Dissertations / Theses: 'Degree Discipline: Music Therapy'

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Ansdell, Gary. "Music therapy as discourse and discipline : a study of 'music therapist's dilemma'." Thesis, City University London, 1999. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/7745/.

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This study takes a qualitative research perspective on the question of how music therapists talk about music therapy and how much a metalanguage relates to music therapy as an evolving discipline and profession. I ask whether there is a discourse of music therapy, and what the implications of this might be. Common to music centered approaches to music therapy is a problem I characterize as music therapists dilemma. This concerns having to use words and verbal logic to represent complex musical processes in music therapy (and the therapeutic processes which are seen to occur within these). I investigate how aspects of the New Musciology are discourse theory might shed light on the nature of music therapists dilemma. The data consists of an analysis of the verbal representations of one approach - Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. Three analyses examine different occasions where Nordoff-Robbins Music therapists are required to verbalise about music therapy: (i) when making a different commentary on a taped excerpt from a music therapy session, (ii) in a discussion group on general aspects of the work, and (ii) writing texts on practice, theory and research. The overall analytic perspective of critical theory (supplemented by discourse analysis and music semiology) is used to examine the complex interaction between representation, theory and ideology within these various meta linguistic forms. I conclude that any metalanguage of music therapy functions are discourse in the sense that it actively constructs (and does not merely describe) the practices and phenomena it concerns itself with. Music therapists dilemma is seen as an inevitable part of a music-centered music therapy (and as an extension of the problems of talking about music itself). Further, the dilemma is seen as having two aspects: the related challenges of verbally representing and theorizing the complex non-verbal phenomena and processes of music therapy. I suggest that my finding are transferable to music centered approaches to music therapy. A consequence of regarding the discipline and profession of music therapy as constructed by discourse is that the discursive practices of music therapists become of equal importance to their clinical practices - and should therefore be given equal attention on matters of training, theory building and research.

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Chiang, Jenny Yu Kuan. "Music therapy for young children who have special needs : the music therapy experience from the perspectives of carers and professionals : a thesis submitted to the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1046.

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Wong, Chit Yu. "How can a music therapy student facilitate contributions by adolescent clients who have psychiatric disorders in group music therapy? : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1093.

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This study explored ways in which a music therapy student could modify and improve her own clinical practice in order to facilitate client contribution in group music therapy in an acute adolescent inpatient unit. Through cycles of observation, evaluation, planning, and action, the music therapy student was able to examine her facilitation techniques in detail and modified them accordingly. There were six fortnightly cycles and in each cycle, the research journal, research notes, and video-recording were systematically reviewed by the music therapy student herself, and themes were drawn out to contribute to the planning of the next cycle. The results suggested that while direct questions predominated at the start of study, the music therapy student was able to adopt a variety of other techniques by the end of the research period, including self-disclosure, appropriate eye contact, and the shifting of responsibility. The music therapy student also found that her own anxiety level, which was often caused by periods of silence in music groups, also had an important impact on her ability to facilitate. The discussion addressed other factors that are believed to have contributed to the student?s ability to facilitate in group music therapy.

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Wong, Chit Yu. "How can a music therapy student facilitate contributions by adolescent clients who have psychiatric disorders in group music therapy? : a thesis submitted to the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy /." ResearchArchive e-thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1003.

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Boniface, Emma Jane. "Promoting sociability : staff perceptions of music therapy as a way to enhance social skills : a project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music in Music Therapy, New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1172.

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This thesis is the result of working with nine students and one teacher aide in group music therapy in special education. Through opportunities to learn about music and sound, the students were invited to use descriptive language to express emotions and thoughts about their music therapy experience. This research used a qualitative research design, where the purpose was to learn about the perceptions that staff may have of music therapy and to highlight how music therapy can promote sociability in an educative setting. The data collected mainly through research journal entries and two interviews (as well as material from a discussion group) offer evidence about how improvisational group music therapy can help create a positive social environment in the classroom and complement socialisation goals in education.

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Gang, Na-Hyun. "Action research : an exploration of a music therapy student's journey of establishing a therapeutic relationship with a child with autistic spectrum disorder in music therapy : a thesis submitted to the New Zealand School of Music in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1081.

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Kahui, Dennis Jon. "A cultural approach to music therapy in New Zealand : a Maori perspective : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at Massey University, NZ School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/898.

