The Erasmus Plus Youth Exchange “Emotional Harmony: Exploring Music Therapy for Mental Health and Social Inclusion” took place in November in Spain, organized by the association Euroaccion Murcia. The project aimed to help participants understand the importance of mental and physical health by addressing the emotional and social needs of young people through music therapy and other integration and inclusion activities.
Here are the testimonials of those who took part:
Elenoir:
“This was my first experience as a participant in an Erasmus+ program, and I felt very comfortable. I met wonderful people, and the activities we carried out during the week were very interesting and stimulating. I had the chance to practice my English, learn a bit of Spanish, and visit places I had never seen before. I recommend everyone to participate in these kinds of activities!”
Gabriele:
“This experience focused on music therapy was wonderful. I believe I expected something completely different or at least more technical activities. Instead, it turned out to be a profoundly meditative and spiritual experience that connected me even more to the vibrations and energies related to music. I am grateful for meeting fantastic people with kind hearts who wanted to embark on this journey with me. I am thankful for discovering the bliss of music when used purposefully.”
Noemi:
“I want to start by thanking you for choosing me among so many other people. Thanks to your choice, I was able to participate in a project that greatly stimulated me both socially and mentally. This experience taught me that it doesn’t matter how fluent you are in speaking the same language as others, because they will understand who you are through your energy and will appreciate you for exactly that. I learned that despite differences in culture, behavior, character, and emotions, you can still share unforgettable moments. My favorite activity was definitely the meditation through music. In that room, emotions surfaced that I didn’t even know I could feel. The most beautiful part of the activity was seeing how the other participants also opened up without feeling judged. Thank you so much—I will carry this experience in my heart forever.”
Francesco:
“This youth exchange on music therapy was particularly interesting. We were taught both the theory and practice of music therapy, as well as its various applications. During the project, we also attended music workshops, culminating in a group performance where each team performed a piece we had written ourselves. This exchange was different from others I’ve participated in before, as this year I wasn’t just a participant but also a group leader. Throughout the experience, I had the opportunity to meet many young people from different parts of Europe, discovering new ways of doing things and deepening my understanding of the cultures of the other countries involved.”
Margherita:
“Music therapy succeeded in connecting us to one another, creating strong bonds and making every single member of the group feel like an essential part of a harmonious melody. There was one moment, in particular, that stayed with me: the ‘bath of light.’ On the final day, at the end of the activities, we were arranged in a circle, and each of us could sing the sound of peace. The atmosphere was truly magical—outside, the sun was setting, and through the stained glass windows, a warm light poured in. Our voices joined together, generating an intense energy and a spiritual connection I had never witnessed before. I’m grateful to have participated in this experience, and I will treasure the tools I’ve gained from it!”
Pietro:
“I can say that the days spent in Cartagena were amazing. The days revolved around a simple concept: using music as a system to harmonize emotions. Each activity focused on different aspects of music, including melody, harmony, and rhythm, eventually leading to details like improvisation. Moreover, thanks to the facilitators, we were guided through the process in an inclusive and enjoyable way. From then on, each day was divided between activities, coffee breaks, meals, and free time, which was often spent socializing with others. The cultural evenings were also a moment of connection with the cultures of the other groups, including Spain, Latvia, Estonia, and Bulgaria. I clearly remember the Spanish potato tortilla, Bulgarian salami, Estonian words like ‘tere’ (hello), and finally, that Latvian dance that I found so much fun. When I returned home, I realized that such activities, in the company of amazing people, are rare and very precious. For this reason, I hope to have the chance to participate in other exchanges.”
