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Title: Music therapists' experiences working in a setting that values censorship
Abstract: This qualitative study examined the experiences of music therapists that work in an environment that promotes censorship practices. There are several studies that discuss censorship practices across helping professions but few studies within music therapy literature....
Show moreThis qualitative study examined the experiences of music therapists that work in an environment that promotes censorship practices. There are several studies that discuss censorship practices across helping professions but few studies within music therapy literature. Music therapy code of ethics and education stress the importance of self-reflection and recognizing biases for the therapist, however there is minimal information on biases when applying censorship practices. As a helping profession nonmaleficence is emphasized, however there is a paucity of research that includes the relationship between harm and censorship. Additionally, music therapy research and education identifies the need for culturally responsive practices, however have not included censorship and its effects on the therapist and participants in this movement. In this study seven participants engaged in one semi-structured interview to describe their experiences and relationships with self, clients, coworkers and larger institutions when experiencing censorship practices. Results demonstrate three overarching themes of values and beliefs, responses and navigating power in relationships. Each theme had at least three levels which described the experience of the client, therapist, co-workers and institution. These narratives and results suggest the need for continued research and discussion in the music therapy community on harm that may occur through censoring songs and experiences and ethical implications.
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Year Issued: 2023

Author: Boyce, Emily
Sub-title: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Title: Music therapists' perceptions of the effects of tele-music therapy on client access
Year Issued: 2021

Abstract: This qualitative focus group study explored how music therapists are understanding and responding to changes in client access since the move toward tele-music therapy spurred by the recent COVID-19 virus outbreak. Coming from a recognition of histories of health acce...
Show moreThis qualitative focus group study explored how music therapists are understanding and responding to changes in client access since the move toward tele-music therapy spurred by the recent COVID-19 virus outbreak. Coming from a recognition of histories of health access disparity for underserved populations, this study also sought music therapists’ perspectives on how specific cultural groups and identities may have been unequally affected in terms of access to tele-music therapy. In this study, a synchronous online focus group discussion was facilitated with six music therapists to explore their perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of tele-music therapy, particularly in terms of client access, and to explore ways these therapists found to respond to any challenges or disparities in access they encountered. Results suggest that music therapists are finding a complex set of both benefits and challenges in terms of their clients accessing tele-music therapy. Four themes with 18 sub-themes were found: challenges/barriers to access (technology challenges, inequities in access, facility- or population-related barriers, safety concerns, challenges of in-home sessions, and hard choices), bridging the barriers (benefits to specific populations, in-home session benefits, bridging distance, and finding solutions), making music in tele-music therapy (music-making challenges, singing, musical instruments and technology, and musical solutions), and the future role of tele-music therapy (hopes and concerns, preparing for the future, and possibilities.) These findings offer recommendations for the continued use of tele-music therapy even beyond the current pandemic. Keywords: telehealth access, barriers to access, underserved populations, COVID-19
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Author: Landes, David

Title: The Music Therapist’s Experience of Conflicting Approaches in the Workplace
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This thesis aimed to explore the lived experiences of music therapists who practice from a different approach than the behavioral setting in which they work. I was interested in whether other music therapists experienced a dissonance that stemmed from conflicting app...
Show moreThis thesis aimed to explore the lived experiences of music therapists who practice from a different approach than the behavioral setting in which they work. I was interested in whether other music therapists experienced a dissonance that stemmed from conflicting approaches in their workplace, as I experienced this dissonance as a new music therapist. After completing an initial interest and demographic survey, nine participants were selected to participate in interviews, where they were asked predetermined questions about their approach to treatment, their facility's approach to treatment, and how they experienced and navigated this conflict. After coding, themes were organized using ATLAS.ti. Five themes emerged: 1) relationships, 2) power dynamics, 3) perceptions, 4) feelings, and 5) bridging approaches. Interpretations of the findings were provided, as well as recommendations for future research and implications for music therapy practice.
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Author: Goodenough, Haylee

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.
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Year Issued: 2024

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

Title: Perspectives of Music Therapists Working with Sibling Pairs with at Least One who is Neurodivergent
Year Issued: 2024

Abstract: This thesis explored music therapists’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working within a sibling structure, with at least one sibling identifying as neurodivergent. This research adds to the literature by contributing the perspectives of music therapists...
Show moreThis thesis explored music therapists’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working within a sibling structure, with at least one sibling identifying as neurodivergent. This research adds to the literature by contributing the perspectives of music therapists that work within this framework. Data was analyzed from two participants who completed a semi-structured interview focused on their experiences engaging in this work. Five primary themes emerged in the data: 1) training, 2) goal work, 3) session space, 4) therapist role, and 5) family. Overall, both participants shared similar experiences with their clients. The findings showed that music therapy is beneficial when working with siblings. However, due to the lack of research and minimal research participants, more research needs to be conducted in order to fully support these findings.
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Author: Auty, Rebecca

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.
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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.
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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.
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Year Issued: 2024

