Musical Assertiveness Training (MAT) as a method supporting the development of intra- and interpersonal relation

Abstract

The paper introduces the topic of the Musical Assertiveness Training (MAT), developed in 2014, based on the application of music therapy and mixed arts therapies. The method is based on the latest worldwide achievements in the field of assertiveness training and adopts them for training based on the use of primarily music and art. The MAT-programme is divided into the cycle of twelve music-therapeutic sessions and leads step by step to the basic skills of assertive behaviour. It is designed as a workshop and has been used so far in in the process of educating future pedagogues both as an educational and therapeutic method, supporting the development of emotional, communication and social competences. The article describes the basic concepts of assertiveness and refers to the wider theory from which it originates and to which the innovative training refers such as: the cognitive theory of social learning by Bandura (modelling), the theory of multiple intelligences by H. Gardner and the concept of self-efficacy, self-presentation and self-esteem.

Keywords

• Assertiveness
• music therapy
• dramatherapy
• emotional competences
• social competences
• communication