Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Leticia Prieto Álvarez, PhD, MT-BC/NMT, LMHC

Abstract

Although community music eludes a fixed definition due to its fluid and context-dependent nature, its effects are found to be beneficial throughout the world. An example of this is seen among native and emigrant Brazilians where music is part of the individual, community, and culture. This thesis explores the therapeutic value of community music among current residents of Brazil and Brazilians that have emigrated to the United States. Through a community engagement project, this research hypothesized that although music may serve different purposes occasionally, the primary function-to create community and culture-remains the same. Participation in two key community music making experiences, one in Brazil and the other in the United States, followed by journaling and expressive responses comprised the community engagement project. Findings indicate that the therapeutic value of community music is needed at a higher rate among Brazilian emigrates, due to the disconnect to their native land. The implications of this study advocate for incorporating cultural music in therapy sessions and the creation of more community and culture-based music groups to support the well-being of culturally diverse clients.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

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