A musical bond- Music workshop that merges borders

Conceptualised by Adam Thompson, best known for his success with Australian rock band Chocolate Starfish, MusoMagic experiences lead groups through activities designed to lift them out of their comfort zones in the bonding process of creating a song that reflects shared themes and values. The tangible result is not only a brilliant song and video clip, but, most importantly, a group that is united under a common banner of shared values and goals. The two-day workshop is quite in demand across Asia and will be held in Bangalore shortly...

Music does help bond individuals, and bringing it into a corporate set-up seems like a great idea. What inspired you to connect the two?
The success of our programmes for young people prompted requests from adults, who were inspired by their involvement in the workshops. The appeal of music is universal and boundless, and sharing in the experience of creating music enables us to break down barriers relating to culture, language, gender and age.

Do participants actually need to create a song during this session? Does a lack of a background in music stop anyone from participating?
It is actually the process of creating the song and video that provides the most benefit to the participants, both individually and on a group level. The song is like an icing on the cake and provides a lasting legacy of the experience and the messages that the participants want to communicate. A musical background is not necessary for anyone to participate… the process allows for anyone and everyone to contribute, be it  through the negotiation of lyrics and melody, brainstorming ideas, encouraging their teammates or adding to background vocals. Everyone contributes in some way.

What are the changes you have seen come about through such an exercise? Would you say it works better than the many team building exercises that corporate put their employees through?
We have seen remarkable changes come about almost immediately after a workshop has ended, while other changes come about later, in the workplace. For example, often in the beginning of a workshop, there are participants who are hesitant about stepping outside their comfort zones. More often than not, by the end of the workshop, the very same people have overcome their fears and are seen to demonstrate their enthusiasm at what they have achieved, on a personal level and as a team.

Participants often tell us that they view their colleagues differently, on a more ‘human’ level, rather than as their role in the workplace. Ongoing feedback from clients tells us that the longer-term effects can be positive, personally and professionally. Communication is enhanced and teams work better.

There are many excellent forms of team building available, depending on the outcome desired. The benefits of music and our approach to using it for this purpose are many — its universal appeal and reach, the creativity involved and how it translates into professional and personal lives, and the tangible outcome in a song and video clip. It’s hard to say whether that is better than other options available… ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder!’
 
You’ve already moved from working with children to adults. Does the latter deal with a lot more inhibitions?
Yes, we have seen through our experience working with both children and adults that the latter has the propensity to be more inhibited. As adults, we have fewer opportunities than as children to express ourselves creatively — we get consumed with work and career paths, families and the busy nature of life in general. We forget to make time to ‘play’ and tap into our creative sides to express ourselves, be it through music, art, writing or any other form of expression. Participation in the workshop is often liberating and cathartic for many — in fact, we have had participants contact us later to thank us for an experience that led to their growth and to them following their dream.

Would you consider creating a program specifically for families — considering that today, people tend to get along better with colleagues than with members of their own extended family.
A true observation — many of us tend to spend more of our waking time at work with colleagues, than we do with our own families! Yes, the MusoMagic approach is ideal for bringing families together and improving communication skills, especially with families who are brought together by marriage and need to get to know one another.

A family that sings and dances together is probably better equipped to handle the emotional challenges that arise as families grow and change. The process of creating a song that celebrates family can provide a unique opportunity for families to learn about each other on an entirely different level as they collaborate and negotiate towards a common goal.

Imagine the families of the bride and groom coming together and creating a song about their newly united family and performing it at the wedding celebrations!