Augsburg University: Chinese Music Therapy, Hosted by the Asia Institute

China has a long, rich, and unique music heritage that is well integrated into ancient healing practices. Music therapists benefit greatly from exploring the evolution of music from one generation to the next, the way in which music is integrated into everyday life, and its role in health, healing, and well-being in China.

Through visits to hospitals, clinics, musical venues, conservatories, and community organizations that provide health related care, students experience the interplay of music and healing practices in China. Students also engage in direct dialogue with Chinese music therapists and other rehabilitation therapists. The program allows participants to reflect on their own musical roots, and to discover how their own musical preferences have developed based on cultural experiences. We will also visit other locations of interest such as The Great Wall, Old-Town Beijing, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yangtze River Cruise and more.

In addition to visiting Beijing and the sites listed above, this program will spend several days at a burn camp in Chongqing. This is a free camp designed for children ages 6-18 who have experienced burns, but do not have access to outpatient treatment. The camp helps children develop communication and social skills, confidence, psychological well-being, and physical wound healing. Professor Jinyi Li has been providing music therapy at the Burn Camp since 2011 and music therapy students from Chongqing University have been participating as volunteers at the camp since 2015. Students from various universities and different degree programs throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia also come to volunteer at the burn camp; this course is an opportunity to volunteer alongside this global group of music therapy students.  
Additional Program Activities 

• Visit to the Silk Market


• Visit the Temple of Heaven


• Hutong Tour with Zither Lesson


• Enjoy a Tea Ceremony


• Explore the Forbidden City 


• Visit a hot springs


• Yangtze River Cruise


• and more!