BW Music Therapy Majors Study Abroad with the Jamaica Field Service Project
Two BW music therapy majors completed service learning work in schools and care centers while living and studying in rural Jamaica.
Krista Cole ’18 and Elise Morton ’19 applied their passion for altruism and art during a 10-day faculty-led exploration of Jamaican culture. Residing between crystal clear waters and an ice blue sky, Cole and Morton fully immersed themselves in the traditions, music and cuisine of Jamaica, along with other college students from the United States and Canada.
Songs, Service and Scenery
The service learning program allows the students to volunteer in their area of specialization, while taking in Jamaica’s lush and verdant landscapes. Cole and Morton visited schools, orphanages, care centers and hospitals; and played a plethora of musical instruments including drums, guitars and ganzas (egg shakers) to accomplish their therapeutic goals.
Through music and song, both Cole and Morton were able to utilize and expand their knowledge and skills of music therapy, as well as aid the ailing elderly and youthful Jamaicans.
Said Morton of her experience, "Doing music therapy clinical work in Jamaica was a life changing experience. I can’t wait to go back again!"
Jamaica Field Service Project
BW is among 100 universities across the U.S. and Canada participating in the Jamaica Field Service Project, "an ongoing service learning program accredited by the State University of New York…that connects university students with Jamaican schools five times yearly, during winter, spring, and summer breaks."