Music program for veterans helps them compose and record song about their military experiences
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Many military veterans say having music to listen to helps them deal with the stress of deployment.
A new program hopes that music can play the same role in helping them readjust to civilian life.
A pilot project called Voices of Valor is being offered this year through the veteran affairs program at Montclair State University.
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It's open to veterans of any age, and participants don't need prior musical experience.
Participants are guided by professional musicians and psychology mentors through a process of synthesizing their military experiences into song. They write a tune as a group, record it in a professional sound studio and then hold a CD release party.
Some participants say the program is more effective than traditional "talk therapy."