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The main theme of this study is to form a culturally appropriate approach to music therapy concepts from a Maori perspective that could be inclusive and accommodate both Maori and Tauiwi (non-Maori) Rangatahi (adolescents) in health care settings. In order to provide a descriptive account of the holistic aspects of introducing Maori musical concepts in a music therapy setting a qualitative design was employed. The study draws on my personal journal entries, an interview with Kaumatua (Maori respected elders) regarding the appropriateness of introducing and altering traditional Maori musicality to accommodate the patient’s needs and a case study involving the Haka as a music therapy intervention strategy with a young Maori patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. My findings show that as a music therapist consultation with Kaumatua regarding anything related to Maori cultural aspects was essential. I also found that when working with a Maori Rangatahi who is immersed in Maori culture, it created an atmosphere of containment, familiarity, enjoyment, engagement and an environment that facilitated the achievement of therapeutic goals. Te Whare Tapa Wha Maori mental health model is well suited as a music therapy assessment tool to the characteristics of the physical, emotional, spiritual and family context of the Haka. I also found that Tauiwi music therapists wishing to introduce cultural elements must first learn about Maori culture and the people in order to confidently understand the music. Tauiwi Rangatahi may also benefit from the introduction of Maori musicality as a therapeutic means by being an inclusive member of the community and the positive psychological effects. For example, Rangatahi benefited from learning the proper pronunciation and meaning of the Haka, which in turn gave them a sense of achievement. I also found that some Maori protocols fit well with the protocols of music therapy, such as the beginning and endings with a hello and goodbye song.

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Savaiinaea, Chelsea Makere. "Challenges in communication : a critical analysis of a student music therapist's techniques in working with special needs children : a thesis submitted to the New Zealand School of Music in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Music Therapy /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1082.

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Wang, Tzu-ya (Lisa). "Action research : improving my music therapy practice with hospitalised adolescents through building relationships and meeting their developmental needs : a thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy." New Zealand School of Music, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1115.

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This study examines the researcher's music therapy intervention with hospitalised adolescents within a paediatric hospital The hospital is located in a New Zealand city serving a broad multicultural population of mainly Pakeha, Maori and Pacific Island people. There is a large body of literature showing that experiences of hospitalisation are often unpleasant and that the challenges adolescents encounter during hospitalisation can also be detrimental to their development. The researcher employed an action research model of cycles of planning, action and reflection to explore the potential for practice improvement in meeting the needs of hospitalised adolescents. In addition, young people's feedback on the sessions and input from supervisors also contributed to the researcher's planning. Personal goals in clinical practice and specific planning for the needs of individual participants were the starting points of each cycle. Subsequently, each cycle had a learning analysis to relate planning to action and to collect the knowledge for the next cycle or future practice. The researcher found that through scrutiny of her clinical work she was able to improve her professional practice. The findings also showed that relationship-building through music therapy was able to support the developmental needs of hospitalised adolescents.

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Wilkinson, Catherine Joy. "Reflections and analysis to improve clinical practice : a student music therapist's journey with a preschool child with special needs : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/858.

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This qualitative study critically examines the researcher’s music therapy clinical practice with a preschool child with global developmental delay. The researcher/student music therapist critically examined and refined her clinical practice using an action research model. Each cycle consisted of a plan, action, data collection, reflection, and analysis. The researcher was the main participant. The child, his mother and a speech-language therapist were co-participants with different roles. The child and his mother participated in the sessions. The speech-language therapist observed three sessions through a window. Feedback from the child’s mother and the speech-language therapist contributed to the reflective data. Important issues that developed through the cycles related to early intervention techniques (having fun, being playful and spontaneous, and being in close proximity). Other important issues that developed were, the use of the voice and guitar; confidence; professionalism with parents and other health professionals; self-awareness; and the understanding of early childhood development (especially in the area of communication). Related literature on aspects of music therapy practice, music therapy in early intervention, music therapy and communication, and action research are described. These results cannot be generalised. However, they may firstly, illustrate relevant trends in early intervention, and secondly, enable the researcher to adapt skills learnt to use in future practice in early intervention

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Chiang, Jenny Yu Kuan. "Music therapy for young children who have special needs : the music therapy experience from the perspectives of carers and professionals : thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1245.

