7 Nov 2020

Māpura Studios Director Diana McPherson on making music as therapy

From Music 101, 1:15 pm on 7 November 2020

This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions.

Māpura Studios is a creative space located in central Auckland. They “provide for people of diverse life experience to learn, grow, and enhance their lives through creativity”. 

The studio offers programs that focus on visual arts learning, creative therapies, and arts practice, as well as music therapy for people living with disabilities and diversity.

Māpura’s ‘Art Therapy After Stroke’ programme has been running since 2010, after it was commissioned by the Stroke Foundation Northern Region, and fundraised through a concert after iconic New Zealand musician Chris Knox suffered a stroke.  

Participants have shared stories of how life can change profoundly after suffering a stroke, and how hard it can be realising you can no longer do what you used to do. Many have dealt with issues such as grief, loss of identity, loss of self-autonomy, and loss of confidence. 

The studio has recently released beautiful albums What Are Ya Doing? I Wanna Go Home!A Map Of Morning Tea, and single ‘Hugh Sings!’, all written and performed by participants who have suffered strokes. 

Those who had lost their ability to speak, haven't lost their voice. Through singing and making music, they've discovered new talents and new ways of looking at the world. 

There’s also a special appearance from X Factor contestant Benny Tipene. 

Charlotte speaks to Māpura’s Diana McPherson about the process of making the album, how music heals us, and the importance of finding your voice. 

Click here to buy/stream to A Map of Morning Tea 

Click here to buy/stream What Are Ya Doing? I Wanna Go Home! 

Click here to buy/stream Hugh Sings! 

Click here to donate to Māpura