Musicares consists of two levels of training, primarily based on the Music Imagery (MI) method which belongs to the range of techniques under the umbrella or the receptive music therapy method “Guided Imagery & Music” (GIM) but MI more versatile and easier to use. Musicares Basic level 1 offers specialisation in the short-term, supportive, and resource-oriented use of music to strengthen mental resilience, and enhance life skills, self-awareness, and well-being. It focuses on specialised receptive music therapy exercises (music listening) within the music-assisted relaxation, music mindfulness, and the Music Imagery (MI) spectrum with guided/unguided mental imagery with specific goals.

Within this training the participants will engage in the following:

• Introduction to receptive music therapy methods

• Basic theoretical concepts on Guided Imagery and Music and Music Imagery

• Music psychology relevant concepts

• How, why, and where to use it

• Working with specific focus

• Basic interventions (theory and experiential)

• The music taxonomy system part 1: the mood wheel

• The Continuum Model of music analysis (L. Summer)

• Psychological theories (supportive/ resourceful psychotherapy, resilience, creativity, emotional regulation, mentalisation, attunement)

• Various techniques of MI such as: Music Relaxation, Focused Music Imagery

• Talking over the music (Goldberg, Dimicelli-Mitran), Supportive Music Imagery (Summer), Music Breathing (Körlin-intro), Music and Mindfulness.

• Music analysis methods (4-step analysis)

• Demo & experientials in group and in pairs

• Online sessions-ethical considerations

• Potential use of MI for wellbeing in health, education, coaching, and community settings.

• Indications and contraindications

• Practice on music and creation of playlists

• First seminar (days 1-3): Introduction to Music Imagery (MI) and GIM, relevant theories from related fields, various models of MI, setting up a session/practical tools, Music taxonomy system/Music analysis, experiential work.

• Start practicing MI with the populations of interest/according to work setting.

• One group supervision session (arranged in one group or smaller sub-groups, depending on number of participants), one month following the first seminar.

• Second seminar (days 4-5): Broader uses of MI in various settings, clinical scenarios, guidelines of good practices for virtual work, experiential work.

• One more group supervision session following the second seminar and a minimum of two personal supervision sessions for each participant, anytime throughout the course.

• Personal MI sessions and practice sessions can take place anytime during the course and until after 3 months from the second seminar.

• Total of 5 training days

• 10 MI basic practice sessions (group or individuals/clients, usually 3-6 sessions with the same person

• Give and receive 2 MI basic sessions with a peer colleague (role play)

• Receive 3 MI basic sessions with an accredited therapist

• Participate in two group supervisions. The first supervision (2 hours) is part of the basic training seminar and is focused on music choice. The other one has a focus on more general practical, clinical, educational questions, and observations.

• 2 personal supervisions

• Writing or presenting a short case study (up to 6 sessions)

• Perform a music analysis of one piece of music according to the 4-step method.

• Creating a music playlist of approximately 5-10 music pieces, appropriate for use in basic MI

• Appropriate reading

One extra day of training is offered for those interested more in the use of mandala drawings as a complementary tool to MI practice. The day-training is offered once a year, provided that there is enough interest to form a minimum group of 4 participants.

The programme is suitable for all professionals in the fields of wellbeing, stress management, resilience and emotional regulation, anxiety disorders and psychological trauma and self-care who work in:

• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers

• Mental health clinics

• Schools/psychoeducation settings

• Private practice

• Community health organisations

• Corporate wellness

Background in music studies is not a prerequisite but a good relationship/affinity to music is desired.

• Successful completion of all coursework within a maximum of 6 months. Participants who fail to meet this requirement will be asked to repeat the course.

• Completion of number of MI practice sessions.  

• Completion of all supervision meetings.

• Completion of a MI playlists according to the area/field of practice.

Basic level 1 is the first part of the full Musicares program. Participants who complete Basic level 1 training will receive a certificate from Sonora and will be able to practise the methods they learned in their working context. Participants who wish to get accreditation as MI practitioners from the European Association for Music and Imagery, must apply and complete the Advanced level of the Musicares program. This option is available for mental health professionals only. 

When the dates for the next course become available, Interested candidates can apply online through the Sonora website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates may be invited for an interview or step ahead in the training course.