Music Therapy Commons^™

Integrating Music Therapy Into Post-Surgical Care: A Quality Improvement Strategy For Reducing Post-Operative Anxiety, Yosdania Hernandez Benitez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Integrating Music Therapy into Post-Surgical Care: A Quality Improvement Strategy for Reducing Post-Operative Anxiety

Purpose

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce postoperative anxiety among adult patients after general surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) by 30% using nurse-led music therapy in an ambulatory surgical center.

Results

Mean VAS-A scores decreased from 6.9 (SD = 0.5) pre-intervention to 4.0 (SD = 0.5) post-intervention, representing a 2.9-point (41.9%) reduction in anxiety and exceeding the project's target of 30%. Nurse adherence to the intervention protocol was 100%, and the mean patient satisfaction score was 4.6/5.0. All 100 patients completed both …

From Body Positivity To Body Power: How Music Therapy And Body Liberation Intersect To Address Body Oppression In The Therapeutic Space–A Literature Review, Katherine M. Perkoski

Expressive Therapies Theses

With the rise of overt fascism, anti–fat bias, anti–intellectualism, anti–multiculturalism, anti–diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the persistence of white, capitalist, cisheteropatriarchy narratives around bodies, music therapists need to recognize how client and therapist bodies show up in practice. In this critical literature review, bodies will be sociopolitically and culturally contextualized, and the intersections of music therapy, body liberation, and body power will be discussed. Music therapists need to address the body oppression faced by sociopolitical identities such as race, gender, disability, age, body size, sexuality, neurodiversity, class, ethnicity, nationality, housing status, and immigration status. The music therapy field needs to …

Reclaiming The Narrative: Integrating Narrative Therapy And Songwriting For Children And Adolescents Living Through Adverse Childhood Experiences, Emma Smith

Expressive Therapies Theses

Children and adolescents tend to lack agency and power in their lives with their status as minors. Lack of agency can be exacerbated if they are experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Narrative songwriting is an approach with emerging methods that may support liberation, agency, and ownership for this population. Although there is a plethora of trauma-informed songwriting methods in music therapy literature focusing on young populations, there is sparse research about using narrative songwriting with this population. In this thesis, literature from both music therapy and narrative therapy with young populations experiencing ACEs was located and analyzed using a qualitative …

Music-Based Storytelling For Older Adult Well-Being: An Adapted Multiple Case Study, Zachary Michael Palma

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Autobiographical storytelling can be a meaningful way for older adults to reflect on life experience and support social and emotional well-being. Music has been widely documented as a cue for autobiographical memory. Although the benefits of storytelling and music as a memory cue have been independently examined, limited research has explored its combination with older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore music-based autobiographical storytelling in the lives of older adults. There were three research questions: (1) How do older adults describe their experiences with music-based storytelling? (2) How do they describe the social experience with music-based storytelling? …

Contemporary Commercial Music: A Scoping Review With Implications For Music Therapy Practice, John A. Lawwill

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) is an increasingly popular group of non-classical musical styles. Music therapists need to know how to sing a wide variety of CCM genres authentically, yet little information exists on effectively teaching vocal CCM techniques to music therapists. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review on CCM singing instruction and to synthesize implications for music therapists. I used EBSCOhost and ProQuest to search for reports in English published after 2002 containing the terms “Contemporary Commercial Music” or “CCM,” and variations of the term “sing.” I identified 26 reports that met inclusion criteria, including …

Beyond Distraction: Music Therapy For Chronic Pain Management In People With Advanced Cancer, Joke Bradt, Lynn Gumert, Carrie Cottone, Ming Yuan Low, Clarissa Lacson, Kate Myers-Coffman, Karolina Bryl, Preethi Selvan, Jacelyn Biondo, Allison Millstein, Anna Cephas, Stephenie Sofield, Brooke Worster, Amy Leader

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Effective, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management for people with advanced cancer that can enhance quality of life while minimizing adverse effects are urgently needed. While music therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing pain and improving pain-related outcomes across various patient populations, it has not been specifically examined in addressing chronic pain among people with advanced cancer. This study aims to enhance understanding of how people with advanced cancer experience music therapy for pain management.

