Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Title: Understanding safety in music therapy
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: Although there is a growing emphasis on trauma-informed care in music therapy clinical practice, research specifically addressing the concept of safety—particularly psychological and physical safety—remains limited. Therefore, this thesis aimed to understand the conc...
Show moreAlthough there is a growing emphasis on trauma-informed care in music therapy clinical practice, research specifically addressing the concept of safety—particularly psychological and physical safety—remains limited. Therefore, this thesis aimed to understand the concept of safety in the field of music therapy and how it informs practice, education, and professional interactions. Given the limited existing research on this topic, a grounded theory methodology was employed to generate a deeper understanding of how safety is conceptualized in the field based on the lived experiences and insights of practitioners. The primary researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with a total of 11 participants. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the transcripts were analyzed and coded using ATLAS.ti. The findings proposed the following theory: Within music therapy contexts, safety is a dynamic experience that is constantly negotiated and co-constructed by participants through prioritizing care and well-being in the relationship and conditions for safety, including trust, are present. Interpretations of findings, implications for music therapy practice, and recommendations for future research were included.
Show less
Author: Hales, Grant

Title: Befriending the piano
Abstract: This mixed methods dual case study explores the impact of creative free play sessions on college music students' experiences of piano performance anxiety within a music therapy context. Participants included Johanna and Wade, undergraduate students enrolled in a clas...
Show moreThis mixed methods dual case study explores the impact of creative free play sessions on college music students' experiences of piano performance anxiety within a music therapy context. Participants included Johanna and Wade, undergraduate students enrolled in a class piano course for non-piano majors. Johanna, a white 20-year-old cis female, and Wade, a white 35-year-old cis male, participated in 8-10 music therapy sessions that involved discussion and creative free play on piano focusing on alleviating performance anxiety and fostering creative expression. Findings indicate that both participants experienced varying degrees of anxiety reduction and increased comfort with piano performance over the semester. Johanna’s narrative highlighted her journey of overcoming internal fears and building self-confidence while Wade’s narrative demonstrated his experience of finding a meaningful connection to the piano and utilizing the piano as a tool to help manage external stressors. Both participants reported the therapeutic relationship and dedicated time to engage creatively with the piano as the most beneficial in reducing anxiety and increasing productivity. Pre and post test questionnaires indicate the most improvement in the areas of proximal somatic anxiety, worry about performance, and negative cognitions related to performance anxiety and well as self-reported decreases in overall levels of general and piano performance anxiety. Implications for future research suggest incorporating creative arts therapies in college counseling centers to address performance anxiety for students across performing arts modalities. Future research should expand to include larger studies and participants from diverse performance disciplines to validate findings and broaden applicability in higher education settings.
Show less
Year Issued: 2024

Author: Sandham, Randy
Sub-title: A dual case study of the impact of music therapy and piano-based free play on college students' piano performance anxiety

Title: Building community and exploring identity through culturally focused music-making for biracial Filipino/a/x/ Americans in the United States
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: This qualitative focus group study explores the use of music in building community and exploring themes of identity for biracial Filipino/a/x Americans, while also introducing participants to cultural values. Participants included Aurora, Lynn, and Kim (pseudonyms); ...
Show moreThis qualitative focus group study explores the use of music in building community and exploring themes of identity for biracial Filipino/a/x Americans, while also introducing participants to cultural values. Participants included Aurora, Lynn, and Kim (pseudonyms); all identify as biracial or multiethnic Filipinos. Aurora participated in all 6 music therapy sessions. Lynn participated in the first session. Kim was only able to participate in music therapy sessions 2 and 3, due to having to start fall term for her second year of music therapy studies. The first four sessions focused on a Filipino/a/x cultural value: Kapwa, Utang Ng Loob, Hiya, and Pakikisama. The fifth session involved a recap of the previous sessions and discussion of a topic related to lived experiences that occurred the week after the previous session. Session 6 focused on a recap of the cultural values that were explored and resulted in a songwriting session focusing on Hiya. Findings indicated that participants felt a closer connection to their biracial Filipino/a/x identity by being in a space with other participants who also identified as biracial Filipino/a/x, creating a space to be authentic and vulnerable, and utilizing music as a focused tool to explore identity. An implication of this study is that music therapy is an untapped allied health care resource for the Filipino community. Additionally, there is a need for biracial Asian and Filipino healthcare providers. Currently, to my knowledge there are only two Filipino board-certified music therapists in the state of Oregon both of which are biracial, including the investigator. Future studies should continue to explore the nuanced experiences of biracial Filipino/a/x individuals, with an emphasis on expanding sample sizes, incorporating intergenerational perspectives, the duality of identity, and deepening cultural specificity in therapeutic practices.
Show less
Author: Steinhebel, Jessica

