Dr. Margaret Lobo at International AGI Conference 2024
Music, Sleep, and Graceful Ageing: Dr. Margaret Lobo’s Inspiring Contribution at AGI 2024 13-15 December 13-15, 2024 The 21st Biennial International Conference of the Association of Gerontology (India), held from December 13–15, 2024, at NIHFW, New Delhi, brought together leading voices from around the world to explore solutions for a rapidly ageing society. Among the most impactful moments of the event was the inspiring presentation by Dr. Margaret Lobo, FRSA, Founder of The Music Therapy Trust, London. Dr. Lobo presented on “Quality Sleep and Graceful Ageing – An Integrated Approach” during the plenary session on Day 3 of the conference. With warmth, depth, and gentle authority, she demonstrated how music therapy can be a powerful and holistic tool to enhance sleep quality, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in older adults. Her presentation bridged scientific research with compassionate practice, highlighting music’s role in regulating the nervous system, reducing stress, and fostering emotional connection—key elements in improving sleep patterns and promoting graceful ageing. What stood out was Dr. Lobo’s ability to weave together clinical insight, real-life stories, and live musical demonstrations, turning her session into a deeply moving and memorable experience. As India prepares for a future where nearly 20% of its population will be elderly by 2050, Dr. Lobo’s message is timely and urgent: ageing need not be marked by decline and isolation. With compassionate, creative approaches like music therapy, it can instead be a time of dignity, connection, and joy. In her words:“When the mind is calm and the heart is in rhythm, sleep returns like a friend, and ageing becomes a dance of grace.” Her presence at the conference was a testament to the growing recognition of arts-based therapies as vital components in elder health and wellness. It left an indelible mark on the conference and sparked new conversations around the integration of music, medicine, and meaning in the lives of our elders.
Music Therapy Training for Special Educators
at Manovikas Special School in Ujjain May 2025 – From Awareness to Application: A Journey of Growth The Music Therapy Skills Sharing Program has evolved into a vibrant, collaborative learning space for special educators. With each workshop, teachers are not only learning new methods but also reflecting deeply on their own approaches to education and care. In the ongoing sessions, participants have begun applying: Educators are also learning to observe children more closely, adapt creatively, and let music lead the way in understanding each child’s emotional world. “We always believed in music’s power. But experiencing it work with our children has been a revelation. We feel more connected, more hopeful, more equipped.” — Participant Special Educator
Music Therapy Training for Special Educators
at Manovikas Special School in Ujjain March 2025 – How Music is Transforming Classrooms of Special Children As part of the pilot rollout of our Music Therapy Skills Sharing Program, we are happy to share that our 12 trained educators are now working directly with 40 special children. Using the skills and techniques learned during workshops, teachers are designing music-based sessions tailored to children’s developmental and therapeutic needs. From improving communication skills through musical cues to enhancing motor skills via rhythm-based movement, the changes are visible and heartening. “We have started responding to the child’s needs instead of expecting the child to meet ours. Music has made this shift smoother and more natural.” – Participant Special Educator These small musical moments—singing a greeting song, tapping a rhythm together or improvising with instruments—are creating big breakthroughs in attention, behavior, and emotional expression.
Music Therapy Training for Special Educators
At Manovikas Special School, Ujjain (MP) January 2025 Empowering Educators with the therapeutic Power of Music We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of the Music Therapy Skills Sharing Program at Manovikas Special School in Ujjain. This innovative initiative, a collaboration between WLWT and leading music therapists, has brought together 12 passionate special educators for an inspiring journey into the world of therapeutic music. Over the past few months, three in-depth workshops have been conducted as part of this six-month program. These workshops provide hands-on training in therapeutic music-making, clinical applications of music, and creative techniques to support children with developmental and behavioral challenges. Participants are exploring how rhythm, melody, and movement can become powerful tools to connect with children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and more. Through guided sessions and personalised support, educators are growing in confidence and skill, witnessing music’s profound impact firsthand. This is more than just training. It’s an effort to transform the teachers, children, and their relationships.