Music Therapy Commons^™

Exploring The Use Of The Bass Guitar As A Clinical Instrument Within Music-Centered Practice, Matthew J. Brady

Theses & Dissertations

There is limited research on the use of the bass guitar in music therapy. This study explored the use of the bass guitar as a clinical instrument from a music-centered perspective in clinical work with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and emotional challenges. Data were collected from filming individual music therapy sessions with three participants. Each participant had four sessions of music therapy. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five themes which reflect the interventions and social processes within music-centered work with the bass were identified: following the client’s lead, grounding, client and therapist as rhythm section, client and therapist …

An Exploration Of Music Therapists' Perspectives On Preventing And Treating Postpartum Depression, Chengcheng Du

Theses & Dissertations

Music therapy has been proposed by many researchers and healthcare professionals (Beck, 2002; Simavli et al., 2014; Tseng et al., 2010) as an effective solution to treat Postpartum Depression (PPD). In this study, the causes of PPD, treatment and prevention of PPD, and the use and results of music therapy with pregnant women and/or mothers with PPD were examined to understand the effectiveness of music therapy and potential treatments for mothers with PPD. This qualitative study employed individual and semi-structured interviews of therapists working with women with PPD. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, then the data were summarized into …

The Experience Of Countertransference For Music Therapists When Working With Children With Developmental Disabilities, Carly Caprioli

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how music therapists recognized, acknowledged, utilized, and managed countertransference when working with children with developmental disabilities. Three board-certified music therapists (MT-BC), who had experience working with this population and experienced strong countertransference reactions in their work, openly shared their experiences during 45-60 minute audio-recorded in-person or telephone interviews. Phenomenological design was employed in this study. Essential themes that emerged from the data were identified and presented. Common themes included feelings of attachment, reexperiencing the past, fulfilling needs in the therapist, and experiencing deep concern for the client. Overall, this study concludes that …

Music Therapy With Adolescents In Crisis In America And Korea : A Cross-Cultural Analysis, Seulgi Kim

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore music therapy with adolescents in crisis in both America and Korea. Qualitative methods were employed in this study and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two music therapists —one American music therapist practicing in the United States and one Korean practicing in Korea — who have experience working with adolescents in crisis. The participants openly shared their experiences during an hour video-recorded on-line interviews. After the interviews, all content of the interviews was transcribed and analyzed. Three essential categories emerged: (a) the role of music, (b) the role of therapist, …

Parents’ Experiences Of Music Therapy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Naoko Mizutani

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to deepen my understanding of parental experiences having an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Three parents of premature infants in the NICU at a large urban medical center participated in an individual music therapy session and post-session interview that was conducted right after the session. Data was collected through video recordings of music therapy sessions and post-session interviews. In order to appropriately reflect the music therapy process, I employed, for my analyses of the music therapy sessions, Forinash and Gonzalez's (1989) method, which was adapted from the original method proposed …

The Experiences Of Music Therapists Developing Music Therapy Programs In New York State Public Schools, Michelle Kovacs

Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the experiences of music therapists who have developed music therapy programs in New York State public schools. Participants included three board-certified music therapists currently working as music therapists in public schools in New York. Open-ended questioning interviewing techniques were employed to address three research questions: (1) What are the experiences of music therapists developing music therapy programs in New York State public schools? (2) What challenges do they face? (3) What recommendations do they have for others who are looking to build music therapy programs in public schools? Six themes emerged: (a) beginning in public schools …

Clinical Supervisors' Experience With Conflict With Music Therapy Interns, Joanna M. Kelly

Theses & Dissertations

Clinical supervision is integral to student development during music therapy internship, yet fundamental characteristics of the supervisory relationship can become a source of conflict. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to construct the essence of music therapy clinical supervisors’ experience of conflict with their interns. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five music therapy clinical supervisors: three with more than five years of experience supervising interns and two with less than three years of experience. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Different themes emerged based on supervisors’ level of experience, which informed my construction of the phenomenological essence. Supervisors’ …

The Role Of Songs In Music Therapy With Adults Who Have Developmental Disabilities, Gregory Razzano

