Music Therapy Commons^™

Comparison Of The Strength Of Harmony, Melodic Line, Rhythmic Variation, And Expressive Elements In Influencing Emotional Judgment In Music, Marilyn M. Moore

Masters Theses

Studies in the literature have been conducted that seem to establish that humans make consistent and similar emotional judgments when they are asked to describe an emotion that is being expressed musically. The present study targets four musical elements; harmony, melodic line, rhythmic variation, and expressive elements, to investigate which of these musical elements are most effective for influencing a listener to be able to recognize the composer's intended emotion of the music. There are eight original songs composed by the researcher, each song is assigned a specific intended emotional term. The eight songs are presented in five distinct conditions, …

A Preliminary Study Of The Articulatory And Acoustic Features Of Forward And Backward Tone Placement In Singing, Krista Wyllys

Masters Theses

A variety of terms exist for describing tone quality in singing, and voice scientists, voice therapists, teachers of singing, and students of singing use different terms to describe the same sound. One aspect of tone quality is tone placement. Teachers of singing often rely on imagery and imitation to elicit correct tone placement from students of singing. More concrete data about what produces forward and backward tone placement could supplement singing teachers’ current practice of using imagery and imitation to elicit a desirable tone quality. This study examined forward and backward tone placement to determine the articulatory gestures and acoustic …

The Use Of Music In Early Childhood Centers In British Columbia: A Survey Of The Perceptions And Practices Of Early Childhood Educators, Michelle Lawrence

Masters Theses

This study explored the current practices of early childhood educators' utilization and perception about music in their classrooms. Early childhood educators are defined as individuals who have completed post-secondary training at an accredited college or university in early childhood education and are registered with the ECEBC Registry. Early childhood centers are defined as either preschools or licensed group child care centers. An online survey was been designed to obtain information regarding demographics and characteristics of early childhood centers in British Columbia, relevant musical and educational training, comfort level of the early childhood educator leading group music activities, implementation of the …

Music And Literacy: Current Trends And Common Approaches Of Music Therapists In Early Childhood And School Settings, Julie A. Palmieri

Masters Theses

Reading and writing is the key to all learning, and providing children with effective literacy practices is one of the primary goals of educational systems. The purpose of this study was to identify the current trends and common approaches of professional music therapists who incorporate literacy learning into their practice. A total of 192 participants responded and completed the survey entitled Music and Literacy: Current trends and common approaches of music therapists. The study investigated if music therapists address the specific areas of literacy (vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, and phonics) that had been identified through a review of literature. …

A Comparative Study Of Physician Knowledge, Attitudes, Referral Practices, And Barriers To Use Of Music Therapy And Related Allied Health Professions, Rebecca Elayn Frohardt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding physicians' knowledge, attitudes, referral practices and barriers to use of music therapy in medical settings, as compared with related allied health professions. It is hoped that this knowledge will help music therapists identify opportunities for education and research, leading to the continued expansion of music therapy in health care. Participants were asked to complete a one-time online survey with 20 questions pertaining to basic demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, referral practices, and perceived barriers to use for music therapy and four related allied health professions. Forty-two physicians completed the survey beyond …

Music Therapy With High-Risk Youth: An Exploration Of Current Practice, Beth A. Clark

Masters Theses

This study explored the practices of music therapists in the United States and Canada who had worked with high-risk youth within the previous ten years. High-risk youth were defined as those likely to experience a decline in global level of functioning due to one or more issues related to mental health, substance misuse, or other social, economic, or cultural disadvantages, including correctional system involvement, street-involvement, or unstable home environment. An online survey of credentialed music therapists was conducted to explore the areas of demographics, clinical practice and information-seeking. Music therapists working with high-risk youth were asked to identify the most …

The Effect Of Auditory-Motor Synchronization On Physiological Responses And Perceived Exertion During Treadmill Running, Tracy J. Kiel

Masters Theses

Synchronous, asynchronous, and no music were compared to determine the effect of synchronization of musical tempo and running cadence on physiological and perceptual responses to exercise. Eight subjects, three males and five females, participated in one assessment trial and three experimental trials. During the assessment trial, subjects performed a VO_2max test, and researchers then calculated running cadence at a velocity approximating 70 percent of VO_2max.

