Musical Exercises for Mind and Body Wellness
Introduction
The “Music for Mind and Body Wellness” course is designed to explore the transformative power of music in promoting holistic well-being. Through engaging playful musical activities and creative exercises, this course aims to empower individuals, smaller groups or classes of all ages as a tool for self-expression, stress reduction, and overall enhancement of their quality of life.
Course Description
This course introduces the foundation for understanding the symbiotic relationship between music and well-being. Participants will engage in activities that combine physical fitness with rhythmic and melodic elements, promoting a harmonious connection between body and mind. Participants will develop their rhythmic skills, experience the physical and mental synchrony achieved through rhythmic exploration, unlock their creativity as they delve into the basics of music composition.Vocal warm-ups and guided singing sessions will provide a means of expression, breath control, and a deeper connection between the mind and body, the therapeutic aspects of singing.
Purpose
The purpose of the “Music exercises for Mind and Body Wellness” training is to empower participants with the knowledge and practical skills to harness the therapeutic potential of music for holistic well-being. It can be used in public education as an additional activity in any occupation or class, in vocal music, or even in solfège education.
- Empower participants with the knowledge and practical skills to harness the therapeutic potential of music for holistic well-being.
- It can be used in public education as an additional activity in any occupation or class, in vocal music, or even in solfège education.
- Through a combination of rhythmic exercises, creative music composition, singing, and movement, the course aims to facilitate a transformative journey where participants can enhance their physical health, mental clarity, emotional expression, and overall quality of life.
Objectives
Develop an awareness of the scientific and anecdotal evidence supporting the positive impact of music on mental and physical health. Acquire fundamental rhythmic skills through hands-on percussion exercises.
- Experience the physical and mental synchrony achieved through rhythmic exploration.
- Engage in practical exercises to create melodies and harmonies, fostering creativity and self-expression.
- Fostering creativity and self-expression to create melodies and harmonies.
- Understand the benefits of singing for physical and mental well-being.
- Develop vocal skills, breath control, and emotional expression through guided singing sessions.
- Explore the synergy between movement and music to enhance physical fitness.
- Engage in collaborative music-making activities to apply acquired skills to create a personalized musical piece integrating rhythm, singing, and movement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the “Music for Mind and Body Wellness” training, participants can expect to achieve a range of learning outcomes that encompass both knowledge and practical skills. Such as:
- Develop a solid foundation in rhythmic skills through percussion exercises.
- Create original melodies and harmonies as a form of creative expression.
- Develop vocal skills, including pitch control, breath management, and emotional expression.
- Explore the synergy between movement and music, incorporating rhythmic and melodic elements into physical activities.
- Apply musical techniques for stress reduction and relaxation, such as mindful listening and slow-paced musical activities.
- Engage in group music therapy activities that involve collaborative music-making.
Planned schedule
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6* | |
| 1 | Introduction – group games, presentations of the participants’ institutions | Basics of Rhythm and Percussion/ Rhythmic Resonance | Creative Music Composition | Integrating Movement with Music | Music and Stress Reduction/ Group Music Therapy | Dissemination preparation: SPRE presentation for peers (own and parallel groups) |
| 2 | Introduction to Music and Health/Singing for Health and Mindfulness Overview of the connection between music and well-being | Introduction to basic rhythmic concepts Hands-on percussion exercises to develop rhythmic skills | Practical exercises in creating simple melodies and harmonies | Discussion on the mind-body connection through movement and music | Discussion on the role of music in promoting mindfulness | |
| 3 | Discussion on the physical and mental health benefits of music Vocal Warm-up exercises and Relaxation Techniques | Explanation of how rhythm can positively impact physical coordination and mental focus | Discussion on the therapeutic effects of composing music | Choreographed activities to enhance physical fitness | Importance of community and group engagement in music Collaborative music-making activities |
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| 4 | Mindful Singing Practices for Stress Reduction | Developing a Sense of Rhythm and Timing Exploring Different Rhythmic Patterns | Connecting Emotionally to Lyrics and Melodies | Techniques for using music to reduce stress and anxiety | Culminating project where participants create a musical piece incorporating rhythm, singing, and movement | |
| 5 | Benefits of singing for physical and mental well-being Guided singing sessions focusing on breath control and expression |
Rhythmic Breathing Exercises for Relaxation | Exploration of movement and dance in conjunction with music | Guided relaxation sessions with calming music | Reflective discussions on the impact of music on their physical and mental well-being |
| Language level: | English B1 and above* |
| Locations: | Pula (Croatia) |
| Time: | 9 AM to 2:30 PM daily (extracurricular activities outside of learning activities). |
| Dates: | 5-10 August, 2024 (6 days, 30 lessons) |
| Price: | €510, including extracurricular cultural activities and welcome dinner |
*The language of the course is English, linguistic aid may be provided for speakers of Hungarian with lower language abilities
The course complies with all rules as set in the Quality Standards of the Erasmus+ program. Extracurricular activities are in addition to the lessons, and study groups are international. Note: should the latter condition not be met, participants will be informed 40 days in advance.
Payment facilities: participants with funding from the actual year’s project budget may ask to request a deposit of EUR 100 to guarantee their places on the course and pay the rest of the fees later.
It is possible to take part in 2 consecutive courses, please book both separately. A price reduction of 15% will be applied.
