| Amir, D. |
Musical Humour in Improvisational Music Therapy
A qualitative research study using aspects of grounded theory was undertaken to explore the concept and experience of “musical humour” in improvisational music therapy. Partial research findings are presented and consist of the following categories: various kinds, types, gestures and shapes of musical humour; humour in improvised songs; interpretation of musical gestures as humorous; conditions for understanding humorous musical gestures; meanings of musical humour in improvisational music therapy; constructive functions of humorous musical interventions, and destructive use of humour.
|
| Baker, F., Kennelly, J., & Tamplin, J. |
Themes in Songs Written by Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Differences Across the Lifespan
This study aimed to identify age differences in the themes of songs written by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Lyrics from 82 songs written by 11 female and 20 male patients aged between 5 and 60 years were categorised into eight themes and 24 categories. Incidence of categories and themes were calculated and compared across six age brackets. Results suggest that children, early adolescent, and middle adolescent patients with TBI focus on memories to a substantially greater degree than older patients. Early and late adolescent patient groups are most likely to be self-reflective, and to raise concerns about the future, when compared with other patient groups . |
Mackenzie, J., & Hamlett, K. |
The Music Together Program: Addressing the Needs of "Well" Families with Young Children
Music Together is a community based music therapy program for “well” families with preschool aged children. The program reflects a developing perspective that music therapy can be a preventative intervention. Music Together is available to all families within the community, not just those with a diagnosis, disability, or identified as “at risk”. This article describes the challenges facing Australian families, the need for social support, and the application of traditional early intervention music therapy techniques to support “well” families. Results of a program evaluation are presented to substantiate this application of music therapy.
|
|
|
Reflections on Music Therapy with Indigenous Families: Cultural Learning Put into Practice
This article describes the process of learning and development that occurred when the prevention and early intervention project, Sing & Grow, began to provide services to Indigenous families. The first attempt at establishing a weekly music therapy service for Indigenous families presented many challenges which impacted on program implementation. Through analysis of the contributing factors, guidelines were developed and implemented in the following program, which resulted in a positive learning experience for the families and therapists involved. Four main themes emerged in the work and will be addressed: trust and rapport; physical space; staff support; and cultural issues. It is hoped that the following discussion will be useful to clinicians working in cross-cultural and multi-cultural settings.
|
|
|
Coping with Multiple Sclerosis: A Music Therapy Viewpoint
This article introduces coping theory, from the health sociology literature, to the setting of music therapy with people experiencing the chronic degenerative neurological condition, Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Three factors influencing whether a person copes successfully are their (a) style of coping used, (b) perception of control over life events, and (c) sense of self (Updegraff & Taylor, 2000). Factors relevant to the coping process were identified in the literature about music therapy with those experiencing MS. Three case vignettes describing music therapy with women experiencing severe, secondary progressive MS are examined for evidence of coping processes. Coping strategies identified within sessions included active, avoidant, and acceptance and positive interpretation styles (Updegraff, 2000). Music therapy sessions also addressed factors of patient control and sense of self, which are crucial for functional coping. Music therapists are encouraged to investigate the coping with chronic illness literature, recognise the use of particular coping styles in their clients, and integrate this knowledge into existing music therapy practice.
|
| Ledger, A., & Baker, F. |
Longitudinal Research Designs in Music Therapy with People who have Dementia
Longitudinal research studies in music therapy are not frequently reported within the music therapy literature despite the need for these within the discipline. This article aims to encourage music therapists to undertake longitudinal research, by providing information on aspects of this type of research design. The authors discuss some advantages of longitudinal research approaches, and present the challenges expected to be faced by those conducting longitudinal research studies. Reflections on the authors’ experiences in investigating long-term effects of music therapy on people with dementia are described, along with recommendations as to how future researchers might address or accommodate some of these challenges. |
|
Invited paper:
|
|
|
|
Significant Moments in Music Therapy in Australia
The Australian Music Therapy Association was established in 1975 and celebrates its 30 th anniversary in 2005. A survey of Australian music therapists generated responses about their perception of significant moments in the history of Australian music therapy, and what they believed lay ahead in the future. Themes for the future included greater professional acceptance and recognition, professional growth, and collaboration in research.
|
|
Book reviews:
|
|
| McFerran, K. |
Wigram, T. (2004). Improvisation: Methods and techniques for music therapy clinicians, educators and students. London: Jessica Kingsley. |
| O'Gorman, S. |
Nocker-Ribaurpierre, M. (Ed.). (2004). Music therapy for premature and newborn infants (S. Weber, Trans.). Philadelphia: Barcelona. |
|
Booth, R.
|
Robbins, C. (2005). A journey into creative music therapy. St. Louis: MMB Music, Inc.
|