WAU Music Therapy Workshop Hosted at Sligo SDA Church

TAKOMA PARK, MD – On Saturday the 20th of January, Sligo SDA church will host a thrilling workshop regarding the benefits of music on mental health and the powerful connection between mind and body. The event will kick off at 2 PM, addressing adults, curious to discover music as a therapeutic medium in a life filled with stress. 

 

Program Director of Music Therapy, Dr. Alicia Barksdale, will be the guest speaker. Working along the Biology department, under Dr. Samuel Perez’s, Chair of the Biology department and neuroscientist, leadership.

 

Dr. Perez shared his professional perspective: “In discussing the efficacy of therapeutic mediums such as music, it’s noted that music engages multiple senses, particularly hearing, and has a profound emotional impact. Research indicates that music can modify neural connections, potentially affecting stress pathways and mitigating stress responses. The exploration of music as therapy is grounded in scientific research, a point of interest for neuroscientists examining brain health. Brain health is multifaceted, influenced by lifestyle, genetics, occupation, and emotional components — the latter often overlooked. The brain is understood as a network of neurons enriched by experiences and emotions, a perspective that acknowledges the intricate relationship between human and animal emotional capacities.”    

 

Students will volunteer at the event, entertaining kids with games and, most of all, sharing with them their accomplishments, to inspire their paths. One of the stellar students who will be engaging with the children is WAU’s SA president, Henrique da Silva.

 

Regarding the upcoming event, Da Silva expressed a sense of privilege and responsibility. The event is seen as a platform to showcase skills and a learning opportunity for the children involved. The participant emphasized the crucial role adults play in guiding children, with the event serving as a means to better understand and support them. “While the activities, integrating music and biology, aim to inspire the children, we (the students) may benefit profoundly, given the importance of guiding the younger generation”, highlighted the SA President.