Project Initiation: Exploring Tools and Methods of Music Therapy

On the first day of the project, our promotion team focused on understanding various tools related to music therapy, including singing bowls, wooden fish, tuning forks, sacred wood, and crystal healing and so on. These tools possess unique frequencies that can evoke inner peace and harmony. By learning about the characteristics of these healing products, we hope to help more people recognize the therapeutic effects of music and encourage everyone to use these tools in daily life to relax and alleviate anxiety.

Intimate Contact with the Sounds of Nature: Sampling and Composition

On the second day of the project, we went to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to collect natural sounds. Team members collected sounds of nature and human culture in the ancient town, providing rich material for our subsequent music composition. The sounds of nature, such as flowing water, bird songs, and the sound of wind, can make people feel the healing power of nature, helping to alleviate tension and anxiety.

In the afternoon, we began to combine these sounds with specific music therapy melodies. We created soothing music for cats, to be used with massage combs to help them relieve stress. At the same time, we also designed security music for babies to help them sleep better and find emotional comfort. Through this process, we realized that music therapy is not only applicable to humans; it can also help different groups of beings, such as animals and infants.

Handpan Performance: Experiencing the Magical Power of Sound

On the third day, we visited Shintani Yuko's Handpan Meditation Hall to learn and practice handpan. As a traditional Swiss instrument, the audio vibrations of the handpan can reach deep within the body, helping to promote relaxation and healing of the mind and body. Under the guidance of the teacher, we learned about the history, craftsmanship, and role of the handpan in healing. The sound of the handpan is ethereal and resonant, as if it can lead us into another peaceful dimension.

In practice, we started with simple handpan performances. The teacher emphasized using wrist strength rather than brute force when striking the handpan, gently tapping with the fingertips to produce clear and not muffled tones. As practice deepened, everyone gradually mastered the techniques of the handpan, and the atmosphere in the classroom became increasingly peaceful. Whenever the notes resonated in the air, it seemed as though all worries and pressures were smoothed away.

Project Summary: The Far-reaching Impact of Music Therapy

On the final day of the project, we completed the finishing touches of our musical works and filmed performances of handpan and singing bowl, documenting this enriching journey of music therapy. After the video editing was completed, we held a small exhibition to share our achievements and experiences.

Through participating in this project, I gradually understood the true meaning of music therapy. Initially, I doubted whether this approach could truly bring about change. However, through practice, I deeply felt the immense potential of music and sound in emotional regulation and psychological relief. Especially with the sound of the handpan, it not only brought inner peace but also made me feel a resonance from the depths of the universe.

In this project, we not only learned how to use sound to heal ourselves but also helped others through creating music. Whether it was soothing music for cats or melodies that brought security to babies, it made me realize that the healing power of music is universal, transcending species and age boundaries.