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to conduct a holistic investigation into the role of songs in music therapy in the lives of adults who have developmental disabilities. Four music therapists with experience with this population participated in open-ended interviews about the role of songs with their clients. McFerran and Grocke’s (2007) method of qualitative interview analysis was used to find the individual and collective essences of the participants’ experiences. Four global themes were associated with the role of songs in relation to clients: developing familiarity and attachment; receiving safety and stability; bringing out the able, engaged individual; and …

The Role Of Personal Therapy For Music Therapists: A Survey, Carla D. Chikhani

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes toward and prevalence of use of personal therapy among music therapists. An online survey was conducted with a sample of 132 music therapists working per diem, part-time, and full-time in the Unites States. A total of 130 surveys were analyzed using quantitative methods. The study examined the prevalence of use of personal therapy among music therapists, the ways music therapists seek to increase their personal development, the reasons and importance of receiving personal therapy, and the benefits of receiving personal therapy. Prevalence of use of non-music personal therapy was 33.6%, …

Exploring The Implications Of Resource-Oriented Music Therapy For Medical Practice, Jacqueline M. Christen

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the implications of resource-oriented music therapy (RoMT) in medical practice. This approach has been applied to other populations in music therapy practice, but remains under-researched in the medical environment. Three participants, each of whom works in the medical setting, were interviewed. A descriptive analysis was used to identify particular themes that emerged from the interview process. These themes were then related to each component of the RoMT approach. The results showed that despite not having a comprehensive understanding of the RoMT approach, each of the participants practiced in ways that supported the …

A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Experience Of Music Therapists With Vocal Health Issues, Liisa Hill Murray

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the experience of music therapists who have had vocal health issues. Participants included three board-certified music therapists who use their voice as a primary or secondary instrument in practice and have experienced vocal health issues for which they obtained medical treatment. Participants described their experiences during semi-structured interviews, and an adaptation of Giorgi's (2012) descriptive phenomenological psychological method was used to identify the underlying themes. Themes that depicted the essence of the therapists' experiences were: (a) Physical Sensations Leading to Emotional Experiences, (b) Challenges to Identity, (c) Relationship Shifts, (d) Changes …

Exploring Empathy In Music Therapy, Jessica Haviland

Theses & Dissertations

This following research is a phenomenological inquiry exploring the role of empathy in the clinical work of music therapists. Three board-certified music therapists were interviewed about their personal and clinical experience with empathy, and the role empathy has played in their clinical work. Data are analyzed according to procedures associated with transcendental phenomenology methodology, and overall themes are discussed. Related literature is reviewed, and implications for future research in relation to this phenomenon are discussed.

The Role Of The Musical - Self In Promoting Career Longevity Among Music Therapists, Peter Davis

Theses & Dissertations

To attend to the musical and clinical needs of music therapy consumers, music therapists must attend to their own music so as to nurture their musical-self (Bruscia, 1987; Priestley, 1994; Robbins & Robbins, 1998). Yet, despite the fact that music is the basic tool music therapists rely upon to conduct their work (Aigen, 2005b; Brookins, 1984), the topic of nurturing the musical-self has received scarce, if any attention in the music therapy literature. The purpose of this study was to understand the views of professional music therapists in regard to the role of the musical-self in promoting career longevity among …

Boundary Issues In Music Therapy Internship Supervision, Michelle Lasco

Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the prevalence and frequency of boundary issues within music therapy internship supervision. An online survey was used to obtain data from 243 board- certified music therapists who finished their training within the past five years. Participants were asked for demographic information, and asked to respond to questions about boundary issues and challenges during their internship. The study found a relatively low frequency of boundary issues; however some issues occurred more often than others, most notably social media connections and social outings beyond the internship site. Social media connections that were initiated by the supervisor, the gender mix …

Music Therapy, Pain, And Anxiety In Short-Term Adult Inpatient Orthopedic Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial, John Marino

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety with older adult orthopedic patients in short-term inpatient rehabilitation. Pain and anxiety are common conditions faced by older adults that can hinder progress in therapy. Ten participants were randomly selected to music therapy or control group. Pain and anxiety levels were measured pre and post intervention, for eight sessions. A music therapy questionnaire addressing interventions for pain and anxiety management was administered to the experimental group following the last session. Music therapy interventions applied were consistent with current research and contained preferred, familiar …

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Nordoff-Robbins Trainees' Personal And Musical Growth During Certification Training, Matsuri Imura