METHODS: As part of a mixed methods intervention trial, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 25 outpatients with advanced cancer …

Effects Of Musical Participation On Senior Adult Musicians' Quality Of Life, M. Seth Mcgee

PhD in Education

As the global population of senior adults expands, so does the need for research-based strategies for maintaining health and well-being in this growing demographic. Current research has shown that musical involvement can provide benefits for senior adults’ physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and sense of social connection. This study followed six senior adult musicians aged 60-82 who engaged in weekly musical activities in both individual and group contexts and examined their perceptions of how their daily participation in music-making affected their health and well-being. Participants were observed by the researcher interacting during rehearsals within the context of an active …

Music For Self-Care, A Nurse Well-Being Strategy, Kristen Gilmore Msn, Rn, Cen, Tcrn, Ne-Bc, Nc-Bc, Allison Mccrea Mmt, Mt-Bc, Stephen Didonato Phd, Lcp

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Background

• Evidence suggests that individuals with trauma exposure, such as the impact of crisis such as COVID-19, may benefit from music therapy.
• In 2021, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recognized the importance of ensuring well-being of the nursing workforce identifying the vital role that nursing plays upholding the highest standards of patient care.
• HAP, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, created a three year, first of its kind program, to support the provision of music therapy program services for healthcare workers.
• Through this grant-funded program, Jefferson Health- Pennsylvania hospitals, were awarded $162,000. This grant …

Auditory Cognition Lab: A Music Therapy And Speech-Language Pathology Co-Treatment For Military-Connected Populations With Auditory And Cognitive Impairment, Danielle Vetro-Kalseth, Rebecca Vaudreuil, Heather Morrison, Kathleen Howard, Hannah Bronson

Faculty Works

Military personnel are particularly at risk for auditory processing difficulties as their training, occupational, and combat experiences increase the likelihood of long-term damage to the auditory system as well as negatively impact physical, psychological, cognitive, and sensory functioning. This article introduces a music therapy and speech-language pathology co-treatment program, Auditory Cognition Lab (ACL), that treats auditory and cognitive deficits in military-connected populations (service members, veterans) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). ACL addresses auditory discrimination, temporal and binaural processing, and trains compensatory strategies related to auditory processing, cognition, and hearing function. ACL has been clinically implemented at multiple military treatment facilities …

Sense, Drugs, And Rock 'N' Roll: A Critical Review Of Music And Psychedelic Literature, Sophia Harper-Hague

Expressive Therapies Theses

The use of psychedelics has been shown promising efficacy surrounding treatment-resistant mental health diagnoses, as well as improving quality of life for those not suffering from mental health conditions. Additionally, music has been seen as a significant part of psychedelic research, both by music therapists and other allied health professionals alike. This literature review explores the current research surrounding music therapy and psychedelic approaches, as well as the areas in which they intersect. The current review focuses on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and self-concept, delving into the perceptions of both music and psychedelic therapy as emerging treatment options …

Music Therapy And Cerebral Visual Impairments (Cvi) In Early Childhood: A Literature Review, Katie Hock

Expressive Therapies Theses

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in children within the United States, and results from neurologic impairment to areas of the brain responsible for processing and interpreting visual input. Due to the brain-based nature of this impairment, improvement in functional vision is possible through the process of neuroplasticity and development of compensatory strategies to improve personal access to the environment and surroundings. Intact vision provides access to information about the world around us, and without this sense children are highly susceptible to developmental delays in the areas of cognition, motor skills, communication, and social functioning. …

Metal As A Tool For Gender Liberation In Music Therapy: A Literature Review, Ashley B. Mccarthy

