This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan. This is a comprehensive text on this topic. It presents exhaustive coverage of music therapy from international leaders in the field

This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.

Music therapists from around the world working in conventional and unconventional settings have offered their contributions to this exciting new book, presenting spirited discussion and practical examples of the ways music therapy can reflect and encourage social change. From working with traumatized refugees in Berlin, care-workers and HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa, to adults with neurological disabilities in south-east England and children in paediatric hospitals in Norway, the contributors present their global perspectives on finding new ways forward in music therapy. Reflecting on traditional approaches in addition to these newer practices, the writers offer fresh perceptions on their identity and role as music therapists, their assumptions and attitudes about how music, people and context interact, the sites and boundaries to their work, and the new possibilities for music therapy in the 21st century. As the first book on the emerging area of Community Music Therapy, this book should be an essential and exciting read for music therapists, specialists and community musicians.

Contemporary Issues in Music Therapy Training introduces approaches, practices and dilemmas in contemporary learning and teaching of music therapy with a focus on experiential learning, reflective practice and inclusion. The book starts by setting out the pedagogical context for music therapy training, weaving together trainers’ views with pedagogical theory and drawing in contemporary themes essential to music therapy education. This context leads to a detailed focus on the experience of music in training, work-based learning and the trainee experience. The final chapters consider the broader developing role of the music therapist beyond the work in the therapy room, presenting individual career case studies. Contemporary issues of pedagogy, diversity and sustainability are also thoroughly explored throughout. Drawing upon the voices of recent graduates, trainers and practice educators, this book is steeped in lived experience and practice. The book will be of interest to current and future trainees, practitioners, placement educators and trainers of music therapy. It will also be relevant to readers across the fields of education, healthcare and social work.

An ambitious and long-awaited text that sets out the basic practices and principles of approaches to music therapy that place music and music experience in a central role. The text provides a philosophical and practical rationale for music experience as a legitimate goal of clinical music therapy. An historical account is given of music-centered thinking in music therapy and the manifestation of this way of thinking in various contemporary music therapy models. The latter part of the book develops the specifics of a particular music-centered theory that is meant to be applicable across different domains of treatment. This book is essential for readers interested in the development of theory in music therapy, for music-centered practitioners who have been searching for a vocabulary and conceptual framework in which to articulate their clinical approach, and for anyone interested in the intrinsic value of music experience for human development.

The chapters in this current book reflect current and/or necessary changes in music therapy training that come about because of history, society, economy, generational shifts and the workplace. Although the subject matter is these chapters may appear disparate, it is not. The subject matter invites comparison in the following ways: 1) questions the nature of music therapy itself; 2) examines challenges to education and training; 3) suggests critical thinking (vs repetition or repackaging of information) for students, educators, clinicians, researchers and supervisors in the field of music therapy; 4) respects the past but looks to the future; 5) offers perspective from others in the field through such vehicles as surveys, interviews and/or reviews of literature. Part I is titled ‘New Frameworks and Content for Music Therapy Education and Training’ Part II of the book, ‘Online Formats for Music Therapy Education and Training’ offers two chapters which have become increasingly urgent information due to the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic throughout the world (March 2020), now in its third year, coupled with the explosion of technological resources and demand for online and hybrid learning. Part III of the book, ‘Inclusivity in Music Therapy Education and Training,’ presents two vital chapters to remind educators of pressing issues. Part IV of the book, ‘Professional Opportunities in Music Therapy Education, Training and Development,’ present four uniquely different chapters, yet each focuses on opportunities that any student or educator should consider. Part V, ‘Ongoing issues and Possibilities in Music Therapy Education and Training,’ considers two more developing topics in the field. Readers will enjoy and profit from this book, reflecting on how to continue to move on in music therapy education and training.

An in-depth exploration of taking culture-inclusive perspectives for practice, theory, and research in music therapy. Part One outlines premises for the argument, examining basic concepts such as culture, humankind, meaning, "musicking," and the nature-nurture debate. Part Two highlights how culture-centered music therapy may be practiced. In Part Three, implications for describing and understanding music therapy are discussed, including a chapter on how to define music therapy as practice, discipline, and profession. A culture-inclusive model of the music therapy process is also proposed. Part Four suggests approaches to music therapy research within a culture-centered context.

Community music as a field of practice, pedagogy, and research has come of age. The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth in practices, courses, programs, and research in communities and classrooms, and within the organizations dedicated to the subject. The Oxford Handbook of Community Music gives an authoritative and comprehensive review of what has been achieved in the field to date and what might be expected in the future. This Handbook addresses community music through five focused lenses: contexts, transformations, politics, intersections, and education. It not only captures the vibrant, dynamic, and divergent approaches that now characterize the field, but also charts the new and emerging contexts, practices, pedagogies, and research approaches that will define it in the coming decades. The contributors to this Handbook outline community music's common values that center on social justice, human rights, cultural democracy, participation, and hospitality from a range of different cultural contexts and perspectives. As such, The Oxford Handbook of Community Music provides a snapshot of what has become a truly global phenomenon.

Rich with case material, this groundbreaking volume provides a comprehensive overview of music therapy, from basic concepts to emerging clinical approaches. Experts review psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and developmental foundations and describe major techniques, including the Nordoff-Robbins model and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. An expansive section on clinical applications examines music therapy with children and adults, as well as its recognized role in medical settings. Topics include autism spectrum disorder, school interventions, brain injury, and trauma. An authoritative resource for music therapists, the book also shows how music can be used by other mental health and medical professionals. The companion website features audio downloads illustrative of the Nordoff-Robbins model.