Wisdom House in Litchfield, Conneticut was the site of the Sound and Music Alliance (SAMA) first professional symposium April 14-17, 2010. A group of nearly 100 people from the United States, Canada, UK, Australia and Puerto Rico gathered to affirm and add their ideas and enthusiasm to the SAMA vision.
This group represented diverse professionals including music therapists, psychologists, clinicians, educators, musicians, researchers, sound and music practitioners, indigenous teachers, program developers, and product manufactures. They spent two and a half days sharing their passions, hopes and dreams in round-table discussion groups. What was revealed was a shared vision of creating sustainable harmonious business models, remembering the ancient roots from which all our work has evolved, and recognizing that in this age of social media and networking our mission and vision for this new organization will touch people around the world.
SAMA provides an opportunity for collaborative work amongst many allied fields including medicine, neuroscience, music therapy, expressive arts, therapeutic bedside musicians, and music and sound practitioners. Although the use of sound and music for well-being, ceremony, and ritual has existed since the beginning of human history, intentional sound and music practices offer a vehicle for physical well-being, grounded in science.
SAMA has a founding board of directors, as well as many leaders and pioneers on their advisory board. SAMA is a 501(c)6 professional membership organization.