Expressive Therapies Theses

Metal music is a genre which appears to be minimally researched and utilized within the context of music therapy. Despite its often loud and disruptive musical sound and sometimes violent lyrics, many fans of metal report mental health benefits from engaging with the music and participating in metal subculture. It is also well documented that metal as a genre is deeply rooted in a culture of White cisheteronormative masculinity, which often results in the scene being hostile toward women and gender minority fans and artists. Yet, many of these individuals express feelings of liberations brought on through engagement with metal …

Music Therapy's Application On Developmental Milestones Throughout Childhood And Adolescence, Paige Whisler, Sarah Daughtrey

The Agora

New Mexico State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Music Therapy is a relatively new degree, and awareness of music therapy's definition, applications, and profound impact remains limited for many. Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that can foster change and improvement for diverse needs and goals across all age groups. In particular, children and adolescents can benefit significantly from music therapy, as it supports developmental milestones crucial to their growth. Treatment plans build upon a clear understanding of milestones for effective interventions and tailor techniques and applications to age-appropriate expectations. Completed in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of …

Music Therapy In The Scope Of Psychology: From Asylums To Contemporary Practice, Rachel A. Mirsen

Psychology from the Margins

This paper explores the historical ties between music therapy and psychology, tracing its evolution from its origins in asylums to contemporary practice. By examining historical records and recent case studies, the dynamic interplay between music therapy, psychological practices, and sociocultural factors is highlighted. The paper compares the use of music therapy in the 20th century, particularly in psychiatric asylums, to its modern-day applications, focusing on two healthcare facilities in New Jersey: Overbrook Hospital and Bancroft NeuroRehab. Through this comparison, it becomes evident that music therapy has gained legitimacy and specialization over time, transitioning from recreational activities to evidence-based, individualized interventions …

Sights And Sounds Of Veteran Identity: The Use Of Photovoice Technique And Lyric Analysis In A Community-Based Participatory Action Research Framework, Stephanie Jett Ph.D., Laurie Peebles

Academic Affairs

Researchers often attempt to define what it means to be a Veteran; however, there is a dearth of research where that question is directly asked of Veterans. Instead, a traditional approach to research is taken where the experimenter defines the variables and asks the participants to provide responses without being included in the research process or reaping any direct benefit from participation. We assert that in order to better understand this unique population, it is vital that we elevate their voices by employing more qualitative, community-based participatory action research (CbPAR) models where Veterans are empowered to use their voices to …

Music Therapy For Women Survivors Of Human Trafficking And Domestic Violence, Dorothy Briggs

SPARK Symposium Presentations

As music therapy research progresses, populations that are underrepresented and under-researched become more evident. There is a lack of research, specifically intervention studies, addressing the needs of women survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. The aim of this study was to construct a goal focused plan of care created by and for these survivors. Nine music therapy sessions were created, each focusing on a different goal outlined by women survivors completing the work development program at Strings for Hope in Nashville, Tennessee. The sessions followed a natural progression, addressing increasingly more difficult topics. One session was led with the …

Treating Social Media Addiction In Adolescents: A Scoping Review With Implications For Music Therapy Practice, Roman D. Swain

Theses and Dissertations--Music

With the rapid expansion of online connectivity, concerns have emerged regarding the influence of digital interactions on adolescents’ real-world relationships and mental health. Social media use can expose adolescents to harmful content and disrupt the brain’s pleasure centers, increasing the risk of developing addictive patterns of use. Such disruptions may interfere with daily functioning and contribute to negative mental health outcomes. Given the impact of music on the brain’s reward system, music therapy may offer a beneficial approach for helping adolescents develop mindfulness of social media use and strengthen offline social connections. This thesis presents a scoping review of current …

Professional Experiences Of Disabled Music Therapists: An Adapted Multiple Case Study, August Lily Tuggle