Title: The effects of music therapy on social skills in individuals with autism
Abstract: Over the past decades, the rate of autism has increased around the world (Ghasemtabar et al., 2015). A prolonged impairment in social skills and communication is a key feature of autism. According to Vaiouli and Schertz (2012) joint attention is an important developm...
Show moreOver the past decades, the rate of autism has increased around the world (Ghasemtabar et al., 2015). A prolonged impairment in social skills and communication is a key feature of autism. According to Vaiouli and Schertz (2012) joint attention is an important developmental milestone for developing higher levels of social engagement. The delay or absence of joint attention is typically seen in individuals with autism (Vaiouli & Schertz, 2012). Given that there is no known treatment or cure for autism, the focus in supporting individuals with autism is aimed toward implementing an intervention strategy that targets the symptoms of autism (Yum et al., 2020). The current investigation conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of music therapy on social skills in individuals with autism. The analysis for this study was based on data from four research studies providing 20 effect size estimates. The sample within the four studies included data from 117 participants. The sample size for the effect size analysis was based on a sample size of n = 596. The four articles included in this meta-analysis produced an overall large positive significant effect size of d = 0.572 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.37 to 0.78. The mean effect size suggests a large significant effect from music therapy across all studies. All studies included in this current investigation published and reported overall positive results. The Q-statistic tests revealed significant heterogeneity across all studies, with variability across the mean effect size estimates, ranging from d = - 0.14 to d = 1.28. Since the effect size estimates were all positive for the published studies, it is likely that publication bias existed in the studies used in this meta-analysis. According to Walker et al. (2008) high levels of heterogeneity can compromise the conclusion of a meta-analysis, therefore future research is also needed to help decrease the level of heterogeneity across studies.
Show less
Year Issued: 2023

Author: Rux, Hannah
Sub-title: a meta-analysis

Title: Embodying the Black/African-American experience through collaborative improvised music and dance/movement
Abstract: This thesis is the dissemination of the findings of an arts-based research study exploring the collaborative improvised music and improvised dance/movement on the experience of being embodied as Black. The overall aim was to explore the interpersonal and intrapersona...
Show moreThis thesis is the dissemination of the findings of an arts-based research study exploring the collaborative improvised music and improvised dance/movement on the experience of being embodied as Black. The overall aim was to explore the interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences of one Black/African American musician and one Black/African American dancer engaging in a collaborative creative process focusing on the experience of being embodied as Black. This study grew out of my own experiences when engaging in collaborative improvised music and collaborative dance exploring my racial identity. Participants were chosen through convenience sampling. Data was collected through video recording the collaborative improvised music and dance/movement collaborative experience, written responses to questions about the experience, and through a group discussion. Participants were asked to write down their feelings, thoughts, sensations, imagery, memories, perceptions of cultural aesthetics, interpersonal dynamics, intrapersonal dynamics, and any transpersonal experiences immediately after the experience. Cultural dynamics were explored individually and relationally. Questions posed were centered around connection/disconnection, shifts in power, being in the moment, perceived interpretations of what contributed to the overall collaborative engagement, and perceptions of cultural aesthetics. A poem was created from the themes and subthemes collected from the data. Member checking was utilized for the accuracy of the representation of the participants’ collaborative experience. To authentically represent the essence of the participants’ narratives through music and dance, a multimedia arts reflection of their expressions of being Black in the United States was cultivated. Themes of 1) resilience, 2) resistance, 3) Black aesthetics, 4) spirituality 5) connection, 6) trauma, 7) subjugation/oppression, and 8) Black power emerged in the data and are discussed in the context of individual and collaborative Black experiences. Implications for the practice of music therapy will be addressed.
Show less
Year Issued: 2021

Author: Martin, Tatyana
Sub-title: implications for the practice of music therapy

