Yuumi is playing a special kind of wooden ocarina, called a PoNe. . This is a sensitive instrument which requires gentle breathing to make its natural, beautiful sound. This has increased her ability to focus and be controlled with her breathing. PoNe has only two pitches, F and C, which are played by opening and closing a hole at the bottom of the instrument. The combination of these 2 pitches reminded me a Peruvian folk song, “El Condor Passa”. To me, it sounds like a condor flying above the mountains in Peru. Yummi and I played this tune, and we combined Yummi’s playing of the PoNe with some singing together.

We started to use rap music for some of our music therapy sessions this year, and found it could access the client’s potential, while having lots of fun at the same time! Phillip's session is one of them and it was a perfect style of music for him! His abilities have blossomed as he has a natural sense of rhythm, and the words came out naturally from within. He has autism and tends to act from within his comfort zone, however, in earlier sessions he came out of his shell through his musical improvisation, and now he sings his rap song with confidence and joy!

This video shows the moment when a client, Luke, who has mutism and his music therapist, Izumi, first connected musically in individual improvisational music therapy, and community music therapy where Luke joins a group session and performs at concerts. This is an example of 'musical flow' on an individual-communal continuum. Luke's case became motivation for Izumi to research and investigate her clients' musical experience of self, that is, differentiated self (movement towards uniqueness) and integrated self (union with others) in improvisational music therapy, in individual to community settings. The video consists of the interview with Luke's mother as well as his music therapy sessions.

This song was written for the 5th year anniversary memorial event for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (organised by The Rainbow Project), and performed by the Ukulele Rainbow Band. I wrote it as if I am talking to the people who lost their beloved ones in the disaster. I myself have lost my mother and brother, one after another, recently, so I have been seeking the answers as to where and how they are now and how I should live from hereon. I explored these themes through writing this song. The bright sound of the ukulele makes the song feel full of hope.

Ralph has consistently been writing songs in music therapy sessions for years. His songs are about the people around him and his own life, composing a love song for his girlfriend and songs for his family members and friends. His latest song is dedicated to his mother who passed away almost 30 years ago. The song is very gentle and full of love for his mother. I feel as if I’ve come to intimately know his mother through his song! Song writing can be a fulfilling form of expression, allowing one to reflect on one’s inner experiences and relationships with others.

Song writing is a gentle but strong way in dealing with personal loss and grief. After my mother's passing, I couldn't do anything, but only writing this song. Music was only the hope in despair and emptiness.