Drawing on primary research undertaken in a special school in Belarus, this book provides fresh perspectives on supporting optimisation of relationships between teaching staff and hard-to-reach children with complex needs through learning and experience based in musical interaction and creativity.

"At this time in particular, in which world events call upon each of us to look deeply at our experience of intercultural difference and our search for mutual learning and understanding, this book is a welcome contribution to such reflection in relation to music therapy. Its account of theoretical thinking, together with a compelling narrative of the complexities of actual research and practice, offers much to clinicians in this and other disciplines who are contemplating comparable undertakings."

- Eleanor Richards, Anglia Ruskin University and UKCP Registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, UK

"Margetts has produced a powerful text grounded in an in-depth exploration of the dynamics and processes of intercultural music therapy consultation with children who have complex needs in Minsk, Belarus. The book is both pragmatic and moving. Theoretical concepts are thoroughly conveyed and superbly interwoven with detailed descriptions of practical workshop and classroom work, often told through the voices of participants. Margetts does not shy away from the complexities of the work, but is able to impressively illustrate how sensitive, respectful, collaborative approaches can support educators to develop sustainable musical connections and communication with children in their care. This accessible text is highly relevant and timely and contains clearly articulated principles that will be applicable in a wide range of settings. A highly valuable resource for music therapy and education students and professionals!"

- Daphne Rickson, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

"As a Belarus-born, Western-educated music therapist, I experienced a mixture of feelings while reading this book. Lisa's impression of the people's characters and cultural norms were detailed and, in my opinion, very correct. It was interesting to look at my country from the outside (Lisa's view) and inside (what I may still see in myself, and what we recognize as "Belarusian" or "eastern European" traits). I loved the many practical examples and cases presented in the book and will definitely use some interventions in my own practice! I would also recommend this book to any professional planning to work with people from Eastern Europe."

- Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi, NMT Fellow and MTA, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canada

"This new book from Margetts is dense and detailed, but as such, it offers a comprehensive framework to support skill sharing projects in countries outside of the UK based on quantitative and qualitative research with data that adds credibility and authenticity to this growing field of interest. For anyone considering working as a music therapist in a country where they are unfamiliar with the culture and historical context, this book is a must read; however, as a Music Therapist and part time ASN teacher working in a Scottish classroom with youngsters with complex needs, I would argue that this book offers an informative read for a much wider audience. Dr Elizabeth Coombes tells us, in her foreword, how music therapy research and practice finds itself at a very exciting time in its development, and I would suggest that this book surely adds weight to this excitement."

- Clare Reynolds, Additional Supports Need (ASN) teacher for 2 days per week in a specialist high school unit

"At this time in particular, in which world events call upon each of us to look deeply at our experience of intercultural difference and our search for mutual learning and understanding, this book is a welcome contribution to such reflection in relation to music therapy. Its account of theoretical thinking, together with a compelling narrative of the complexities of actual research and practice, offers much to clinicians in this and other disciplines who are contemplating comparable undertakings."

- Eleanor Richards, Anglia Ruskin University and UKCP Registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, UK

"Margetts has produced a powerful text grounded in an in-depth exploration of the dynamics and processes of intercultural music therapy consultation with children who have complex needs in Minsk, Belarus. The book is both pragmatic and moving. Theoretical concepts are thoroughly conveyed and superbly interwoven with detailed descriptions of practical workshop and classroom work, often told through the voices of participants. Margetts does not shy away from the complexities of the work, but is able to impressively illustrate how sensitive, respectful, collaborative approaches can support educators to develop sustainable musical connections and communication with children in their care. This accessible text is highly relevant and timely and contains clearly articulated principles that will be applicable in a wide range of settings. A highly valuable resource for music therapy and education students and professionals!"

- Daphne Rickson, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

"As a Belarus-born, Western-educated music therapist, I experienced a mixture of feelings while reading this book. Lisa's impression of the people's characters and cultural norms were detailed and, in my opinion, very correct. It was interesting to look at my country from the outside (Lisa's view) and inside (what I may still see in myself, and what we recognize as "Belarusian" or "eastern European" traits). I loved the many practical examples and cases presented in the book and will definitely use some interventions in my own practice! I would also recommend this book to any professional planning to work with people from Eastern Europe."

- Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi, NMT Fellow and MTA, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canada

"This new book from Margetts is dense and detailed, but as such, it offers a comprehensive framework to support skill sharing projects in countries outside of the UK based on quantitative and qualitative research with data that adds credibility and authenticity to this growing field of interest. For anyone considering working as a music therapist in a country where they are unfamiliar with the culture and historical context, this book is a must read; however, as a Music Therapist and part time ASN teacher working in a Scottish classroom with youngsters with complex needs, I would argue that this book offers an informative read for a much wider audience. Dr Elizabeth Coombes tells us, in her foreword, how music therapy research and practice finds itself at a very exciting time in its development, and I would suggest that this book surely adds weight to this excitement."

- Clare Reynolds, Additional Supports Need (ASN) teacher for 2 days per week in a specialist high school unit

Lisa Margetts is Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Roehampton, UK.