Title: Experiences of trust in music therapy
Abstract: This qualitative thematic analysis explored children’s varying degrees of trust during music therapy after having witnessed domestic violence. As rates of domestic violence increase across the United States, children’s sense of trust is affected and there is a need f...
Show moreThis qualitative thematic analysis explored children’s varying degrees of trust during music therapy after having witnessed domestic violence. As rates of domestic violence increase across the United States, children’s sense of trust is affected and there is a need for further music therapy research from the perspectives of these children. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four child survivors of domestic violence after receiving four months of music therapy to explore how they understand and experience trust, as well as how trusting relationships are established and maintained with a therapist. Additional questions considered personal qualities that lead to trust or distrust, aspects of music therapy experiences that lead to additional trust in the therapist at different times, how experiences of trust change over time, what contributes to this change, and how the sociocultural locations of the therapist and child influence trust. The findings demonstrated that trust is a complex process that evolves over time and depends on certain qualities in a therapist, familiarity, and various aspects of music therapy. Three main themes with 13 sub-themes were found: qualities for trust and distrust (qualities that increase trust, qualities that decrease trust), process of developing trust and overall evolution (initial distrust/trust, insecurities and fears from participants’ past, familiarity leads to trust, connection to family/friends, feelings and experiences with trust, builds over time), and qualities of music therapy experiences (autonomy and choice, familiarity and predictability, types of instruments, types of experiences, music contains a wide range of expression). Findings provide recommendations for how practicing music therapists can create a trusting therapeutic relationship with child, adolescent, and adult survivors of domestic violence.
Show less
Year Issued: 2023

Author: Doron, Ashely
Sub-title: perspectives of child survivors of domestic violence

Title: The experiences of women in substance use disorder treatment engaging in parent-child music therapy groups
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This thematic analysis explores the experiences of women in substance use disorder treatment who have participated in parent-child music therapy groups (“Mommy & Me Music Therapy”) and how these groups may contribute to parent-child bonding, parental self-efficacy, a...
Show moreThis thematic analysis explores the experiences of women in substance use disorder treatment who have participated in parent-child music therapy groups (“Mommy & Me Music Therapy”) and how these groups may contribute to parent-child bonding, parental self-efficacy, and social support among parents. Five women with substance use disorders who resided at the participating facility and engaged in at least six weeks of Mommy & Me Music Therapy groups took part in semi-structured interviews. Interview content was transcribed, analyzed, and coded. Themes that arose include improved parenting skills, parent-child relationship, feelings about self, community support, and outside uses of music. Throughout these themes, participants acknowledged how these groups impacted them in terms of bonding with their child, connecting with other women in the group, and striving to be the best possible parent for their child. Implications from the research include the importance of allowing a space for verbal processing within music therapy and including systems and family-based therapy training in music therapy education.
Show less
Author: Cole, Halley

Title: Group music therapy for LGBTQIA+ parents experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety
Abstract: A mixed methods research study involving an eight-week music therapy group was facilitated virtually for LGBTQIA+ parents experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered upon first session and last session...
Show moreA mixed methods research study involving an eight-week music therapy group was facilitated virtually for LGBTQIA+ parents experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered upon first session and last session to capture potential impact of music therapy group on mental health over time. The Brief Mood Introspection Scale was administered at the beginning and end of each session to capture short term impact of group music therapy. A semi-structured focus group was facilitated to capture experiences of and feedback from participants, and interviews were scheduled with participants who did not attend the focus group. Interviews and the focus group were transcribed and analyzed and six themes were identified: community and solidarity built around shared experiences, music within and beyond the group, expansiveness and generativity in parenthood, response to experience, attendance and timing challenges, and accessibility. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale did not show statistically significant changes in mood over the course of the eight-week group but was limited by sample size and an outlier score. The Brief Mood Introspection Scale showed more significant trends in increased pleasant mood, decreased stress, and increased positivity after the session. When LGBTQIA+ parents were able to attend the session, they reported meaningful impacts despite attendance challenges. Findings may be useful in developing music therapy practice and research.
Show less
Year Issued: 2023