Author: O'Sullivan, Emily
Sub-title: Music Therapists’ Perspectives

Title: Sexism and cisgenderism in music therapy spaces
Abstract: This narrative inquiry examined the experience of gender microaggressions in the music therapy field. Gender microaggressions are defined as everyday assaults, insults, or invalidations that occur towards persons with marginalized gender identities (including trans/c...
Show moreThis narrative inquiry examined the experience of gender microaggressions in the music therapy field. Gender microaggressions are defined as everyday assaults, insults, or invalidations that occur towards persons with marginalized gender identities (including trans/cis women, trans men, and nonbinary persons) (Sue et al., 2007). As music therapy academic, clinical, and professional spaces are microcosms for larger sociopolitical contexts, music therapists are prone to enacting microaggressions through verbal, non-verbal, and musical means. Microaggressions accumulate throughout a person’s lifetime to negatively impact a person’s health and well-being. In this narrative inquiry, semi-structured interviews occurred with eight participant music therapists to examine their experiences of gender microaggressions in music therapy. Results demonstrated that gender microaggressions manifest in a variety of ways and enactors include music therapy colleagues, presenters, internship directors, educators, and clients. Five themes with 33 sub-themes were found: qualities of microaggressions (cumulative, intersectional, subtle, systemic), impact of incident (gender dysphoria, hurt, indignant, internalization, invalidated, lingering, questioning, regret, shame, shocked, stereotype threat, tired, tokenized, visceral reaction), survival tactics (avoidance, caregiving for the enactor, forgiveness, intellectualizing, minimizing, processing, self-protection, vigilance), interpersonal dynamics (impact on relationship, professional boundaries, power dynamics, response of enactor), and gender in music therapy (feeling affirmed, need for dialogue and support, perceived advantage of cis men). From these findings, it is clear that there is a need for music therapists to develop greater awareness of ways in which they enact gender microaggressions and to create more spaces for music therapists with marginalized gender identities to process these incidents.
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Year Issued: 2019

Author: Kristen McSorley
Sub-title: An exploration of gender microaggressions experienced by music therapists

Title: Songwriting as a medium to explore the supervisory relationship in hospice music therapy
Abstract: This thesis is a culmination of an Arts-Informed Cohort-Pair Narrative Inquiry that focused upon the experiences of a supervisor and a supervisee within their supervisory relationship. Over the course of a six-month music therapy internship, the supervisor and superv...
Show moreThis thesis is a culmination of an Arts-Informed Cohort-Pair Narrative Inquiry that focused upon the experiences of a supervisor and a supervisee within their supervisory relationship. Over the course of a six-month music therapy internship, the supervisor and supervisee participants each submitted a monthly song and a written reflection to the researcher describing their experiences. The songs, in which the music and the lyrics were considered data, were analyzed through phases of thematic analysis. At the midpoint of the internship, the researcher facilitated a joint song writing experience. Findings showed that the supervisory relationship was impacted by external, intrapersonal, and interpersonal factors. Themes concerning external factors included the availability of external support systems and the overall work environment. In terms of intrapersonal factors, themes included energy, emotions, and self-awareness. Interpersonal factors included themes regarding factors that impacted the working alliance and the development of rapport. While these findings align with and support previous literature, the findings revealed that songwriting organically included reflexivity regarding many of the foundational aspects of the supervisory relationship.
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Year Issued: 2022

Author: Phair, Kelly
Sub-title: Supervisor and supervisee 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.
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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.
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Author: Webster, Brianna

Title: Unmasking Alienation in the Lived Experiences of Songwriters
Year Issued: 2023

Abstract: This critical narrative inquiry explores autobiographical narratives of songwriters, calling attention to experiences of alienation. Silver’s (2018) “wheel of alienation” is the conceptual framework for alienation used in this study: a sociological model synthesizing...
Show moreThis critical narrative inquiry explores autobiographical narratives of songwriters, calling attention to experiences of alienation. Silver’s (2018) “wheel of alienation” is the conceptual framework for alienation used in this study: a sociological model synthesizing critical theory (Benjamin, 1935/2008; Brookfield, 2004; Fromm, 1941; Horkheimer & Adorno, 1944/2020), existentialism (Howie, 2014; Jaeggi, 2014; Rae, 2010) and interpretivist sociology broadly (McIntyre, 2008, 2011, 2019; Scarborough, 2017; Silver, 2018). The author provides this multi-factor scaffolding both to identify non-dominant narratives by applying multiple theoretical perspectives (Bruner, 1991; Hadley, 2013b; Morgan, 2002; White, 2007), and to put forth alienation, the “cutting off” of the ability to act on one’s own accord within a given social context, as a useful concept in understanding experiences of agency, authenticity, growth and integration–or lack thereof–in our current pluralistic world (Jaeggi, 2014; Kalekin-Fishman & Langman, 2015; Rae, 2010; Silver, 2018). The author interviewed four songwriters about experiences of alienation that emerge within their process of inspiration, drafting, collaboration, performance, recording, touring, marketing, and so on (Cobb, 2016; Long & Barber, 2017; McIntyre, 2008, 2011, 2019). Four themes emerged as salient in the narrative data: interaction with normative expectations, agentic actions, alienation experiences, and communal experiences, which were then separated into subthemes such as discovery of creative agency, split identity, alienation from family, and external/internal ego fixations. Considerations for community music therapy are discussed, as well as how institutions and individuals might foster ecological conditions for more meaningful and sustainable songwriting experiences.
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Author: Schachner, Kay