During the three experimental trials, subjects ran for 20 minutes at approximately 70 percent of VO_2max on a motorized treadmill with synchronous, asynchronous, and no music, where the order of trials …

Effects Of Live Music On Pain, Mood, And Exercise Adherence With Rehabilitation Patients, Victoria Storm

Masters Theses

Incorporating music into treatment protocols is a non-pharmacological approach to pain management. Music can aid in mood and motivation, and assists in coordination of movement through rhythmic entrainment. Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of music on pain and mood while actively engaged in exercise. In this study, patients in an inpatient physical rehabilitation facility were provided with rhythmically synchronized music during upper extremities exercises. Self-reported ratings (McGill Pain Questionnaire - Short Form and Feeling Scale) of pain and mood were taken through a pretest post-test between subjects group design. Rate of Perceived Exertion (Borg's RPE) was taken post-test …

A Survey Of Music Therapists Regarding The Efficacy Of Music Therapy In The Treatment Of Children And Adolescents With Williams Syndrome, Mayumi Hata

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine music therapist' perception of the efficacy of music therapy interventions for clients with Williams syndrome. By surveying music therapists who have clinical experience with individuals with Williams syndrome, this study attempted to gather following information: (a) music therapists' perception of the efficacy of music therapy (b) predominant technique or approach (c) predominant goals (d) collaboration with other professionals and (e) the referral sources for music therapy. The results indicated that music therapists lack information and experience working with the Williams syndrome population. However, many of the participants who had worked with individuals …

A Survey Of Financial Aspects, Staffing And Service Trends Of Music Therapy In Hospice Programs, Melissa Amy Hirokawa

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compile quantitative data to determine how hospice programs fund music therapy services, and to identify staffing trends (number of music therapists and employment status) and service trends (caseload, frequency, and length of sessions) for hospice programs with music therapy in the Great Lakes Region. Thirty-six music therapists completed the survey and qualified for the study. Participants were asked to complete a one-time online survey with 26 questions pertaining to basic demographic and staffing information, music therapy services provided and session information, and funding.

Results of this survey indicate that there are differences in …

The Relationship Between Perceived English Proficiency And Success In Clinical Work: A Survey Of Asian International Music Therapy Students And Music Therapy Instructors/Supervisors, Yayoi Nakai

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was (1) to identify the students' and instructors'/supervisors' perceptions regarding Asian international music therapy students' English proficiency, and (2) to identify successful strategies students use or instructors/supervisors suggest for resolution regarding English proficiency in clinical situations. The participants of this study were Asian international music therapy students who are currently enrolled in practicum classes or internships in the United States, and instructors/supervisors who have supervised Asian international music therapy students. It was found that there were various difficulties for Asian international music therapy students using English in clinical situations; however, overall both students and instructors/supervisors …

A Survey Of Music Therapy Business Owners, Julie M. Guy

Masters Theses

An invitation to participate in a survey was emailed or sent to 503 self-employed/ private practice music therapists. As this study focused on describing current music therapy business practices, only music therapy business owners were asked to participate. Responses were received from 29% (n= l47). Results indicated that the typical business owner is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with a bachelor's degree who has most likely owned a sole proprietorship for less than 9 years. They typically work 30-39 hours each week and maintain 10-19 hours of contracts (primarily consisting of individual sessions). Most of the respondents work in …

Current Practices, Preparation, And Demographics Of Music Therapists Working With School-Age Clients Who Have Severe, Profound, And Multiple Impairments, Erin Dalby

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) which music therapy techniques may most effectively assist school-age clients with severe, profound, and multiple impairments to achieve certain goals; (b) assess whether music therapists currently feel that they were prepared to adequately serve the target population; and ( c) describe the demographics of music therapists who work with the target population. A researcher-designed questionnaire was completed by music therapists who served school-age clients who have severe/profound and multiple impairments. Results indicated that the use of singing and therapist-composed music were the most effective methods to develop nearly all types of …

Preferences Of Chinese Alzheimer’S Patients For Music Therapy Activities: Singing, Instruments, Games, Dance/Movement, And Composition/Improvisation, Karen Kwok

Masters Theses

This research, based on Brotons and Pickett-Cooper’s 1994 study, examined the preferences of Chinese Alzheimer’s patients for music therapy activities. Fifteen Chinese senior residents residing in a Toronto, Canada ethnic nursing home participated in this study. Five different language and culturally appropriate music therapy activities were used, which included singing, dance/movement with music, musical games, instrument manipulation and improvisation/composition. Subjects met in small groups of 3 for a total of five 30-minute sessions in two weeks. During each session, one of the five music therapy activities was presented. At the end of each session, subjects were asked to state how …

A Survey: Contemporary Music Therapy Practice With Individuals Diagnosed On The Autism Spectrum, S. Alie Chandler

