Music Therapy Case Studies

These case studies are a collaboration between the Music Council of Australia’s national music advocacy campaign, Music: Play for Life and the Australian Music Therapy Association.

They provide some insight into the work of seven music therapists, each working in diverse ways in different locations across the country. Each case study also summarises a little of what we know from science about why music works so well in the particular context – from aiding a person’s end-of-life journey to helping seriously ill children build resilience in hospital.

If you sing or play a musical instrument – alone or as part of a group – you will undoubtedly be moved and inspired by these case studies as you’ve already been touched by the healing power of music in your own life. If you aren’t yet musically active, give music a go: it’s good for you!

Enjoy.

Production team

For Music: Play for Life: Tina Broad, writer, editor, production coordinator

For Australian Music Therapy Association: Meg Steele, project manager; Katrina McFerran, research summaries; Rachel Nendick, setting-specific backgrounders

Design: Flipside Creative

Photography: James Knowler, Adelaide; Rohan Young, Melbourne; Joshua Morris, Sydney; Queensland Health, Brisbane; Ryan Strating, Hobart; Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth.

Music and Special Education

Music in Palliative Care

Music in Adult Disability

Music in a Hospital

Music in Aged Care

Music in a Community Service

Music therapy and mental health

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