Author: Nelson, Maryrose Nieman
Sub-title: a mixed methods study

Title: Neurologic music therapists' perspectives on neurologic music therapy
Abstract: Limited literature exists providing a critical analysis of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) as a model of music therapy. This qualitative research study, therefore, sought to explore the strengths and weaknesses of NMT, particularly in its approach to disability, throu...
Show moreLimited literature exists providing a critical analysis of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) as a model of music therapy. This qualitative research study, therefore, sought to explore the strengths and weaknesses of NMT, particularly in its approach to disability, through the perspectives of practicing Neurologic Music Therapists. Participants were recruited from the Directory of Current NMT Affiliates, from relevant social media groups, and by referral. Five board-certified music therapists who currently practice NMT or have practiced NMT within the last five years were participants in this research. Data was collected through interviews between the researcher and each participant, in which six discussion prompts were asked. These interviews were recorded and transcribed, after which the researcher utilized inductive coding techniques to uncover prominent themes in the interviews. Six themes emerged in the data. Three themes reflected Neurologic Music Therapists’ perceived areas of strength for NMT as a model: 1) Supported by Empirical Evidence; 2) Client and Caregiver Agency; and 3) Helpful in Addressing Specific Goals. Three themes reflected perceived areas for potential improvement for NMT as a model: 1) Issues with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy and the NMT Training; 2) Ableism in Practice; and 3) Narrow Goal Areas. This study adds information to gaps in the literature and could act as a starting point for further studies exploring the strengths and limitations of NMT. Due to limited representation in the participant group, this researcher would recommend repeating this study with a larger group of participants representing a wider range of identities.
Show less
Year Issued: 2024

Author: Watson, Amanda
Sub-title: areas of strength and areas for potential growth

Title: Potentials and barriers to culturally responsive music therapy education
Abstract: Abstract This qualitative focus group study explored perceptions of potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness in music therapy education. Music therapy literature calls for an increase in culturally informed music therapy practice. However, despite cultural ...
Show moreAbstract This qualitative focus group study explored perceptions of potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness in music therapy education. Music therapy literature calls for an increase in culturally informed music therapy practice. However, despite cultural considerations present in music therapy professional competencies, there are no standards for culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Simultaneously, there has been an acknowledgment in the music therapy literature of challenges to culturally responsive practices, such as the homogeneous, privileged identities dominant in music therapy's professional demographics, compounded by the privileging of Western classical music in music therapy education. In this exploratory study, an online focus group discussion was facilitated with seven music therapy educators to explore their perspectives on the definition of culturally responsive education, their reflective evaluations of their pedagogical practices, their perspectives on how standards of music therapy education inform and/or hinder the ability to foster cultural responsiveness, and their respective outlooks on how potentials and barriers to cultural responsiveness are impacting education, research, theory, and practice. Results demonstrated that educators who value cultural responsiveness believe it is being overlooked in the field of music therapy. Six themes with 34 sub-themes were found: defining cultural responsiveness (stances of humility, self-awareness, continual and constant attention, knowledge of systems of power, self-critique, process, accountability, skills), relevance to clinical practice (ethical responsibility, effect on the therapeutic relationship, effective versus ineffective practice), approaches in education (dedicated course work, infused throughout the program, gradually increasing depth, beyond the classroom, from the beginning, dialogical over technical, experiential learning), preparedness (personal/professional growth practice, training for supervisors and faculty, staying informed), institutional attitudes (the need for changing attitudes, the field is improving, superficiality, the burden on marginalized faculty, commitment to social justice, support from administration), and barriers (Eurocentricity, lack of diversity, AMTA, jam-packed program, no specific training, the need for research). These findings offer recommendations for how the field of music therapy approaches cultural responsiveness in our training programs.
Show less
Year Issued: 2019

Author: Bain, Candice
Sub-title: Perspectives of music therapy educators

Title: Queer clients' experiences of harm in therapy
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This thesis aimed to explore how queer clients experience harm in music therapy and how that harm impacted the therapeutic relationship and process. Upon completing an initial interest and demographic survey, four participants were selected to participate in semi-str...
Show moreThis thesis aimed to explore how queer clients experience harm in music therapy and how that harm impacted the therapeutic relationship and process. Upon completing an initial interest and demographic survey, four participants were selected to participate in semi-structured Zoom interviews. Interviews were transcribed and coded, resulting in seven themes: 1) therapist responses, 2) client responses, 3) qualities of the therapeutic relationship, 4) client perceptions of therapist, 5) impact on client and the therapeutic process, 6) barriers to accessing therapy, and 7) what builds safety and trust. Findings are discussed in relation to the research questions, and implications for clinical practice and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Show less
Author: Neumann, Jess

