The 'Music Therapy Visual Schedule Approach' (MT-ViSA) within an online group program for young children experiencing hearing loss

Young children with hearing loss, attending online group music therapy programs, require a structured and contained music-making environment. This paper presents the findings from a doctoral research project conducted on the use of the developed 'Music Therapy Visual Schedule Approach' (MT-ViSA) within an online group program. The research question focused on the influence of the MT-ViSA, specifically with regard to a visual flip-book schedule. Four parent-child dyads were recruited to attend the 6-week group program using a purposive sampling strategy. A hybrid mixed-method project design informed the data collection, and the themes emerging from the results indicate that the use of the MT-ViSA improved the participants' understanding of the session rhythm and routine, assisted them with focus during the transition periods, and increased their comfort level within the music-making. The results of this project provide a foundation for further studies in the use of visual supports within music therapy practice.