MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) — 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.
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."
