The Magic of the Senses.

 Renowned pianist Catherine Lagopatis charms audience. Those who decided to go to Repentigny’s Église de la Purification on Saturday October 1st were treated to a different kind of concert.

It was specifically a concert-presentation on the theme of music therapy, organized jointly by the ‘Association de Repentigny pour l’avancement de la musique’ and the mental health centre ‘Centre de la Santé – Reiki Lanaudière’.

The event was presented by Lavaller and renowned pianist Catherine Lagopatis, who has advanced her musical path significantly. Apart from her demonstrated capabilities in piano, given her high-level concerts in the US, Canada and Europe, Mrs. Lagopatis is developing into one of the top music therapists in Quebec!

The theme of the event being music therapy, Mrs. Lagopatis analyzed the effects of music on human beings in detail and with high accuracy, well past the boundaries of a ...simple concert.

In her introduction, Mrs. Lagopatis commented on the role of music in humanity. “Music transcends all space and time boundaries, and boundaries of human races and culture. It is a universal language which completely connects humans as much with their fellow human beings as with their own ultimate self. The certain conclusion is that music has powerful therapeutic properties on humans”, emphasized the much lauded pianist, who then quoted some of music’s most notable names:

-Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), German composer: “Music is the mediator between the life of the senses and the life of the spirit.”

-Thayer Gaston (1920- ), psychologist and music therapist: “Music is the essence of humanity, because not only do humans create music, but they also create their relationship with music.”

- Carl Jung (1875-1961), Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology: “Deeply listening to music opens up new avenues of research I’d never even dreamed of. I feel from now on music should be an essential part of every analysis.”

- Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), Russian composer: “The profound meaning of music’s essential aim… is to produce a communion, a union of man with his fellow man with the Supreme Being.”

During the five section concert-presentation Lagopatis carried out the following sequence: First she played an entire piece, and then part of it and with little breaks in between (music and speech), she explained each one of the five sections separately!
The first one focused on the physical properties of music, the second on intensity and relaxation, the third related to how melody and rhythm are used for therapeutic purposes, the fourth on how it reflects relations and the fifth related to combining music with imagery.

In the final section, Mrs. Lagopatis actually solicited the participation of the audience for a therapeutic activity, which was quite well received!

Pieces were selected from among top and well liked composers, like Manos Hadjidakis, Alberto Ginastera, Mikis Theodorakis, Alexander Scriabin, Manolis Kalomiris and Franz Liszt.

At the concert presentation epilogue, which was quite different and uncommon to what music and piano enthusiasts are usually treated, Mrs. Lagopatis was given a well-deserved standing ovation for her amazing performance and interpretation.

What is Music Therapy

For those of you wondering what exactly music therapy is, we did some digging and found out the following: Music therapy is a form of creative psychotherapy through art during which the therapist’s attention is centered on the

creation and assessment of a continuous therapeutic relationship with the help of music and sound. This relation is created mainly through musical improvisation or musical audience without necessarily excluding the possibility of verbal communication. During the session, the therapist and participants -either by listening to the music, or using simple music instruments that do not require knowledge of music- converge into one sole music event. Throughout the music therapy process, people can express and process feelings through music, expand their experiences and their self-knowledge, to improve their sociability and to fully enhance their creativity. The music therapist is specially trained, with perfect knowledge of music and psychology, so that he/she may guide and support the therapeutic process with sensitivity, creativity and agility. Thus, the music event becomes the object of conversation, processing and depth, focusing on the recovery, conservation and promotion of psychic, corporeal and mental health.

In summary, we can claim that music therapy has an effect on humans on all levels, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and psychologically. It bolsters personal conscience (as to who one really is) and helps the development of personal cultivation. It is, in other words, much more than … simple sounds and notes. But we have to experience it to believe that it can happen…

To whom is it intended for?

Music therapy is intended for adults, adolescents and children, and is applied on a personal level, in couples, families and teams of people for any psychosomatic condition, just like other forms of psychotherapy. Indicatively, music therapists take on cases such as: Personality development, Emotional / stress disorders, Depression, Psychosomatic disorders, Psychiatric illnesses, Developmental disorders, (mental retardation, autism etc.), Learning difficulties, Oncology, Neurological diseases, Rehabilitation, Social reintegration (medical-psychiatric), Gynaecology (pregnancy, etc.,) Addiction cessation, Gerontology, Paediatrics.

Where Music Therapists work

Music therapists work in various contexts such as the mental health area, hospitals, special schools, social services, etc.

They also work privately depending on their area of specialization.