Multicultural Experiential Learning: An Approach to Learning, Developing, and Maintaining Multicultural Skills

Abstract

Multicultural experiential learning is an approach that offers a unique way for music therapy students and professionals to learn, develop, and maintain multicultural skills that are necessary when working with any client. This approach may help music therapists and students, particularly those that identify as White and female in gaining a greater awareness of themselves in relation to diverse clients. Multicultural learning is a process that involves three steps: self-examination, learning about other cultures, and developing clinical skills. Because of the varied experiences and training of music therapists, this approach offers opportunities for music therapists to take initiative in their own multicultural learning. It also provides new developments in university and college curriculums. Examples of multicultural experiential learning and the process of the author and music therapist are discussed to provide insight into how these tasks impacted her and her awareness of multicultural issues.