The utilisation of visual supports within music therapy practice in Australia : listening and looking

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The utilisation of visual supports by music therapists within their practice has existed for some time, as evidenced by intermittent and ad-hoc mentions within published professional reports and spoken presentations. However, scant literature exists on visual supports in music therapy practice, particularly regarding the range of tools used. Due to this apparent but mostly unreported use, the need was identified to investigate the utilisation of visual supports by Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) within Australia. A survey was distributed to RMTs in order to gather data on their reasons for using visual supports, and their targeted population groups. Questions on visual support format, appearance, delivery, and training experiences were also included. Data were collected via hard-copy forms distributed at the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) National Conference in 2018, then entered and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Of the 71 respondents, results showed the majority of RMTs surveyed (98.6%, n=70) have utilised visual supports within their music therapy practice. On investigation, findings from this initial survey suggest that RMTs take an individualised client-centred approach to the utilisation of visual supports within their music therapy practice, and report that using these tools may ease client stress and anxiety, promote client agency, and support client communication. It is recommended that additional practitioner research be undertaken, particularly directed towards the application and effectiveness of visual supports within music therapy, focused on developing la best-practice, evidence-based approach.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalAustralian Journal of Music Therapy
Volume31
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • music therapy
  • music therapists
  • communication
  • vision
  • mixed methods research

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