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Literature about disability often focuses on disabled people as recipients of professional services and there is scant literature about disabled professionals. Although music therapists work primarily with disabled individuals, there is little research on or from the perspectives of disabled music therapists. A growing body of qualitative research, grey literature, and media platforms provides perspectives from the disability community regarding music therapy. Disabled individuals both within and outside the profession critique common music therapy attitudes and practices that conflict with the expressed needs of the disability community. However, much of this literature contains the perspectives of one individual or a …

Lyrical Stillness, Madhav Patel

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

“Lyrical Stillness” is a poem I wrote during my radiation oncology rotation, during which I was provided the opportunity to learn more about multidisciplinary cancer care while delving deeper into radiotherapy. Cancer can be an overwhelming disease process physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Patients undergoing treatment often experience stress and anxiety with the uncertainty of their prognoses. In this poem, I describe a patient receiving radiation therapy whom I enjoyed speaking to about his favorite hobby: bird watching. During his subsequent radiation treatment sessions, I decided to play a CD of mockingbirds singing in a tropical forest, in the hopes it …

Intersections Of Trauma And Grief: Navigating Multilayered Terrain In Music Therapy To Support Youth Through Bereavement, Katherine Myers-Coffman Phd, Mt-Bc

Music Therapy: Faculty Publications

Experiencing the death of a loved one as a young person is challenging in its own right, and underlying trauma can complicate one’s bereavement. With little available research exploring the intersections of trauma and grief, this paper aims to provide a foundational understanding of how trauma contexts and histories manifest in music therapy bereavement support programming for young people. Theoretical models that are culturally grounded, resource-oriented, and adopting an ecological, multisystemic lens are presented. The impacts of interpersonal trauma, trauma from systemic oppression, collective trauma, and intergenerational trauma are explored within the context of bereavement support. Diverse music therapy approaches …

Current Workplace Experiences Of Neurodivergent Music Therapists, Ana Odasso Weschenfelder

Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the workplace experiences of neurodivergent music therapists, seeking to elucidate how they currently perceive and navigate their work environments, and how these environments accommodate their neurodivergence. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey methodology and collected both quantitative and qualitative data from board-certified music therapists across the United States. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Qualitative responses were subjected to inductive, iterative content analysis to capture personal experiences and perceptions. Results indicated that neurodivergent music therapists broadly disclose their neurodivergence for authenticity and to seek support and accommodations. Participants also reported finding their …

Music Therapy As A Support Model In Massachusetts Special Education: A Literature Review, Bonnie Diamond

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health directly impacts student propensity for making academic progress in the public education system. For children with disabilities, it is especially vital to develop and implement techniques within special education that deliver personally tailored benefits. According to the United States Department of Education, music therapy offers highly effective support to a wide range of students within the school setting so that they may achieve academic success and be supported in their social/emotional development (U.S Department of Education, 2011; AMTA, 2021). In examining the multifaceted ways that music therapy can offer support within the structure of education and mental health, …

A Music Therapist’S Clinical Improvised Songwriting To Explore Countertransference In The Therapeutic Relationship For An Individual With Multiple Disabilities, Isabella Sances

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This qualitative and arts-based capstone thesis discusses working with individuals with multiple disabilities, songwriting in music therapy, intersubjective communication and theory, and countertransference in music therapy, by sharing the literature and presenting a method of how a music therapist’s own clinical improvised songwriting explores countertransference in the therapeutic relationship for an individual with multiple disabilities. Music therapy is used to treat individuals with multiple disabilities. The literature demonstrates that music therapy and improvisation can support communication development in clients with multiple disabilities. However, there is little research regarding countertransference and reflections by music therapists. This thesis explored post-session improvised songwriting …

Development Of A Method Of Short-Session, Task-Divided Therapeutic Songwriting, Eric Schwartz

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The benefits of therapeutic songwriting (TS) in the context of music therapy sessions are well-documented. As music therapists are sometimes given brief periods in which to work, a method of therapeutic songwriting wherein the music therapist divides the writing process into multiple short sessions would be useful. This capstone thesis details the development of such a method. The researcher enacted this method with a group of youth who participated in an arts program in Massachusetts that utilized a resource-oriented approach. After each TS session, the researcher recorded the participants' reactions to the intervention's application. The researcher coded the reactions using …

