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Full-Text Articles in Music Therapy
Intersections Of Trauma And Grief: Navigating Multilayered Terrain In Music Therapy To Support Youth Through Bereavement, Katherine Myers-Coffman Phd, Mt-Bc
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 …
The Experiences Of Stigma Amongst Practicing Music Therapists Living With Depression And/Or Anxiety: An Exploratory Qualitative Study, Hally Batterman
The Experiences Of Stigma Amongst Practicing Music Therapists Living With Depression And/Or Anxiety: An Exploratory Qualitative Study, Hally Batterman
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the experiences of stigma amongst practicing music therapists living with depression and/or anxiety. Three study participants were selected from social media groups through purposive sampling. Participants were board-certified music therapists (MT-BC's) living in the United States. They all had been practicing as full-time music therapists for at least 5 years and had depression and/or anxiety for a minimum of 2 years during practice as an MT-BC. Qualitative data sources included in-depth interviews with participants conducted over Zoom. The results of the study suggest that music therapists' experiences of stigma for their mental illness (MI) had a negative …
Current Workplace Experiences Of Neurodivergent Music Therapists, Ana Odasso Weschenfelder
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 …
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
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 …
Music Therapy Perspectives In Popayan By Music Graduates From The Universidad Del Cauca, Laura Piedad Parra Acosta
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
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 …
Exploring Music Therapists' Experiences Of Utilizing A Family-Based Approach With Children Receiving Palliative Care, Faith Anne Agolia
Exploring Music Therapists' Experiences Of Utilizing A Family-Based Approach With Children Receiving Palliative Care, Faith Anne Agolia
Theses & Dissertations
This research study explored the experiences of three music therapists who employ a family-based approach with families whose children are receiving palliative care. Literature addressing the benefits of music therapy for people in palliative care exists, but little is known about the lived experience of music therapists who work in these settings. Music therapists were recruited through purposive sampling. Through phenomenological microanalysis, eight themes emerged: Family-based approach is natural, yet nuanced; the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship; positive memory making through legacy as a means to family connectedness; vicarious trauma; intentional self-care and coping; feeling siloed and experiencing challenges within …
Comparing The Impact Of Client-Led Music Therapy With Autistic Clients Enrolled In An Applied Behavior Analysis Program Versus Those In Standard Care, Annie Fitzgerald
Comparing The Impact Of Client-Led Music Therapy With Autistic Clients Enrolled In An Applied Behavior Analysis Program Versus Those In Standard Care, Annie Fitzgerald
Theses & Dissertations
This study investigates the efficacy of client-led music therapy as a complementary intervention for enhancing aspects of social and behavioral functioning in autistic children enrolled in applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs compared to those in standard care. Utilizing a quantitative approach with pre- and post-intervention assessments, the study evaluates changes across categories of Social Communication, Social Cognition, Social Awareness, Social Motivation, and Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2). Findings reveal no statistically significant differences in pre- to postintervention scores for either group, yet promising trends emerge. In the study, child-led music therapy within ABA interventions …
Experiences In Vocal Psychotherapy Of A Music Therapy Intern With Post-Covid Symptoms, Kyungwon Matilda Choi
Experiences In Vocal Psychotherapy Of A Music Therapy Intern With Post-Covid Symptoms, Kyungwon Matilda Choi
Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore my experiences in vocal psychotherapy as a music therapy intern with Long COVID symptoms. This study employed a first-person qualitative research design by assessing two personal therapy sessions with heuristic inquiry. I analyzed my experience as a client receiving 60-minute individual vocal psychotherapy sessions. The music therapist was a trained (certified) vocal psychotherapist with at least five years of clinical practice. Data were collected from recorded session audio/video and personal journals. The recorded session audio/video were transcribed so the data could be analyzed. I asked and answered the research questions as this …
How Music Therapists Experience Improvising With Nonspeaking Clients: A Thematic Analysis, Alexandra Timoshenko
How Music Therapists Experience Improvising With Nonspeaking Clients: A Thematic Analysis, Alexandra Timoshenko
Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore music therapists’ subjective experience improvising with nonspeaking clients with intellectual disabilities. The research question addressed was: How do clinicians experience improvisatory music-making with clients who are nonspeaking? In music therapy, the client and the therapist both have significant roles to play within the therapeutic relationship. Three music therapists with at least five years of experience primarily using improvisation when working with nonspeaking clients with intellectual disabilities were chosen via purposeful sampling to participate in this study and were individually interviewed to discuss their subjective experiences. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews …