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This project aims to investigate how carers and other professionals perceive the music therapy process over time. Music therapy has been used to address a wide range of diagnoses and developmental issues of young children. The research was conducted during my clinical placement working with young children who have been referred to a child development team. The participants in this project were carers with children with special needs. The children were diagnosed with various disabilities and required different support and developmental goals. Each child attended individual music therapy sessions once a week over a period of three to nine months. It was speculated that many other changes or developmental progress could occur along with the goals and objectives set by me in the music therapy process. To understand fully what other changes or progress the children have made with the input of music therapy, the research was designed using open-ended interviews to find out what the carers and a professional witnessed during and in between the sessions. Three carers were involved in a one-on-one in-depth interview in which they were encouraged to talk about their observation and perception of music therapy. A speech-language therapist was also invited to participate in an in-depth interview. Data derived from the interviews was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings compare themes generated from the clinical notes and interview data. The results showed some shared experiences amongst the participants as well as exceptions influenced by parental differences and the children’s conditions. Examination of the similarities and differences between the clinical notes and the interview data helped me validate the outcome of music therapy intervention and gain more insights into effective practice.

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Armstrong, Ruth Elizabeth. "The effect of music therapy on self-reported affect in hospitalised paediatric patients : a thesis submitted to the New Zealand School of Music in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1208.

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The present research examines the effect of music therapy on the affect of hospitalised children. It took place on a paediatric ward of a New Zealand public hospital. This study aimed to investigate the role of music therapy in addressing patients’ psychosocial needs. Literature on the impact of hospitalisation, and on the use of music therapy in hospitals and paediatrics was reviewed. The research involved an audit of the therapist’s clinical notes from music therapy sessions over the course of seven months. The clinical notes included measurements of children’s mood from the beginning and end of sessions, using McGrath’s (1990) Affective Facial Scale. It was hypothesised that mood measures following music therapy would be higher than pre-music therapy scores. Statistical analysis of the facial scale data did not show a significant difference between ‘before’ and ‘after’ measures. These results were discussed with regard to a ceiling effect (this is, the measurements indicated patients were at the happy end of the scale before the music therapy session, so there was little room on the scale for mood to improve following music therapy). The measurement of emotion did not prove to be straightforward. The hospital environment may have influenced the patients’ responses in a number of ways. These environmental influences are discussed with reference to examples from the clinical notes. The usefulness of facial scales in this context is discussed, as well as other limitations of the research. Suggestions for future research include the use of other mood measures, and the inclusion of measurements of parental mood and how this affects the child.

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Garber, Melissa Lee. "Exploring processing reflection methods and how they can be utilized in music therapy sessions at an adolescent acute psychiatric ward : a research project presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1502.

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This study explores how other music therapists and mental health professionals process and reflect on their sessions and what issues are relevant and instrumental in achieving this. The primary focus is on an acute psychiatric ward for adolescents. The intent is to improve my ability to process and reflect on my clients’ responses and actions during and after future Music Therapy sessions. Research began by exploring the various ways of processing content that emerge during sessions by exploring the literature, interviewing an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Psychiatrist from the unit and by analysing my reflective journal. Using multiple sources of information, methods, techniques and theories I will endeavour to uncover meaning, improve my understanding and thus improve my future practice. The initial perspective was endeavouring to discover how a therapist can better reflect on or process their sessions. Findings showed that the therapist processing with intent to “fix” or “cure” a client is misdirected. Through self-reflection, observation, ‘mindfulness’ , empathy, awareness of countertransference and several other tools, a therapist is able to become client-centred and potentially assist the client to self-reflect and develop mindfulness. The way in which a therapist processes and reflects is often influenced by an underlying psychodynamic theory that they adhere to. Experience and training can also influence this processing. With this client group, it is difficult to fully comprehend what a client is feeling or thinking. A therapist best serves the client by initially focusing on the client-therapist relationship. By building a trusting, safe environment, meeting the clients where they are emotionally or physically and by making exercises meaningful, clients needs can begin to be met. This all contributes to the ultimate goal of the therapy at this unit - to help clients “gain skills, gain independence and gain wellness”.

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Cammell, Shane. "What can I understand about children with special needs from the musical offerings that emerge in the music therapy process? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Music Therapy at New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/861.