Masters Theses

A variety of music therapy approaches and techniques for working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders have evolved out of the creativity of the profession, the influence of different music therapy approaches, as well as the influences of other treatment and educational theories. This study includes a review of the music therapy literature concerning this population as well as a description of common educational programs and other treatment techniques influential in this field. The underlying question of this study is how these diverse methods are being incorporated and integrated into current music therapy practice to best meet the needs of …

Music Therapy And Social Skills In Young Children With Disabilities: A Survey Of Music Therapy Practitioners, Sayaka Abe

Masters Theses

Music therapy services have been utilized as one of the related services that may be necessary to assist young children with disabilities in the accomplishment of their educational goals. The purpose of this study was to examine (a) how music therapy services are used in early childhood settings and (b) how music therapy interventions aid in the development of social skills in young children with disabilities. An original survey instrument was sent to music therapists who were members of the American Music Therapy Association and had indicated that they worked in early childhood settings. The survey was sent to 423 …

The History Of The Music Therapy Program, Western Michigan University; Its Origin And Development To 1980, Cynthia L. Goodson

Masters Theses

The histories of music therapy programs at colleges and universities in the United States have not been widely researched and documented. The purpose of this study was to examine the history of the music therapy program at Western Michigan University from its origin and development until 1980. Specifically, the author was interested in learning what conditions existed that were favorable to the creation of a music therapy program, the chronological progress of the music therapy program (including the individuals responsible for the program's inception and development), and development and changes in curricula that demonstrated responsiveness to music therapy practice and …

Components Related To Occupational Stress Or Burnout Among Music Therapists Working In Hospice/Palliative Care Arenas, Dorothy Virginia Pienta

Masters Theses

Music therapists who work in hospice/palliative care settings are susceptible to burnout as well as others who work in health care settings. In this descriptive correlation study, the components of occupational stress or burnout among music therapists working in hospice/palliative care settings were studied. A mail survey was sent to 300 music therapists who worked in hospice/palliative care settings and were members of the American Music Therapy Association. Of the 181 surveys that were returned, 106 were acceptable for use in this study. Their responses to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Work Environment Scale, as well as information from the demographic …

A Comparison Of Rhythmical Abilities And Behaviors Between Typical Children And Children With Williams Syndrome, Laura Grafton Pawuk

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the rhythmical abilities and testing behaviors of children with Williams syndrome (Ws) to typical children. Forty-three children took part in the study, including 9 children with W s and 34 children of the typical population.

The MRL Test of Kinesthetic Response to Music and a Behavioral Checklist identified rhythmical ability and testing behaviors respectively. The former indicated that typical children scored significantly better than Ws children in 9 of 11 exercises at the .05 alpha level. Two Ws children were tested in optimum environments. Compared to their typical peers, there were no …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On The Self-Esteem And Locus Of Control Of Children Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Amy A. Bogetto

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a volunteer music therapy program on the self-esteem and locus of control of children survivors of domestic violence residing in a shelter for domestic violence. An experimental group which received music therapy and a no-contact control group were used in this study. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory Scale was used to measure the subjects' selfesteem while the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control scale was used to measure the subjects' locus of control in both groups. These tests were administered before and after treatment for the experimental group. The control group was …

The Effect Of Guided Imagery And Music Workshops On Locus Of Control And Self Concept Of Mental Health Outpatients, Roberta Wigle Justice

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of guided imagery and music (GIM) in a group format on the locus of control and self-concept in mental health outpatients. Twenty adult mental health consumers took part in the experimental study with 10 subjects in the experimental condition and 10 subjects in the control condition.

The revised Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) short form (Fitts & Warren, 1996) was used to measure self-concept and the Levenson Locus of Control Scale (Levenson, 1981) was used to measure locus of control. Pre- and post-test data collected from these instruments revealed no significant …

Group Cohesiveness Represented Through A Multidimensional Analysis Of Group Improvisations, Rosemary Hakes

Masters Theses

This research examined the particular aspect of group process, group cohesiveness, through an electroacoustic analysis of group musical improvisations. The musical parameter, amplitude, was displayed and compared to independent judges' ratings of group cohesiveness. The interrater reliability for ratings of group cohesiveness vs. noncohesiveness was very high (100%). The interrater reliability for the degree of group cohesiveness or non-cohesiveness was, given the small number of examples used, adequate (80%). The improvisations rated cohesive by the judges also matched in rank order placement. The two dimensions of the amplitude patterns that were relevant to this study were density and form. These …

The Efficacy Of Guided Imagery And Music (Gim) On Life Satisfaction And Self-Esteem In The Elderly, Barbara Ann Steenrod

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) on life satisfaction and self-esteem in the elderly. Twenty-two elderly people took part in the experimental study with 11 subjects in the experimental condition and 11 subjects in the control condition.

