Music Therapy Commons^™

Preschoolers’ Use Of Verbal And Musical Strategies For Solving A Spatial Reasoning Task, Alyssa Marie Iulianetti

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Spatial reasoning is the ability to visualize and interact with one’s three-dimensional environment. A spatial problem that is particularly challenging for young children is the tube task, developed by Hood in 1995. Children are presented with an apparatus that consists of a large frame with three intertwining tubes attached to the top and bottom. Children are asked to predict where a ball will emerge when it is dropped down one of the tubes. Young children typically make what is known as the gravity bias error, in which they believe a ball will drop straight down even though its path is …

Music Intervention In The Acute And Critical Care Settings: Commentary On “The Effect Of Music During Bronchoscopy: A Meta-Analysis”, Linda L. Chlan, Annie Heiderscheit

Faculty Authored Articles

The article by Tam and colleagues published in this edition of Heart & Lung, succinctly reports on the meta-analysis of research findings testing music as an adjunctive intervention during bronchoscopy. The article provides a coherent summary of the pooled evidence of music’s beneficial effect on physiological indicators of relaxation and anxiety as evidenced by reductions in heart rate and blood pressure. We offer here a commentary on the article and music intervention, including key considerations for the implementation of music in practice settings.

Experiences Of Personal Therapy As A Client: Perspectives Of Asian Music Therapists During Their Training In The Us, Hyejin So

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This phenomenological research explored previous personal therapy (PT) experiences of East Asian music therapists during their training in the US. The study focused on examining the meaning of being therapy clients while they were music therapy students, and discovering the influence of PT on their personal, clinical, and musical development during and after the training. In addition, two different cultural influences on the therapeutic process were examined. Eight music therapists from Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan participated in this study. The length of their PT experiences ranged from six to 24 months. The participants’ therapists were Asians who immigrated to …

Soothing Relaxation Journeys: Designing Evidence Based Music And Imagery Opportunities, Amy Clements-Cortés

Music Faculty Publications

This paper provides information on the creation of an original collection of music and imagery journeys based on the literature in oncology and palliative care. Background evidence is shared about music and relaxation, music relaxation in medical settings, and music and relaxation in oncology/hospice treatment. The development of the resource is illuminated with respect to principles that guided the design. The Journeys collection is a tool that can be used independently by persons experiencing a variety of issues including: anxiety, pain, stress, low self-esteem, and low mood, etcetera; as well as with groups when implemented by a healthcare professional. While …

Turning Music Into Money: The Private Practice Quick Guide, Rasheda Jones Root

Music Therapy Theses

If you are reading this hook, ll1en you probably fit the description of a music therapist who graduated with a music therapy degree of some sort who wants to start the private practice of your dreams. Or, you fit the description of a music therapist who already has a private practice, hut wants to breathe new life into the one you already have. "Turning Mu$ic into Money- The Private Practice Quick Guide" is intended to guide you through the entire process of opening a private practice in music therapy. There will also be some tips about how to sustain and …

Potential Problems In Objectivist Research, Arthur P. Sullivan, John A. Sullivan

Department of Behavioral Science Publications and Research

The authors discuss potential problems in music therapy research design and methods.

Music Therapy As Procedural Support For Young Children Undergoing Immunizations: A Randomized Controlled Study, Olivia S. Yinger

Music Faculty Publications

Background: Children undergoing routine immunizations frequently experience severe distress, which may be improved through music therapy as procedural support.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine effects of live, cognitive-behavioral music therapy during immunizations on (a) the behaviors of children, their parents, and their nurses; and (b) parental perceptions.

