Group music therapy methods in cross-cultural aged care practice in Australia

Abstract

Australian Music therapists are being called upon to work with an elderly population that is increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD). This study addresses the shortage of research in the following areas: 1) cross-cultural music therapy methods; 2) aged CALD clients; and 3) group work. An online questionnaire was circulated to 88practising music therapists working in aged care in Australia. Data were gathered regarding frequently used methods, music genre and styles, utilisation of culturally specific music idioms, and challenges and strategies in working with CALD clients. The results suggest that cross-cultural music therapy practice in aged care is influenced by the following: personal experience and professional training, and the client's background, abilities, level of acculturation and musical preference. The study concludes with recommendations for training music therapists in future.

Keywords: cross-cultural music therapy, aged care, music therapy methods, CALD clients

Citation

Ip-Winfield, V., & Grocke, D. (2011). Group music therapy methods in cross-cultural aged care practice in Australia. Australian Journal of Music Therapy, 22, 59-78.