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In the present article we describe a special project (Let's talk music) in which a multi-cultural group, including immigrants and Israeli-born students (Sabras), was formed. The group was designed according to recommended guidelines for successful contact between groups (Amir, 1969) and implemented music therapy techniques based on psychodynamic principles. Twelve immigrants and Sabras, themselves children of immigrants, met for 24 weekly sessions, conducted by a music therapist. Quantitative and qualitative research which accompanied the project showed that the group process enabled most students, immigrants as well as Sabras, to be more identified with their cultural roots as well as with the Israeli “host” culture. As a result of the group process, students could express more acceptance and openness towards the “other”. It was found that music was a key ingredient in these developments. Results are discussed in light of the common ingroup identity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essential part of music education/therapy is selecting music that will be meaningful to clients and students in order to motivate engagement and success in music activities. This study explores the concept of meaningfulness of music by drawing from theoretical interpretations and investigating possible factors associated with the term. Based on the constructs of purpose, security/efficacy, worthiness/self-worth, and value/importance, 10 statements were developed to identify factors associated with the perception of meaningfulness in a music listening task. Thirty-three college students utilized music identified as meaningful and not particularly meaningful, rating agreement with the ten statements. Results indicated that certain factors appeared to be more associated with the perception of meaningfulness in music than others. Specifically, being moved by music, the occurrence of memories or associations to music, and considering music as valuable, important, or a reflection of personal identity were important factors associated with meaningfulness. Suggestions for further research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]