhanced her professional achievements with a master’s degree in music therapy from Cambridge (United Kingdom) and Krems (Austria). She has extensive experience working with musically gifted children, as well as children with special needs or emotional and behavioural challenges. She is the founder and director of the Knoll Institute, the only institute in Slovenia that trains music therapists.

 

In her lecture “Knoll Institute, the Institute for Music Therapy and Supervision,” she will shed light on the Knoll Institute, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, including with information on what the programme offers, the requirements for enrolment and completion, what the programme contributes to the life of each student, and its impact on the broader community.

Špela, an oboe professor and master of music therapy, began her musical journey at the Kranj Music School, where she taught oboe, recorder, and chamber music for many years. She was a member of numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles. She combines her knowledge in several areas, leads shorter trainings in the field of music therapy, relaxation workshops, and music team-building sessions for various profiles of professionals.

Mihaela Kavčič completed her studies in music therapy at the Knoll Institute for Music Therapy and Supervision in 2018. As a primary school teacher, she has been working in the field of education, monitoring students with special needs since 1999. She has participated in various projects. As a music therapist, she primarily works at the Paediatric Clinic and the Obelisk Center in Ljubljana. She is the author of the book “Hope – Music Therapy with Persons with Dementia” (UP – glasbena terapija z osebami z demenco).

 

In her lecture “Slovenian Music Therapy Association,” she will summarise the evolution of this association, describe its tasks and goals, and present its vision for the future.

Mihaela has participated in various projects, including the European project of music therapy students in the post-war area of Sarajevo in 2006. During her studies in music therapy, she also received training abroad (Hamburg, Vienna, Graz). As a therapist, she works at the Clinical Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, at the Obelisk Center for Children and Adolescents, and with individuals of various ages and life challenges. She is the founder and leader of the Ad libitum Center and an active member of the ZGTS.

Rozalija Dvoršek, an accomplished academic oboist and oboe professor, expanded her professional pursuits by completing music therapy studies at the Knoll Institute for Music Therapy and Supervision in 2019. Two years ago, she further augmented her expertise through additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy. She was among the founding members of the Association of Music Therapists of Slovenia and continues to serve as its president.

 

 

Alongside her colleague Mihaela Kavčič, in the lecture titled “The Association of Music Therapists of Slovenia,” Rozalija will provide an overview of the association’s development, outline its tasks and objectives, and share its vision for the future. 

Rozalija teaches oboe at the public music school in Jesenice and offers instruction in other instruments, including recorders, flute, piano, and ukulele, at the private music school Sled in Slovenj Gradec. She is an active member of various orchestras, an organist, choir conductor, and singer. As a music therapist, she works with diverse client populations, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and neurological impairments. She is the head of the Sound Atelier, offering music therapy services, teaching, and musical performances for a range of occasions.

Elisabeth Kaczynski studied music therapy in Vienna and has been actively working in clinical psychiatry since 1999. As a co-founder, she participated in establishing a series of training programmes for music therapists in the field of psychiatry.

 

In her lecture, she will describe the development of music therapy in Austria, the diversity of study programmes, and the legislation related to the recognition of the music therapist profession.

Elisabeth has contributed to various publications in journals and books and has lectured at national and international events. She is the representative of Austria in the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC) and has been the regional coordinator for the Central region in this organization since 2018.

Gerben Roefs graduated in music therapy from the ArtEZ University of the Arts in 2008. After graduating, he began working as a music therapist in forensic psychiatry. In 2015, he obtained a master’s degree in music therapy and is a registered music therapist. He has received training in neurologic music therapy and is a fellow trainee in the 2nd level of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) therapy.

In his lecture, he will describe the development of music therapy in the Netherlands, the challenges they face when it comes to the recognition of the music therapist profession, and present employment opportunities in this field.

Gerben is a seasoned clinical music therapist with many years of experience in forensic psychiatry and elderly care. He is currently employed at a mental health center, where he treats elderly people in crisis situations.

Since 2015, in addition to his clinical work, he has been teaching music therapy methods at the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht. He has participated in a workshop at the Nordic Music Therapy Congress (2018) and at conferences of the European Consortium of Arts Therapies Education (ECArTE).

Rachel Swanick is the head of the Adoption Clinic at the Oakdale Centre. She works with adoption therapists and families. She specialises in attachment and trauma work with children and families of all ages, taking a holistic approach when working with families.

 

In her lecture, she will describe the development of music therapy in England, the study programmes, and the legislation related to the music therapist profession.

Rachel is a qualified APCI (Assessment of Parent-Child Interaction) assessor and trainer, as well as a co-author of the APCI training manual. She has published several articles and reflective blogs on music therapy. She is currently a PhD student at the University of South Wales.

Zsófia Fekete is a registered music therapist and a member of the Hungarian Music Therapy Association. She has been working as a music therapist at the National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation (Hungary) since 1998. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Pécs, Hungary, in 2021. The main focus of her work are patients with severe brain injuries, post-stroke, patients in coma, and with aphasia.

 

In the lecture, together with her colleague Rita Kárpáti, she will summarise the developmental path of music therapy in Hungary and speak about the status of the music therapist profession in Hungary.

Zsófia is a co-founder of the ‘Hangadó’ vocal ensemble, where people struggling with severe forms of aphasia can experience the benefits of group music therapy. She is also the founder of the ‘Staccato’ vocal ensemble (1996), where she advocates for the inclusion of everyone who wishes to participate in a choir after acute rehabilitation. Zsófia has helped and inspired numerous students who participated in Hungarian music therapy training programmes. She regularly lectures and conducts workshops on music therapy in neurorehabilitation at training sessions in rehabilitation medicine for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students.

