The Byte That Heals

A Berklee event brought together experts and resources to discuss the use of technology in music therapy.

June 1, 2010

The field of music therapy has gone high-tech—and Berklee, with its cutting-edge technology, is in the thick of it. In April, a symposium brought together a wealth of resources and experts to discuss and demonstrate how music technology can help patients heal. Visiting professor Wendy Magee, Ph.D., chaired the event.

Attendees flocked to workstations demonstrating such tools as Switch Ensemble, a computer program that allows people with limited mobility and expression to play music; Soundbeam, a device that turns physical movements into musical notes; and Wiimotes. Professionals working in the field, including Berklee faculty member Julie Buras Zigo, presented panel discussions on ways to apply the tools in clinical and education settings. To end the day, students from Berklee's Electronic Production and Design Department gave a performance under the supervision of professor Richard Boulanger that showed off the artistic and creative possibilities of technology.

The Music Technology in Therapeutic and Health Settings Symposium was funded by the Leverhulme Trust UK, the Berklee Music Therapy Department and Professional Education Division, and Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation.

Click the photo to see images of the day's events.