Music Therapists' Perspectives On The Use Of Heavy Metal Music In Music Therapy, Jessie E. Davis
Music Therapists' Perspectives On The Use Of Heavy Metal Music In Music Therapy, Jessie E. Davis
Theses & Dissertations
There is little research on heavy metal music in general, and even less research on the application of this genre in music therapy. This study collected data from 201 board certified music therapists who have experience using heavy metal music in their music therapy practice. A variety of open- and closed-ended questions were answered by these participants to gather their perspectives on this topic. Analyzation of quantitative data occurred using cross-tabulation descriptive statistics through Google Forms and qualitative data were analyzed through coding and a content analysis. Quantitative data concluded that participants would like to see an increase in the …
Early Childhood Educators' Understanding And Perspectives Of Music Therapy, Sophia G. Woods
Early Childhood Educators' Understanding And Perspectives Of Music Therapy, Sophia G. Woods
Theses & Dissertations
Few research studies have explored early childhood educators’ understanding and perspectives of music therapy. In this study, 28 early childhood educators were surveyed, answering open- and closed-ended questions relating to what they understand about and how they perceive the profession of music therapy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative data highlighted the little education provided to early childhood educators about music therapy and suggests that very few early childhood educators have worked with music therapists. The three participants who had worked with a music therapist reported that music therapy has …
An Exploration Into Art Therapists' Experiences Of Collaboration With Music Therapists To Treat People With Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Heejoon Park Jun
An Exploration Into Art Therapists' Experiences Of Collaboration With Music Therapists To Treat People With Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Heejoon Park Jun
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the experiences of art therapists who used music in art therapy sessions with and without the presence of a music therapist. Two participants were selected through purposeful sampling and participated in a 45-minute, virtual, semi-structured individual interview. Participants met the following criteria: (a) board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC), (b) a minimum of two years of professional work experience as an art therapist, (c) experience in working with music therapists and using pre-recorded music without the presence of a music therapist during the art therapy sessions for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and (d) speaks Korean and/or English. …
Nurses' Perceptions Of Music Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Survey, Teressa Sambolin
Nurses' Perceptions Of Music Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Survey, Teressa Sambolin
Theses & Dissertations
This study examined nurses’ perceptions of music therapy in skilled nursing facilities. Twentytwo nurses who work in these facilities were surveyed utilizing a descriptive survey design. There is a need for research on nurses’ perceptions of music therapy within these settings to communicate the benefits of music therapy within the skilled nursing population. Data were analyzed through statistical analysis performed by Survey Planet© which produced descriptive statistics. Results indicated that nurses were likely to refer patients to music therapy, but there was uncertainty to if their music therapist is a music entertainer. Furthermore, most residents within skilled nursing attend music …
The Non-Verbal Expressions And Experiences Of An Autistic Adolescent In Improvisational, Relationship-Based Music Therapy, Naoko Funahashi
The Non-Verbal Expressions And Experiences Of An Autistic Adolescent In Improvisational, Relationship-Based Music Therapy, Naoko Funahashi
Theses & Dissertations
This study examined the non-verbal expression and experience of an autistic adolescent with language delay in improvisational, relationship-based music therapy. The purpose of the study was to gain a fuller understanding of the adolescent’s experience in music therapy and to discover the roles of music therapy in the larger context of the adolescent’s life. The adolescent’s mother and a professional from his treatment team at his school were each invited to participate in an individual interview consisting of review of a music therapy session video and semi-structured discussion. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews yielded themes related to the following: …
A Thematic Analysis Of The Clinician's Experience Of Individual Music Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities With Older Adults, Jaycie Perretta
A Thematic Analysis Of The Clinician's Experience Of Individual Music Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities With Older Adults, Jaycie Perretta
Theses & Dissertations
This qualitative research study explored the music therapist’s experience of conducting individual music therapy sessions with older adult clients residing in skilled nursing facilities. Three music therapists partook in semi-structured interviews discussing their individual experiences conducting individual music therapy sessions with older adult clients in skilled nursing facilities. Participant interview transcripts were the primary data source and thematic analysis was used to elicit themes in the data. Five themes emerged: (a) theoretical framework, (b) client preferred music used in individual music therapy sessions (c) flexibility in individual sessions, (d) structured sessions for group work, and (e) advocacy for music therapy …
