Music, Violence and Music Therapy with Young People in Schools: A Position Paper

Abstract

Music therapists have rarely involved themselves in the discourse linking music and violence.  Instead, representatives of the profession have advocated for the positive outcomes that can result from the use of music by trained therapists working with people who have experienced violence or been violent.  In this position paper, we will elaborate a much-needed position that first acknowledges the ways that music can promote violence, and then focuses on different ways to work with young people involved in violence.  The position paper is structured around the examination of three types of music therapy programs and our purpose is to bring to light the beliefs that underpin each program, both..