Methods: Participants were children between the ages of 4 and 6 years (N = 58) who underwent immunizations, their parents (N = 62), and the nurses who administered the procedure (N = 19). Parent/child dyads were randomly assigned to receive music therapy (n = 29) …

Family-Based Music Therapy: Family Therapists' Perspectives, Beth Nemesh

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the use of musical interventions borrowed from music therapy in a family therapy context. Furthermore, the study aimed to move beyond current application of family-music therapy that focuses on a child, a member with special needs, or families with additional diagnoses to non-clinical families seeking therapy, focusing on the family as an entity. This research was based on the premise that engaging in musical activities is a natural, common endeavor that does not require special musical skills. This does not replace the immense body of knowledge needed for conventional …

An Evaluation Of A Developmental Individualized Relationship (Dir®) And Creative Arts Therapies Program For Children With Autism, Faith Thayer

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This study evaluated a Developmental Individual Differences Relationship-based (DIR®) creative arts therapy (CAT) program for children with ASD. The study was intended to assess whether the program met its stated goals to stimulate individualized social-emotional growth for children with ASD. The study was motivated by a central research question: Do DIR®-based creative arts therapies promote the social-emotional growth of children with ASD? A summative, longitudinal program evaluation research design was used to examine the program’s fidelity and outcomes. The evaluation included assessments for pre- and post-test quantitative standardized measures for data collection and analysis. The study also collected data from …

Discourse Analysis, Brent C. Talbot

Sunderman Conservatory of Music Faculty Publications

This chapter (a) presents discourse analysis as both epistemology and methodology; (b) suggests a sociolinguistic toolkit that could be used as one type of approach to conducting discourse analysis; (c) reviews and points to literature in music education and music therapy that have used such epistemological and methodological tools; and (d) suggests that, by engaging with discourse analysis, we can begin to ask questions about participants and their interactions within environments where music therapists operate and analyze prevailing discourses within structures and systems of music therapy. [excerpt]

Music Therapy In Detroit's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit : A Simulated Grant Proposal, Elizabeth Barone

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Infant mortality is the number one killer of children in the city of Detroit (Bouffard, 2014) and prematurity is the largest component, representing more than fifty percent of the current infant deaths in Detroit (Bouffard, 2014; Johnson, 2015, www.henryford.com, 2015) . Over the last two decades there has been an overwhelming amount of research in support of music therapy meeting the needs of parents and infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Abrams, Dassler, Lee, Loewy, Silverman & Telsey, 2007; Arnon, Shapsa, Forman, Regev, Bauer, Litmanovitz, & Dolfin, 2006; Baker & Mackinlay, 2006; Cevasco, 2008; Creighton, 2011; Edwards, 2011; Loewy, …

Integrating Creative Arts Into Music Therapy Practice, Megan E. Novak

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding the use of creative arts in music therapy practice. The survey used to collect the data was a 10 question multiple choice survey with an option for participants to provide any additional information they found necessary. This survey collected responses from 457 actively working music therapists in the United States. The data collected in this study was analyzed both quantitatively for statistical purposes as well as qualitatively to explore common themes and trends among participants. The results of this study showed the following: 1. The largest group of currently working …

Embodied Creative Arts Therapy Interventions With Trauma: A Qualitative Study, Brian Timothy Harris

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

With the primary purpose to extend therapists’ knowledge base, open dialogue on treatment efficacy, and stimulate creative yet effective interventions, this two-phase qualitative study pursued the guiding research question, How do creative arts therapists use embodied interventions in the treatment of psychological trauma? Phase One of the study was conducted with music therapists who had extensive experience with trauma and reported on their experiences with and awareness of embodied trauma treatment through a broad spectrum of creative modalities. Phase Two was grounded in theories of body awareness and creative arts therapy applications and included therapists specializing in music, dance/movement, art, …

Epistemological Foundations Of Objectivist And Interpretivist Research, James Hiller

Books and Book Chapters by University of Dayton Faculty

At the heart of music therapy research, as in any field, is a search for knowledge. For centuries, researchers in a remarkable range of disciplines have conducted research and published findings in a vast array of professional journals and books. It therefore seems reasonable to suppose that we ought to know by now how to go about conducting research, and more importantly what it means to have gained knowledge. Yet problems have persisted along the way and have at various times proven quite challenging and even inconvenient for researchers and their claims to knowledge (Kuhn, 2012). Of particular significance are …

