Music therapy in Tunisia: An introduction and some emerging initiatives in dementia and oncology

Abstract

Although the use of music for therapeutic purposes has ancestral origins in Tunisia, music therapy is not yet formalised in Tunisia. In 2014 the National Association of Music Therapy in Tunisia, a non-profit association, was founded with the aim of promoting music therapy practice and research. Music therapy, as a discipline, is taught in Tunisia as a module at the Higher Institute of Specialised Education. It is intended for students and future specialised educators, as well as students seeking a professional Master’s degree in ‘Disability and Rehabilitation’, or a research Master’s degree in ‘Specialised Education’. Music therapy is used with children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, children and adults with disabilities or intellectual deficits and also with elderly Alzheimer’s patients and oncological patients. This paper presents a report of the current situation of Music therapy in Tunisia and emerging initiatives in dementia and oncology.