The Experience Of Music Therapists Working With The Parents Of Premature Infants In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Harria Kim
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the lived experience of music therapists working with parents of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While there are many studies regarding the effects of music therapy on parents and premature infants in the NICU, few in-depth qualitative studies focus on the experiences and perspectives of music therapists working in the NICU. The present study aims to explore music therapists’ experiences of working with the parents of premature infants in the NICU and their perspectives on how music therapy can meet the needs of these parents. Data were collected through audio-video recording and transcription …
Music Therapist Experiences Of Meaningful Moments In Short-Term Medical Settings: A Thematic Analysis, Haojie Lyu
Music Therapist Experiences Of Meaningful Moments In Short-Term Medical Settings: A Thematic Analysis, Haojie Lyu
Theses & Dissertations
Meaningful moments in music therapy sessions may only occur in small moments, imperceptible or fleeting, but can have a tremendous impact on the overall treatment process, especially in short-term medical settings. The literature on the topic of "meaningful moments" in music therapy is sparse, with even less mention of "meaningful moments" in single sessions or short-term clinical settings. In this study, I explored the personal experiences of music therapists to gain a better understanding and awareness of meaningful moments in short-term medical settings. I used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore the research question, “What are music therapists' experiences …
The Connections In Relationships Among Autistic And Neurotypical Adolescents Participating In A Virtual, Inclusive, Performative Music Therapy Group, Laura Silvestain
The Connections In Relationships Among Autistic And Neurotypical Adolescents Participating In A Virtual, Inclusive, Performative Music Therapy Group, Laura Silvestain
Theses & Dissertations
This study examined the connections in relationships among autistic and neurotypical adolescents in a virtual, inclusive, performative music therapy group. The researcher utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design. There is a lack of research involving inclusive music therapy groups with adolescents. As such, this research was needed in order to provide opportunities for adolescents to connect in an inclusive music therapy group, aligning with the neurodiversity movement in uplifting autistic voices rather than focusing on improving perceived deficits of autism. Four participants engaged in four inclusive, performative music therapy sessions through active music-making and sharing music preferences. They each completed a …
The Experiences Of An Individual With Parkinson's Engaging In A Relationship-Based, Improvisational Music Therapy Group, Daniel Delucia
The Experiences Of An Individual With Parkinson's Engaging In A Relationship-Based, Improvisational Music Therapy Group, Daniel Delucia
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the experiences of an individual with Parkinson’s engaging in a relationshipbased, improvisational music therapy group. The researcher utilized the methodology of naturalistic inquiry. An archived video recording of a group music therapy session held through a videoconferencing platform was observed. Music experiences and verbal dialogue were transcribed and put into notation software, and subsequently analyzed through inductive analysis. Two main themes were found: (a) Musical Interrelatedness and (b) Relationship Between Music and Words, with two subthemes under the former; Diane’s Musical Relationship with the Therapist and Diane’s Musical Relationship with the Group; and three under the latter; …
The Role Of Affinity Group Membership For Marginalized Music Therapy Students And Professionals, Fakoya A. Jack-Vilmar
The Role Of Affinity Group Membership For Marginalized Music Therapy Students And Professionals, Fakoya A. Jack-Vilmar
Theses & Dissertations
Little research has been done exploring the significance of affinity group membership in the profession of music therapy. In this study, 48 music therapy students and professionals who identified as a part of an affinity group connected to their marginalized identities were surveyed, answering open- and closed-ended questions related to their experiences of a sense of belongingness, acculturative stress, and burnout in professional environments. Quantitative data were analyzed using cross-tabulation descriptive statistics through Google Forms and qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The quantitative data highlighted how affinity group membership plays a significant role in the sense of belongingness …
A Study On The Perception And Influence Of Whiteness In White Music Therapists, Maria Abramovich
A Study On The Perception And Influence Of Whiteness In White Music Therapists, Maria Abramovich
Theses & Dissertations