Theses & Dissertations

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (NRMT) is an improvisational model of music therapy that involves active music making between a client and therapist. Through this interaction, the therapist may promote communication, self-expression and relatedness (Aigen, 2005). NRMT requires advanced training beyond what is necessary to practice music therapy at an entry level, and it offers certification at three levels. This study examined the experience of three participants who have completed Level I NRMT training. The first level of training focuses on developing musical resources and clinical applications of music while trainees attend classes and conduct individual and group sessions. Improvisational competencies necessary …

Exploring The Impact Of Personal Bereavement On Music Therapists' Work In End-Of-Life Care, Kaitlyn Leann Weeks

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the impact of personal loss on music therapists' work in end-of-life care. Each of the two participants in this study has worked in an end-of-life care setting as a board certified music therapist, has experienced a personal loss within the past ten years, was willing to share their experience of grief openly, and was personally aware as to how their experience has impacted their work.

The participants discussed their loss on a personal and professional level, and shared the positive effects and challenging outcomes of grief in relation to their clinical …

The Experience Of Teamwork In Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy: A Phenomenological Investigation, John Mulcahy

Theses & Dissertations

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (NRMT) is a unique improvisational approach to music therapy utilizing the model of a two-therapist clinical team to treat clients. In this phenomenological study, four NRMT-trained music therapists were interviewed and asked to reflect upon their past experiences working within a two-therapist team. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for relevant themes. Eight invariant themes common among all participant responses were found demonstrating patterns of interpersonal/musical interaction and shared experiences/understanding between team members, along with demonstrating the influence of outside factors on the overall team dynamic. Participants reported that the qualities of team member interaction encompassing trust and …

The Experience Of Music Therapists Who Balance The Dual Professions Of Music Therapist And Professional Musician, Colin Turner

Theses & Dissertations

This phenomenological research explores the experiences of professionals who balance careers as both music therapists and professional musicians. Interviews with these participants provide new insights into the lives of music therapists who are also music performers outside of clinical work. This study aims to gain a better understanding of how music therapists describe the impacts of balancing the two professions. Four Board-Certified Music Therapists who simultaneously work as professional musicians participated in open-ended interviews regarding their experiences of balancing the two professions and how it has impacted their clinical work. Two main categories emerged during the analysis: (a) Performance had …

Exploring Spiritual Experiences Of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapists, Hyun Jin Hong

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore spiritual dimensions of Creative Music Therapy, also known as Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (NRMT). NRMT uses improvisational music therapy with children and adults with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities to encourage deeper and more extensive realization of therapeutic goals. This study examined music therapists’ spiritual experiences by illuminating their personal experiences in the NRMT setting. Research questions and sub-questions included: How do NRMTs define spirituality? How do they experience spirituality in music therapy? Why do they regard the experience as spiritual? How are those experiences reflected in music? How do they view …

A Historical Review Of Music Therapy And The Department Of Veterans Affairs, Jenna Spencer

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the history and development of music therapy within the veteran population, specifically in regards to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This research will be conducted qualitatively utilizing narrative inquiry and historical review. Using numerous sources of literature, the researcher will conduct a thorough historical review in order to fully portray the development of music therapy practice within the veteran population. The researcher will explore various sources of relevant literature in order to discover when and how music therapy was first used to treat the veteran population and how music therapy programs …

The Call For Bravery: The Use Of Improvised Story Songs With A Preschooler With Developmental Delays, Emily Mcclure

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how improvised story songs reflect the lived experience of a preschool-age child with developmental delays, exploring what these musical experiences indicate about the child's development and therapeutic process. The researcher developed this area of study based on the participant's unique clinical experience with improvised story songs during his 10 months in music therapy. Archive video recordings of past sessions with the participant were thoroughly reviewed, and three to four improvised story songs were selected as the primary source of data for this study. These songs, as well as the therapeutic …

Parallel Process In Music Therapy Supervision, Gabriela S. Ortiz

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand parallel process in individual music therapy sessions with a child with Williams Syndrome and the subsequent supervisory relationship. This study consisted of an exploration of parallel process employing the qualitative analysis of first-person research and reflexive phenomenology. Data was collected through video- and audio-recordings from a total of three sessions (two clinical and 1 supervision). The method included analyses of personal journal entries, interpretive coding, and musical and verbal transcriptions. Musical and interpersonal themes were then identified within the therapeutic and supervisory relationships using retrospection and holistic listening. The findings from …

