A situation analysis on the awareness of academicians in music educational institutions in Turkey on music therapy practices

In this research, a situation analysis about the awareness of academicians in music education institutions towards music therapy practices is included. The research was carried out in 9 different universities affiliated to the Higher Education Institution in the provinces of İzmir, İstanbul, Konya, Manisa, Aydın, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, Ankara, Kocaeli, Erzurum and Niğde, which were randomly assigned throughout Turkey in the 2022-2023 academic year. A total of 9 open-ended questions were interviewed face-to-face with 63 academicians working in music education institutions. The research was carried out with "Situation Analysis", one of the "Qualitative research" methods. Statistical analyzes of the obtained data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel program. The answers given by the academicians working in music education institutions to the questions asked are analyzed below. The research is a case study model with a qualitative scope. Semi-structured interview technique was used as a data collection tool. In this context, research data were obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with predetermined open-ended questions and academicians. Statistical analyzes of the obtained data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel program. By analyzing the answers given to open-ended questions by academicians working in music education institutions; When it comes to music therapy, the first answer that comes to mind is about music therapy applications; music therapy is an alternative and useful method, music therapy practices are inadequate and should be expanded, music therapy is a method used in the treatment of mental illnesses in hospitals in the Ottoman and Seljuk periods during the development process, the future of music therapy in Turkey is a developing field today and music therapy education in universities in Turkey, that it can be used as a supportive treatment method if necessary scientific studies are increased; Music therapy education in Turkey contributes to students' exam anxiety levels, attention-motivation levels in lessons and the development of social skills. Because it is an effective method, it is necessary to include it at all levels of education, that the integration of music therapy education into the Turkish education system will lead to positive results in revealing the needs of individuals and increasing their communication skills, and that music therapy can be recognized, developed and included in education at the desired level in Turkey; findings were determined that undergraduate and graduate programs should be included in universities and the number of academic studies in the field should be increased. In this research; postgraduate studies in the field of music therapy in Türkiye are also included. In this context, it was concluded that music therapy practices have significant effects on some diseases in general. KEYWORDS: Music, Music Therapy, Music Therapy Practices, Academician Opinions