Rita Kárpáti is a music educator and a registered music therapist with the FVB (Dutch Federation of Creative Arts and Psychomotor Therapies). She currently lives and works in the Netherlands. Her clients include individuals with Korsakoff syndrome, a condition often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and those with chronic neurological diseases requiring long-term care.

 

In the lecture, together with her colleague Zsófia Fekete, she will summarize the developmental path of music therapy in Hungary and address the status of the music therapist profession in Hungary.

Rita frequently lectures at national and international conferences on various interesting topics, such as residents’ rights to personal freedom in nursing homes, observing and (re)training cognitive skills using music, or how to untangle the increasingly complex networks of international relations within the music therapy profession. She is the representative of Hungary in the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC).

Maruša Juvanc built upon her foundational education as a social worker by pursuing studies in music therapy, which she completed in 2019 at the Knoll Institute for Music Therapy and Supervision. In 2023, she established her independent practice, providing individual and group active music therapy sessions. Additionally, since 2023, she has served as the representative for Slovenian music therapists at the EMTC (European Music Therapy Confederation).

 

In the experiential workshop titled “Incorporating Elements of Music Therapy into Activities for Preschool and School-age Children,” she will share valuable strategies to help educators integrate more music into their pedagogical approaches.

In 2024, Maruša upgraded her expertise by completing additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). As a music therapist, her clinical work encompasses individuals with dementia (nursing homes in Krško, Brežice, Impoljca, and Novo Mesto), individuals with intellectual disabilities (day care centers in Leskovec pri Krškem and Brežice), as well as children with special needs (Dr. Mihajlo Rostohar Primary School in Krško). She also provides in-home individual music therapy sessions. Additionally, she organizes and facilitates music workshops for children, offering them a fun and relaxing way to explore music and creativity.

Petra Gabršček completed her studies in music therapy at the Knoll Institute for Music Therapy and Supervision in 2023, with her final thesis titled “Music Therapy with an Adult with Down Syndrome and a Traumatic Experience of Parental Loss.” Since 2023, she has held the position of deputy representative of Slovenian music therapists at the EMTC. In her private practice based in the Savinjska region, she conducts individual and group active music therapy sessions.

 

At the symposium, she will moderate the panel discussion exploring the diverse development of music therapy across several European countries.

The panel discussion will delve into the trends and directions shaping the evolution of music therapy in Slovenia, Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Participants will provide insights into the key challenges faced in implementing music therapy in different national contexts, as well as the opportunities for further growth and expansion of the field.

 

In the experiential workshop, Petra will demonstrate techniques for non-verbal communication and role-playing within music therapy sessions for adults with special needs.

LOCATION

The international symposium will take place in the multipurpose hall of the Brežice Youth Centre. The Youth Centre is located near the city centre and allows easy access by various means of trans-portation.

The Youth Centre offers free parking. Brežice is approximately 100 km from Ljubljana and Maribor.

A city bus runs from the main bus station, which is 1.3 km away from the Youth Centre.

The railway station is 2.7 km from the Youth Centre.

BRŽKOLO – a public automated bicycle rental system in Brežice – enables travel from the railway station to the Youth Centre

ORGANISING COMMITTEE (ZGTS)

Rozalija Dvoršek


Petra Gabršček

 

Maruša Juvanc

 

Mihaela Kavčič

 

Simona Kokot

Experiential workshops

EXPERIENTIAL WORKSHOPS – Saturday, September 7, 2024

Classroom 1Classroom 2Classroom 3/Hall
14.00-14.50Simona Kokot, Petra Šuster:

Encouraging individualization and collaboration in group music therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Ema Trček:

Music Therapy with a group of preschool children with deafness, hard of hearing and speech-language disorders – case Study
Mihaela Kavčič:

Music Therapy with people with dementia – case study
15.00-15.50Romina Kerševan:

Establishing relationships in group music therapy with preschool-children with autism spectrum Disorder		Vesna Jevšenak, Tamara Sernec (ZPGPS):

Connecting with and empathising with the child's inner world in group dance-movement psychotherapy in different institutions		Maruša Juvanc, Anja Strgar:

Incorporating elements of music therapy in activities with preschool and school children
16.00-16.50Petra Gabršček:

Nonverbal communication and role play in music therapy with adults with special needs

Katarina Zupan, Jana Pavli Per:

The mindful music educator: Mistakes as opportunities for contact (Music therapy in music education)		Irena Valdes (ZLIT):

Using the body in art therapy
17.00-17.50Klara Simčič, Ema Trček:

Promoting creativity in the music therapy process

Rozalija Dvoršek:

Neurological music therapy
18.00Joint wrap-up session

EXPERIENTIAL WORKSHOPS – Sunday, September 8, 2024

Classroom 1Classroom 2
14.00-14.50Gustavo Gattino:

Songwriting in music therapy, a set of practical experiences		Andreja Prenka:

My life path

15.00-15.50Karin Schumacher: Therapeutical Interventions with emotionally disturbed Children

Špela Loti Knoll:

The process of emotional transformation in adults with a traumatic experience of domestic violence
16.00-17.00Katarina Lindblad:

What do we hear when we listen?

17.00Joint wrap-up session