Title: Recognizing and navigating dynamics of power in the therapeutic relationship
Abstract: This critical thematic analysis study aims to explore how music therapists identify and navigate the complex dynamics of power in therapeutic relationships. Current literature illustrates how various theoretical lens’ view and address power structures in therapy, poi...
Show moreThis critical thematic analysis study aims to explore how music therapists identify and navigate the complex dynamics of power in therapeutic relationships. Current literature illustrates how various theoretical lens’ view and address power structures in therapy, pointing to a multifaceted understanding of power in therapy. Participants (n=6) were selected purposively to represent music therapists who had access to varying degrees of power in the therapeutic context as a result of their identity markers. They each completed a 45-60 minute interview that included questions related to sociocultural identity, understanding of power, dynamics of power in music therapy, how they navigate power dynamics, and reflexive practice. The interviews were coded and analyzed, then grouped into themes. Six themes and 36 sub themes emerged in the data: dynamics of power (inherent, multifaceted, intersectional and contextual, reciprocal, relational, omnipresent, systemic, privilege, access), associations with power (negative, neutral, positive), therapist responsibilities (safety of client, supervision and accountability, reflexivity, acuity, humility, curiosity, supportive, music as container, honesty), external expectations (therapist as expert, parent and guardian expectations, pressure to comply, loss of power, idealization of therapist), missed opportunities (advocacy, connection, humanizing therapist), and strategies of navigating power (challenging ideology, contesting hegemony, unmasking power, overcoming alienation, learning liberation, reclaiming epistemic agency, practicing democracy). From the findings, it is evident that music therapists may hold largely negative perceptions of power and could benefit from a more nuanced understanding as they address power imbalances in therapeutic contexts.
Show less
Year Issued: 2024

Author: O'Sullivan, Emily
Sub-title: Music therapists’ perspectives

Title: A survey of the experiences of Arab music therapists' academic and cultural adjustment in music therapy training
Abstract: The field of music therapy is currently working towards increasing cultural awareness, equity, social justice, and belongingness for the wide diversity of music therapists and the people we work with. Due to the Eurocentric approach to music therapy education and tra...
Show moreThe field of music therapy is currently working towards increasing cultural awareness, equity, social justice, and belongingness for the wide diversity of music therapists and the people we work with. Due to the Eurocentric approach to music therapy education and training, the Arab community is a cultural group that has minimal representation in the music therapy literature. Throughout the Arab world the music therapy profession could still be regarded as being in its infancy stage. With limited international higher education programs in music therapy, most people living within the Arab region must travel to study. Previous research in music therapy and other mental health professions have indicated that international programs have fallen short in their ability to support the needs of international students, instead assuming they will acculturate with ease, and provide minimal education and guidance on ways therapeutic interventions can be adapted in various cultural contexts. This research study utilized a mixed-methods approach within a constructivist paradigm that pulls from feminist theoretical perspectives to better understand the educational and cultural experiences of Arab music therapists through an anonymous online survey. The data was analyzed for common themes that emerged. Overall, a majority of respondents felt that their music therapy education and training experience did not meet all of their cultural needs. The researchers hope that the data gathered will be useful for other Arab international music therapy students, but more importantly, that it will help guide and inform music therapy programs globally in their efforts to better support the needs of Arab music therapy students.
Show less
Year Issued: 2024

Author: Foster, Kristal
Sub-title: a mixed-methods analysis

Title: Unhoused veterans' experiences of song sharing in music therapy
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adult male veterans experiencing homelessness or poverty participating in group music therapy in a medium intensity residential treatment program. The intent was to gather service users’ perspectives about h...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adult male veterans experiencing homelessness or poverty participating in group music therapy in a medium intensity residential treatment program. The intent was to gather service users’ perspectives about how music therapy, and the effectiveness of song sharing in particular, is useful to them in this context and what about it has been helpful. The study utilized thematic analysis with the intention of highlighting the voices of unhoused male veterans as limited research exists on song sharing within this group context, and particularly less that highlights the voices of the participants. Through qualitative analytic procedures, 4 overarching themes encapsulated the experiences of the participants: song sharing (1) is a positive experience, (2) integrates client choices to build community and connection, (3) supports relationship with music, and music (4) elicits a variety of responses. Each theme and 18 preliminary subthemes are outlined and discussed in detail, along with implications for music therapy practice and future research.
Show less
Author: Webster, Brianna