The Life Satisfaction Index-A (Neugarten, Havighurst, & Tobin, 1961) was used to measure life satisfaction and the Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) was used to measure self-esteem. Data collected from these instruments revealed a significant increase at the alpha level of .05 on Life Satisfaction Index-A scores in the subjects who received GIM. Self-esteem …

The Effect Of Music Therapy On The Perceived Quality Of Life Of Patients With Terminal Illness In A Hospice Setting, Caroline Marie Abbott

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine if there were any significant differences in perceived mood states between patients in hospice care who received music therapy services and patients in hospice care who did not receive music therapy services.

Twenty-eight participants were surveyed using the Profile of Mood States (short form). Fourteen participants received music therapy services for a minimum of five hours, and fourteen participants did not receive music therapy services. The participants were matched in pairs by gender, location, diagnosis, and age, and were patients in one of three hospice locations in the United States which agreed …

The Effects Of Music With Cognitive-Behavioral Relaxation On The Focusing, Passivity, And Receptivity Of Clients With Paranoid Symptomatology, Pearl Abraham

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether music paired with cognitive-behavioral relaxation was effective in enhancing the focusing, passivity, and receptivity of clients with paranoid disorders.

Seventeen clients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of paranoid delusional symptoms consented to participate in this study spanning three conditions: (1) music paired with cognitive-behavioral relaxation, (2) cognitive-behavioral relaxation, and (3) control condition.

All clients were administered the 16 PF-Autia Scale, Form A (Cattell, 1962) at the beginning, midway, and at the end of the study. A two factor split-plot repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze raw scores, …

The Use Of Music Therapy To Influence The Self-Confidence And Hostility Of Adolescents Who Are Sexually Abused, Joy Clendenon-Wallen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether music therapy would be an effective therapeutic medium for reducing hostility and increasing the self-confidence of sexually abused adolescents. The study utilized an experimental and control group which is unique in the sexual abuse literature. Most studies are descriptive or quasi-experimental in nature. Some of the subjects increased their self-confidence and decreased their hostility although no statistical significance was achieved for either group. This study describes the treatment problems of sexually abused adolescents and offers examples of non-confrontational and goal directed treatment strategies which can be achieved through music therapy. Music …

Effects Of Music As A Conditioned Stimulus And Progressive Muscle Relaxation In Reducing Anxiety, Marie Elaine Clarkson

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether music could become a conditioned stimulus for lowered muscle tension and/or reduced anxiety.

There were three groups: (1) the PMR group receiving PMR alone, (2) the MUS group receiving music alone, and (3) the PMRM group receiving PMR followed by music. After four training sessions, a posttest was conducted in which all of the groups were given five minutes to relax. The PMR group had silence, the MUS group had music and the PMRM group had music which had previously been heard after relaxation training. Tension and anxiety reduction were …

Music: A Nursing Intervention For Increased Intracranial Pressure, Carol Roberts

Masters Theses

Individuals with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from all causes are subject to periods of marked increased intracranial pressures. Research since the 1960's has focused primarily on pathophysiologic causes and on variations between pathologies. Since 1978, nursing research has identified increases in ICP with patient-related activities such as suctioning, vagal stimulations, positioning, turning, noises, and emotive conversations. The use of therapeutic touch has been identified as a nursing intervention that correlates with a lowering of ICP. Since auditory pathways have been shown to be intact even in severely brain-injured individuals, the use of music (the universal language) may be effective in …

An Analytical Study Of Twentieth-Century Cadential Techniques, Rhenda Ronfeldt Pease

Masters Theses

The purpose of this paper is to devise a codification of twentieth-century cadential techniques used by some of the major representative composers. It is because Debussy had such a profound impact upon twentieth-century music -·because of his innovations and influences upon this century's composition - that he is included in this paper. His music will serve as the beginning step away from traditional cadence procedures. Twentieth century compositions which are non-tonal and basically tonal will be studied for their non-traditional cadential procedures. Traditional procedures refer to those classical clichés which one expects to hear at cadence points, such as: IV-V-I; …

Music Therapy Versus Music Education: The Effect Of Two Approaches On Severely Emotionally Impaired Children's Musical Growth And Self Esteem Development, Judith Bertsch D'Arcangelis

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.