Whiteness pervades all aspects of western culture. As a western therapeutic modality, music therapy practice as well as its research and pedagogy are entrenched in Whiteness. While music therapy researchers have explored Whiteness, few studies center and explicitly study Whiteness in music therapy. This inquiry captures Whiteness as it is perceived and experienced by White music therapists. Two board-certified music therapists were interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to analyze the transcribed interviews and written responses of the participants. A total of eight themes and 12 subthemes were identified in the data. The results demonstrated that Whiteness suffused the …
The Prevalence Of Hip Hop Music In Music Therapy Education & Practice, Dannyele C. Crawford
The Prevalence Of Hip Hop Music In Music Therapy Education & Practice, Dannyele C. Crawford
Theses & Dissertations
Despite the popularity and significance that hip hop music holds in our society today, there is a grave absence of hip hop music in music therapy academia and practice. This study explores the prevalence of hip hop music in music therapy education and practice. Two populations, current students and new clinicians, were surveyed for this study to ascertain the prevalence of hip hop music both in current music therapy practice and in the current music therapy education system. This study involved the collection of data surrounding the participants’ experience with hip hop music prior to their studies, in their music …
Deconstructing The Clinician: An Auto-Ethnographic Study, Nicole Moy, Natalia Alvarez-Figueroa
Deconstructing The Clinician: An Auto-Ethnographic Study, Nicole Moy, Natalia Alvarez-Figueroa
Theses & Dissertations
There is little research focused on uncovering bias in the music therapist. This study utilized autoethnography and was guided by a participatory action research (PAR) lens to explore a music therapist’s experience of and relation to internalized bias and interlocking systems of oppression, such as white supremacy, sexism and ableism. Autoethnography refers to a combination of autobiographical and ethnographic methods. PAR focuses on collective meaning making, redistributing harmful power dynamics, and societal change with a liberatory aim. While I (Nicole) was the primary participant and investigator in the research, Natalia was invited to the study as a co-investigator and participant. …
The Influences Of Language Barriers In Music Therapy, Kohei Mori
The Influences Of Language Barriers In Music Therapy, Kohei Mori
Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to illuminate non-native English-speaking music therapists’ trends and attitudes toward a language barrier. For the purpose of this research, the phrase “language barrier” is used as a reference for music therapists who conduct music therapy sessions in a language that is not their native language. Thirteen non-native English-speaking music therapists completed a 30-question web-based survey. The survey addressed the following topics: demographics, the experience of providing music therapy in a second language, the experience of receiving music therapy training in a second language, and therapeutic interventions with the clients. Descriptive statistics were collected. Three …
Puppets In Music Therapy: A Qualitative Study, Kaitlyn Lewis
Puppets In Music Therapy: A Qualitative Study, Kaitlyn Lewis
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the experience of music therapists when implementing puppets in their clinical work. The research questions guiding this inquiry were as follows: 1) What is the experience of the music therapist when using puppets in music therapy? 2) How does the use of puppetry in music therapy influence the clinical work of the music therapist? and 3) How does the use of puppetry in music therapy influence the therapeutic process of the client (as perceived by the music therapist?) Four music therapists participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experience and insight in using puppets with their clients. After …
The Experience Of Music Therapists In Delivering Telehealth During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Gelfand
The Experience Of Music Therapists In Delivering Telehealth During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Gelfand
Theses & Dissertations
This study explored the experience of the music therapist in delivering music therapy via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. In semi-structured interviews, three music therapists explored their transition from in-person to telehealth clinical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) and organized into group themes and individual themes. Group themes included 1) role of therapist changing 2) technology considerations in the home office 3) career reflection and future practice. Individual themes included 1) adapting to change, 2) learning curve of telehealth and burnout, 3) work-life boundaries and authentic therapeutic presence. Participants experienced an expansion …
The Development Of Therapeutic Alliance In Long-Term And Short-Term Music Therapy Treatment, Brooke Morris
The Development Of Therapeutic Alliance In Long-Term And Short-Term Music Therapy Treatment, Brooke Morris
Theses & Dissertations
Therapeutic alliance is an important aspect of helping professions however, despite research into this phenomenon in closely related fields, it has yet to be explored in music therapy. While research in related fields has explored alliance development in therapy, it has yet to question whether or not treatment length has an impact on the development or strength of therapeutic alliance. This led to the following question: Does time matter in therapeutic alliance development in music therapy? Time is an important and undeniable aspect of music. Being that time exists in music, and music is a factor unique to music therapy, …