Philosophical Reflections on Music Therapy Musicianship.

This philosophical inquiry critically examines music therapy musicianship in order to reconceptualize the ways in which musicianship is conceived of and taught in education and training programs in the United States. Through a constructive and critical interaction with historical and extant literature, we seek to create space for the uniqueness of musicianship in our field. We challenge the relevance of the conservatory model, the primacy of the work concept, and the focus on fine art often found in educational settings.

Leadership and Teamwork During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Music Therapy Business Leaders.

This study investigated the experiences of music therapy private practice business leaders providing services in school, healthcare, and community settings, including clients' homes, during the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to analyze semi-structured interview data collected from 10 business leaders (5 CEOs and 5 clinical directors) recruited from 5 businesses. 8 themes were revealed: (1) significant impact shaped by uncertainty and values, (2) temporal dimensions of change, (3) changing dynamics of relationships, (4) issues leading to burnout, (5) unexpected opportunities for all stakeholders, (6) the weight of being responsive, (7) the ambiguity of role changes, and (8) the collective functioning of the clinical team.

Receptive Music Therapy for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Live music therapy provided by a board-certified music therapist reduces anxiety, decreases pain, and improves the physiological response of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Objectives: To examine the effect of live music therapy on the physiological parameters and pain and agitation levels of adult ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Methods: A total of 118 patients were randomly assigned to live music therapy or standard care.

Differences between Supportive Music and Imagery and Music Listening during Outpatient Chemotherapy and Potential Moderators of Treatment Effects.

Background: Supportive music and imagery and music listening interventions have been effective in decreasing distress and improving mood in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, but it is unclear whether the two interventions differ in their treatment benefits. Furthermore, previous studies have not examined moderators to determine which subgroup(s) of patients may benefit most from each intervention.

Objective: To examine the effects of supportive music and imagery compared with preferred music listening on responsiveness to music therapy, distress, anxiety and depression, and benefit finding.

Core Themes in Music Therapy Clinical Improvisation: An Arts-Informed Qualitative Research Synthesis.

Background: Although clinical improvisation continues to be an important focus of music therapy research and practice, less attention has been given to integrating qualitative research in this area. As a result, this knowledge base tends to be contained within specific areas of practice rather than integrated across practices and approaches.

Objective: This qualitative research synthesis profiles, integrates, and re-presents qualitative research focused on the ways music therapists and clients engage in, and make meaning from, clinical improvisation.

Measuring Supportive Music and Imagery Interventions: The Development of the Music Therapy Self-Rating Scale.

Background: Previous research has demonstrated modest benefits from music-based interventions, specifically music and imagery interventions, during cancer care. However, little attention has been paid to measuring the benefits of music-based interventions using measurement instruments specifically designed to account for the multidimensional nature of music-imagery experiences.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the development of, and psychometrically evaluate, the Music Therapy Self-Rating Scale (MTSRS) as a measure for cancer patients engaged in supportive music and imagery interventions.