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This arts-based research thesis sought to understand two children with special needs, through their musical offerings within the context of their music therapy sessions. The process of understanding the children came through firstly listening to and extracting meaningful musical data from recordings of their sessions. This data included both actual excerpts of the musical interplays between the child and music therapist (myself), and more broadly, underlying themes drawn from the recorded session material. The data was then creatively ‘melded’, resulting in two original instrumental works, herein referred to as 'songs'. Before, during and after writing the songs, rigorous analyses were undertaken utilising both a formal approach, via the use of a contextual question framework, and two creative approaches: free-form narration and data-led imagery. The contextual question framework, involving the repetitive use of two key questions - where? and why? - sought to understand the data’s context, its purpose for inclusion, and its influence on the respective song. One of the creative approaches, that of free-form narration, sought to, rather than analysing the song through formal structures, instead ‘tell the song’s story’, narratively conveying the experience of being with the child in his music. The other creative approach, that of data-led imagery, involved creating images during and after being ‘immersed’ in the musical data, employing instinctive or subconscious means to further develop the therapist’s understanding of the child’s musical offerings, and moreover, the child himself. Upon completion of the two songs, it was discovered that clinical themes present from the sessions strongly influenced the song creation process. Results also strongly supported the validity of arts-based research as a viable means of analysing music created with children with special needs.

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Castelino, Ajay. "The effect of single sessions of music therapy on the level of anxiety in older persons with psychiatric disorders : a pilot study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1207.

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This pilot study examined the effects of single sessions of music therapy on the level of anxiety in older persons with psychiatric disorders. The studied intervention was a 30 minute music therapy group and the control intervention was a verbal therapeutic intervention in the form of a reminiscence group. Participants acted as their own control. The measurement tool was the state part of a “State Trait Anxiety Inventory”. It was administered a total of four times, pre- and post- the music therapy intervention and preand post- the reminiscence therapy (control) group. A total of 9 participants were recruited for the study. The results indicated that single sessions of music therapy significantly reduced the level of anxiety for older persons with psychiatric disorders [t(8)=4.626, p<0.0017] as compared to the control intervention as measured by the state part of the “State Trait Anxiety Inventory”. There was no evidence for a significant carryover effect since the baselines prior to each intervention did not differ significantly (p=0.55). These results can be considered to be a part of a pilot study and early inquiry into this field since methodological difficulties and the time limitation of the research resulted in some necessary deviations from the original protocol. A major limitation of the study was the choice of a measurement tool, which required the client to be cognitively high functioning. Thus these results are limited to cognitively able clients, which is a relatively small proportion of this client group that could potentially benefit from music therapy. It is suggested that for future research with this client group the measured variable be physical relaxation, rather than anxiety.

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Choi, Hee-Chan. "Multicultural encounters in music therapy in New Zealand : What particular clinical experiences do NZ music therapists describe when encountering clients who identify closely with a culture different from their own? : research dissertation in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1494.

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This qualitative study investigates how music therapists work within a culturally diverse environment in New Zealand and the researcher's own growing experience as a student clinician. This research endeavoured to answer two research questions. Firstly, what do music therapists in New Zealand perceive from their experience of working with clients from different culture? Secondly, how does my own experience as a second generation Korean MTS affect my clinical work in a multicultural environment in New Zealand? This study applied aspects of qualitative research. Four qualified New Zealand music therapists and the researcher herself participated in this study. Data was collected from the interviews with the music therapy participatns, the music therapy student's reflection on case notes from two clinical cases, and a research journal. Music therapists identified various issues that associated with their experiences of working cross-culturally. The main areas of key ideas were categorized under 1) cultural considerations 2) preconceptions 3) building a communicative bridge 4) clinical competency 5) different approaches 6) culturally appropriate practice. The ideas under these categories have crystallized to articulate the different voices of participants for the benefit of the knowledge in the existing literatures and for the enhancement of personal tools towards self awareness and culturally appropriate clinical practice. From the overview of all the participants consulted in this study it was concluded that recognition of the importance of self awareness was one of the most significant factors in building culturally appropriate practice in a multicultural environment.

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Savaiinaea, Chelsea Makere. "Challenges in communication : a critical analysis of a student music therapist's techniques in working with special needs children : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1135.

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This paper describes the processes under taken by a student music therapist to improve her clinical practice and enhance the quality of service provided to children with profound and multiple disabilities. Using an Action Research model it aims to show how rigorous investigation of one's own practice can improve understanding of the clients and enhance students' abilities and confidence when carrying out placement work. An interview process with three registered music therapists preceded a 12 week action research process. Three cycles were undertaken with each lasting 4 weeks and the interview material informed the initial cycle. Clinical notes, a research journal and video recordings of sessions were three data gathering tools used to evaluate the success of techniques employed. This intensive critical analysis led to a greater awareness of in session communications and an improvement in techniques such as active waiting and repetition of activities. This in turn created increased opportunities for response to musical offerings by this client group.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Degree Discipline: Music Therapy'

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