The effects of recorded sedative music on the physiology and behaviour of premature infants with a respiratory disorder. 3 - 19.
This study tested the safety of using recorded sedative music (RSM) with 34-week-old premature infants with a respiratory disorder. Data was collected to measure the effect of RSM on the physiological stability and behaviours of these infants. Twenty-two infants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, the music group or control group. The music group received 20 minutes of recorded music per day for 4 days. The control group received no music for 4 days. Each infant was observed for a total of 45 minutes each day for the 4 days that they participated. The data collectors were unaware of group allocation and listened to masking music when conducting observations. Data measures were heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and infant behaviours. The use of RSM had no negative effect on the physiology or behaviour of the infants in the music group. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to heart rate, respiration rate, or oxygen saturation. Behavioural results also showed no significant differences between the behavioural states of the two groups. The lack of significant results is attributed to a number of factors including a potentially skewed sample and insufficient exposure to the music to establish an effect.

A time of turmoil: Music therapy interventions for adolescents in a paediatric oncology ward. 20 - 37
A diagnosis of cancer during adolescence can potentially complicate an already challenging phase of development. Music therapy techniques, including song parody and performance, music relaxation and imagery, and instrument learning, can provide age-appropriate and innovative ways to help meet the unique needs of adolescents undergoing hospital cancer treatment. Case studies are provided to illustrate their effectiveness with this population.

Expanding from hospital to home based care: Implications for music therapists working in palliative care. 38 - 49.
The focus of health care within Australia is shifting. Health care programs, traditionally the domain of large hospitals, are increasingly becoming community based. As music therapists, we need to be aware that these changes are occurring and the implications that this has for our work. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative examination of the role of music therapy with palliative care patients in contrasting settings - home and hospital. The material will be drawn from the author's direct clinical experience, as well as music therapy and other health care literature. Awareness of the topics discussed will inform future research in the clinical practice of music therapists working in palliative care, as well as music therapists witnessing this change in other settings.

Striking a chord: Consolidating music therapy's future in palliative care. 50 - 62.
The palliative care movement in Australia began in the early 1980's in response to the perceived unmet needs of the dying. Since this time the field of palliative care has evolved and developed into a recognised specialty of health care practice that acknowledges the holistic needs of patients and their families/carers. During this time music therapists and organisations have committed themselves to researching, supporting, and promoting music therapy's unique and effective role in palliative care. This paper outlines the evolution of palliative care, and palliative care/music therapy services, in Australia. It shall also highlight how music therapists can build upon existing foundations so as to consolidate music therapy's future in palliative care and the larger health care movement.

Sutton, J. (Ed.). (2002). Music, music therapy and trauma: International perspectives. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Berger, D. S. (2002). Music therapy, sensory integration and the autistic child. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.