On August 25, the National University of Ostroh Academy will host a unique educational event: the Summer School of Music Therapy "Drum Power Ukraine," supported financially by the 'Andreas Tobias Kind Stiftung' from Germany.
The Summer School of Experiential Music Therapy, "Drum Power Ukraine," is an innovative project that combines live practice of sound and rhythm with a scientific approach to the development of psycho-emotional support.
Music therapy is a modern method that uses sound and rhythm as powerful tools for restoring inner harmony, reducing stress, and developing emotional regulation. The distinctive feature of the school is the Drum Power method, which integrates musical instrument play with personal and group experiences, creating a dynamic space for deep immersion in personal feelings and emotions. The methodology is based on rhythmic drumming, complemented by instrument improvisation, vocals, and musical role-playing games.
Tetiana Chernous, lecturer at the Department of Psychology at the NaUOA, Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), music therapist, educational trainer, and founding member of the Ukrainian Association of Music Therapists, emphasised:
"In a country that is directly confronted with aggression and where violence is not an abstract theory but a daily reality, implementing this method becomes particularly relevant as a tool for building resilience and fostering a culture of non-violent interaction. Through playful improvisation in a safe environment, participants develop affective response skills, establish contact, regulate emotions, and practice self-control. Thematic musical improvisations that explore the experience of conflict and reconciliation contribute to the formation of consensus values and constructive behaviour patterns, which are particularly important for contemporary Ukrainian society."
Participants in the school are professionals who work with people after stress or loss, are seeking new, practical tools for emotional support, and wish to experience a live, deep engagement with music therapy. Participants will be accompanied by leading music therapists with extensive practical experience and scientific expertise.
Olena Shershniova, Assistant to the Rector for Project Activities, Candidate of Sciences in Public Administration, Associate Professor, noted:
"Today, when every moment is filled with tension and pain, the launch of the Summer School of Music Therapy 'Drum Power Ukraine' at Ostroh Academy is not only an educational project for professionals working with people, but also a symbol of faith in the power of music and rhythm to restore human hearts and heal the soul. Within the university walls, the depth of scientific research meets the living rhythm of drums, creating a sense of unity, harmony, and uplift for those who will work with various groups of people in need, including those in psychological rehabilitation. We are sincerely grateful to the 'Andreas Tobias Kind Foundation' for this invaluable support, which allows Ostroh Academy to be a hub of international solidarity and creative revival even in turbulent times."
Ostroh Academy actively researches and develops the Drum Power Method as an innovative approach to psychological support, opening new horizons for the professional activities of psychologists, educators, and related specialists.
For reference:
For more than 35 years, the Andreas Tobias Kind Foundation (Andreas Tobias Kind Stiftung) has been engaged in education, professional development, and research in special education and music therapy, focusing primarily on individual professional and personal growth. In this way, the foundation aims to make an effective contribution to modern support for people in need.