Current Practices In Music Therapy With Bone Marrow And Organ Transplant Recipients, Heather Humphrey

Theses and Dissertations--Music

There is limited research on music therapy for transplant recipients, yet board-certified music therapists working in medical settings often encounter individuals from the transplant population. The purpose of this study was to examine the current practices of music therapists working with bone marrow and organ transplant recipients. A total of 68 board-certified music therapists completed an online survey, providing information related to goal areas addressed in music therapy sessions and interventions frequently used with bone marrow and organ transplant patients. The most frequently reported goal areas included: coping skills, mood, and self-expression. The most frequently reported interventions included: singing, songwriting, …

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 …

Comparing Textbooks From Entry-Level Courses In Music Therapy And Related Health Professions, Alexandria Langella

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Music therapists often co-treat with other therapists from related professions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. In order to co-treat effectively and obtain referrals for music therapy services, it is important that other professionals have an awareness of the profession of music therapy. University-level professional training program courses are one place where health care professionals may learn about music therapy. The purpose of this study was to see if required textbooks used in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology entry-level courses in Kentucky contain references to music therapy, and if the required textbooks used in music therapy …

Music Therapy Interventions For End-Of-Life Care: An Integrative Literature Review, Ranjani Sukumaran

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Music therapy plays an integral role in end-of-life care, positively impacting emotional, social, physical, cognitive and spiritual health. The purpose of this integrative review was to collect and compile studies (N= 55) between 2000 and 2016 on the topic of music therapy interventions in end-of-life care, in order to provide both music therapy students and therapists access to the most recent and commonly used music therapy interventions and goals. Results of the integrative literature review indicate that the most common intervention for all age groups in end-of-life care is songwriting and composition, with the most common therapeutic goal …

Practices And Perceptions Of Music Therapists Using Songwriting Interventions With Clients Who Are Grieving, Erin Aubrey Batkiewicz

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Music therapists use songwriting interventions to address a variety of goals with several populations. Nevertheless, limited research exists regarding the use of songwriting interventions with individuals who are grieving. The purpose of this study was to examine practices and perceptions of board-certified music therapists working with clients who are grieving, specifically: (a) common interventions used to address grief (b) use of songwriting intervention; (c) perceived effectiveness of songwriting; and (d) music therapists’ comfort levels and training in implementing songwriting interventions. An online survey was sent to 6,292 board-certified music therapists, 324 of whom completed the survey. Participants reported that they …

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 …

Afroreggae And Grupo Cultural Afro Reggae: A Study Of The Early Years, Sarah S. Ohmer

Publications and Research

The following study of AfroReggae and Grupo Cultural Afro Reggae (GCAR) calls attention to Brazilian presence and community organizing in the field of Hip Hop studies with a long memory framework: placing AfroReggae and GCAR in a long history of Africana resistance through music in Latin America. !990s GCAR group arises when reggae and Hip Hop music had become new global forms of solidarity among urban marginalized youths worldwide, making use of old and new strategies of social healing (Fernandes 2011). A close look at lyrics from the Hip Hop fusion band and the associated nonprofit organization shape the concepts …

Physiological Response To Dissonance In Musicians And Nonmusicians, Angela Beth Biehl

Masters Theses

Knowing the human response to musical dissonance could have important therapeutic implications in the music therapy setting. The listener’s musical experience could significantly impact their response and subsequently its effect in a therapeutic setting. Thus, this study aimed to examine both the psychophysiological and subjective responses to dissonance and the difference in these responses between those with high experience and those with low experience. Participating groups, categorized as high experience (HE) and low experience (LE) in terms of musical knowledge, listened to consonant and dissonant musical excerpts, and rated each excerpt on its pleasantness; their physiologic responses were measured to …