Breaking The Silence: An Inside Look Of The Experiences Of Music Therapists Working With Children Who Have Selective Mutism, Elaine Chen

Theses & Dissertations

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent difficulty to speak in specific social situations, despite being able to speak in other settings. While existing literature has highlighted the efficacy of music therapy as a promising intervention for children with Selective Mutism, there remains a need to explore the experiences of music therapists working with this population. This interpretative phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of music therapists working with children diagnosed with Selective Mutism. Two board-certified music therapists, selected for their extensive experience in treating children with Selective Mutism, were recruited through social media …

A Parent's Experience During Their Autistic Child's In-Home Music Therapy, Dana Raicaldo

Theses & Dissertations

Little is known about the lived experience of parents who participate in their child’s in-home music therapy sessions. This descriptive phenomenological inquiry explored the experience of a parent who participates in her child’s in-home music therapy sessions. Through a thematic analysis of the data, five themes emerged: Parental Concern Regarding Jack’s Participation Style, Appreciation for Music Therapist, Claire Finds Joy in Jack’s Joy, Ambiguity of Mother’s Role, and Questioning the “Right Way.” An important finding in this research highlights the necessity of a parent understanding their role in music therapy sessions with their children. The study underscored the importance of …

Improved Motor Skills In Autistic Children After Three Weeks Of Neurologic Music Therapy Via Telehealth: A Pilot Study, Nicole M. Richard Williams, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Jessica Brian, Luc Tremblay, Marija Pranjic, Jessica Teich, Melissa Tan, Julia Kowaleski, Michael Thaut

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Many autistic children experience motor skill deficits which can impact other areas of functioning, and research on therapeutic interventions for motor skills in autism is in a preliminary stage. Music-based therapies have been used extensively to address motor skills in non-autistic populations. Though a handful of studies exist on the effects of music-based therapies for movement in autistic children, none have investigated the possibility of administering sessions via telehealth. This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)^® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children.

Methods: Five autistic children between five …

Music Therapy Perspectives In Popayan By Music Graduates From The Universidad Del Cauca, Laura Piedad Parra Acosta

Theses & Dissertations

This research explored the perspectives of music graduates from the Universidad del Cauca in Popayán, Colombia, regarding music therapy. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to gather data from participants, who were music educators and performers. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the responses and derive insights. Findings revealed varying levels of awareness and knowledge about music therapy among participants, with the majority expressing interest in gaining a further understanding of how to incorporate music therapy techniques into their practice. Moreover, participants emphasized the potential benefits of music therapy for emotional well-being and mental health in educational and performance settings. This …

The Experience Of An Autistic And Neurotypical Sibling Dyad In Improvisational Music Therapy, Gianna Derusso

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the sibling relationship within improvisational music therapy, specifically the relationship between an autistic sibling and a neurotypical sibling. The following research question was posed: How does the relationship between a neurotypical and autistic sibling dyad present in improvisational music therapy? Subquestions to the research questions included: How do a neurotypical and autistic sibling dyad interact with one another within an improvisational music therapy session?, and How do a neurotypical and autistic sibling dyad interact with the music therapist within an improvisational music therapy session? An autistic and neurotypical sibling dyad was recruited, …

The Experience Of Home-Based Music Therapists Working With Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Thematic Analysis, Sarah Mayr

Theses & Dissertations

According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an estimated 7.38 million people in the United States live with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (2021). Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) reside in community-based settings, such as private residences, family members’ homes, or group homes (ACL, 2021). However, little research exists exploring home-based music therapy (HBMT) for people with I/DD, especially from the clinician’s perspective. Thus, this study examines the experiences of home-based music therapists working with individuals with I/DD to provide a foundational overview. Three music therapists working in home-based settings participated in semi-structured guided interviews, which …