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The Yugoslav Music Therapy Association was founded in 2001 by Ranka Radulovic MD, PhD and her nearest colleagues and friends with the aim of educating music therapists, developing practice, research and publishing in the field of music therapy. The particularity of the Yugoslav Music Therapy Association was that at that moment R. Radulovic was the only music therapist, and the other founders were eminent professionals in different areas which presented the basis for the development of music therapy in Yugoslavia. The seat of association is at the Institute of psychiatry of the Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Pasterova, 2.
In 2001 the 4-year education programme in music therapy was made and the first generation of students was enrolled. The programme of music therapy education consists of theoretical lectures, didactic analysis for candidates individually and in group and practical (clinical) work under supervision. Candidates are trained to work with all categories of psychiatric and special needs disorders, with children and adults, individually and in group.
In 2004 at the congress in Finnland, owing to EMTC board valuable support, the Yugoslav Music Therapy Association takes EMTC under its wing.
Currently 11 students in three generations are studying music therapy.
The first generation of graduate music therapists is expected to finish their studies in 2006. Music therapists in education are well accepted in two hospitals which represent the teaching basis of our association.
The costs of traitements are paid by the state health insurance under the form of Integrative psychotherapeutic treatment, and not music therapy.
Our vital problem of our Association is how to approach University with our education? I n our country and at this moment there is no bachelor and master level in music therapy, in spite of fact that our programme with hours could satisfies this conditions.
The issue of paying the services of music therapists by the insurance is very important. During the revision of the price list in 2004, music therapy was suggested to be entered into the price list of medical services under its own name, but this has not been solved yet, and we are still waiting for the answer.
When we finally come to a political solution of the current fate of Serbia and Montenegro, then we will change the name of the association in accordance with the name of the state, since Yugoslavia no longer exists. We feel that the name shoul not be changed until the political situation is resolved.
In expectation of acceptance of our country by EU ( and EU low regulatives) which is the most imporant issue for us, we believe that EMTRP will have significant effects in solving these crucial issues and contribute to our further development.
Ranka Radulovic MD,PhD
President of Yugoslav Music Therapy Association |