The Neurochemistry Of Group Singing: Bonding And Oxytocin, Jason Keeler

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the neurochemical correlates of group vocal improvisation and to determine the feasibility of the research methods. One group of four participants sang together in two conditions: pre-composed and improvised. Concentrations of plasma oxytocin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured before and after each singing condition to assess levels of hormones associated with social affiliation, engagement and arousal. Successful implementation of the methodology, including recruitment, data collection, and sample analysis, served as the primary outcome of this study. ACTH concentrations decreased in both conditions, and significantly so in the pre-composed singing condition. Mean …

Ed Roth, Margaret Von Steinen

International Faculty Researchers

Can listening to and making music be effectively used in the treatment of people diagnosed with neurologic and psychiatric disorders? This is the primary question Professor Ed Roth, director of WMU’s music therapy program, is attempting to answer in collaboration with colleagues from around the world to improve treatment for people experiencing post-traumatic stress and other acute anxiety disorders. He is a co-founder and director of WMU’s Laboratory for Brain Research and Interdisciplinary Neurosciences (BRAIN) (article) and a Fellow in the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapists, who specializes in the application of music in the treatment of neurologic disorders and …

Orchestral Instruments In Music Therapy : Developing An Educational Track For Orchestral Musicians In Music Therapy Training, Laura Bunker

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This paper proposes a supplemental educational track for the training of music therapy students who play an orchestral instrument. Containing three courses, this proposed protocol for instruction aims to bridge the gap between standard practices of classical music training, and training related specifically to music therapy in a graduate program. Designed with a focus on improving one’s functional musicianship on his or her orchestral instrument, courses offer opportunities to foster and practice these skills through class workshops, and community outreach and advocacy.

Starting with a detailed review of literature, this paper delves into the use of orchestral instruments in music …

Neurologically-Informed Musicking (Nim) For Relaxation : Process And Effects, Ji Young Cho

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study aimed to look at the effects of client directed therapeutic musical improvisation on relaxation. The protocol used immediate brain wave data to inform a music therapist’s improvisation for the purpose of affecting the client’s state of rest.

Based on prior and existing music therapy techniques, this music therapy method was further developed by the researcher and thesis sponsor, and for the sake of consolidation and brevity, was given the name, Neurologically-Informed Musicking (NIM). The researcher asked the following questions: (1) What form does the NIM process takes when relaxation is a clinical goal? How (if at all) does …

Music Therapy In Schools : The Current Status, Tammy Takaishi

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study, to assess the prevalence and role of music therapy in various school systems across the United States, utilized a demographic survey design. The instrument used in this study was a 10 item self-report electronic survey. A mix of open ended and multiple choice questions were utilized.

Descriptive statistics, percentage analysis, and topic categorizing were used to analyze the data supplied by 166 school-based music therapists from throughout the United States. Results indicated the following: 1. The majority of respondents (78%) provided music therapy in public schools with weekly self-contained groups being the most common type of session. 2. …

A Developmentally-Informed, Stage-Based Model Of Music Therapy In Cancer Care, Cheryl Lynn Olson

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The physical needs of cancer patients have been documented and accounted for in various methods and theories. Some of the emotional needs of patients have been addressed as well. However, the purpose of this paper is to address the need for a music therapy model that relates developmental life stages to the needs of cancer patients. A brief literature review of physical and emotional needs of cancer patients will be presented, as well as a life-stage model of cancer in terms of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome. Based on the existing literature, this study will develop a music therapy model targeting …

The Experience Of Social Flow In Vocal Jazz Improvisation, Brittany Neuser

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of experimental research procedures and gather initial data in studying the experience of social flow within the context of group music production tasks. Participants completed two different group vocal music production tasks: Performance of a pre-composed song and an improvised performance. The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2), a 36-item survey in which a mean score of 45 implies the ultimate flow experience and a score of 9 implies that no flow was experienced during the event in question, was used to assess the level of social flow experienced by the participants …