I Am Surrounded By Love: An Inquiry Into The Use Of Songs With A Woman With Traumatic Brain Injury, 11 Years Post-Injury, Pamela J. Carlton

Theses & Dissertations

The use of songs in music therapy with persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has many facets and applications in rehabilitation. Analyses of lyrics, song construct, and song choice have been examined with persons with TBI in coma states and early post-coma recovery, but more research is needed that focuses on what occurs when songs in therapy are introduced at a later point in TBI recovery. This narrative inquiry examined the therapeutic relevance of melody, rhythm, and song structure in songs for a woman with TBI from a 3-year period of weekly music therapy sessions. The participants in this study …

An Exploration Of Perceived Stress Among Music Therapy Interns, Ayelet Walker

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence, possible sources, and effects of perceived stress on music therapy interns. An online survey was conducted with a sample of music therapy interns from all seven regions of the U.S. Of the 71 participants who replied to the survey, 61 participants (2 males and 59 females) completed the entire survey and were included in the data analysis. Results showed this sample had moderately low prevalence of perceived stress (M=15.54, SD=6.38). The five sources of stress with the highest frequency were "Other sources of stress NOT related to …

Exploring The Musical Culture Of An African American Child With Developmental Disabilities In Group Music Therapy, Meghan Cork

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of the musical culture of an African American child with developmental disabilities in group music therapy. Qualitative methods were employed in an early childhood education setting. First, interview questions were sent home to parents and guardians of participants regarding music in the home, and music examples were analyzed based on the genres reported in the interview answers. Then, one session of four male participants with developmental disabilities, ages 4-5, was conducted and analyzed. The participants were African American, Hispanic, Pakistani, and Caucasian ethnicities. The researcher focused on the African American …

The Development And Establishment Of A Pre-School Music Therapy Program, Tracey Lee Rosen

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how a music therapist can develop and establish a music therapy program in the school setting. An experienced Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board Certified-Music Therapist, who began a music therapy program, was the sole participant in this study. The participant was interviewed a total of three times. The researcher asked open-ended questions regarding the history of how the participant developed and maintains her current music therapy program. The literature regarding the topic is scant, suggesting the need for studies to be conducted regarding this topic. The researcher extricated themes …

Theoretical Orientations Applied By Music Therapists Working In Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Settings, Angel A. Park

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the theoretical framework (i.e., cognitive behavior, psychodynamic, humanistic) used by music therapists during group music therapy sessions for adults residing in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Three participants were interviewed via Skype. A descriptive analysis was used to identify each participant’s theoretical orientations, methods of assessment, treatment, and evaluation, while his or her perspective on the benefits and challenges of implementing each respective theoretical orientation was also noted. The results showed that regardless of theoretical orientation, all participants use improvisation to assess and evaluate clients’ progress for treatment. Each theoretical orientation inherently contains its …

Music Therapy And Culture: Exploring My Culture And Its Influences, Midori Tsujimoto

Theses & Dissertations

With the rapidly growing cultural diversity in the United States, scholars have emphasized the importance of not only understanding other cultures, but also one’s own. It has become essential to evaluate the influence of one’s cultural background as he/she evolves a healthcare professional. Utilizing the method of self-inquiry, this paper explores my own cultural background and how it has shaped the way I work as a music therapist. Cultural differences between Japan and America are discussed, including disparities in social systems, music, and health. Two clinical case examples are presented to illustrate my experiences in relation to my cultural influences. …

An Exploration Of Mindfulness In My Music Therapy Sessions With A Child With Suggest Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kimberly Lau

Theses & Dissertations

This is a self-awareness qualitative research study in which the researcher explored the essence and realization of mindfulness that occurred during her music therapy sessions with a child with suggested autism. Due to the range of emotions she felt from her therapeutic relationship with the student, she was inspired to look into the practice of mindfulness to deepen self-understanding, develop self-awareness, and be more present in the sessions. Themes/motifs and feelings/emotions that emerged during the musical moments were identified by analyzing logs and analytic memos. The researcher chronicled her continuing revelation and formal and informal practices of mindfulness and how …