Abstract:

This paper investigates the possibilities and limitations of music therapy in schools. We are going to explore this question taking Italy's inclusive school system as an example. In Italy, there are no special schools exclusively for people with disabilities: all pupils attend mainstream education, from nursery schools to the upper secondary/high school level (Andreozzi & Pietrocarlo, 2017).

In this context, music therapy is increasingly present within the educational system. It has branched out from its original role as a complementary activity for pupils with disabilities to also include work on social skills, activities focused on enhancing self-esteem and positive models of behaviour, and projects examining the concept of diversity in relation to pupils from different socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. This paper will distinguish music therapy from other music-based activities at school, and outline its distinct properties as a non-verbal means of establishing interpersonal relationships with peers, allowing different aspects of the pupils' abilities and personalities to come to the fore.

Building on the framework of an exhaustive literature review of Italian and international research, this paper has collected experiences of practicing music therapists in schools. In the discussion section of the paper, these experiences will be compared to the current literature. The authors will discuss both the positive aspects and the challenges faced by music therapy professionals working in schools, and make suggestions for change and development. This paper is meant as a basis for future research on music therapy for scholastic inclusion, to present new research questions and to continue developing innovative music therapy interventions.

References:
[1] Andreozzi, P., & Pietrocarlo, A. (2017). Educational Inclusion and Organisation. In: Dovigo, F. (2017). Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practices: An International Perspective, Rotterdam Boston Taipei: Sense Publishers, p. 122.

Keywords:

Inclusion, music, music therapy, creativity.