Volume 10 No 1 1996

Talking about Music Therapy; A Dilemma and a Qualitative Experiment  p4 - p16

Gary Ansdell

Abstract

This paper is designed as an introduction to a projected series on aspects of the meta-theory of music therapy.  in common with psychoanalysis (Mitchell 1993) and art therapy (Hanzell 1995), music therapy inquiry is seeing an evolving reflexive trend which examines in several ways the nature of theory in the discipline - in order to clarify, contextualise and critically evaluate past and current trends (Aldridge 1990, 1993; Aigen 1991, 1995; Ruud 1998).  In the case of music therapy, meta-theory typically seeks to uncover the relationships between three domains: what music therapists do (praxis); what they say (discourse); and what they know (epistemology).  this paper takes discourse as the starting-point and makes an introductory study of the nature of talking about music therapy.  It centres its investigation on a simple qualitative-style experiment in which a group of listeners (of varying) musical and music therapy experience) identify and describe a taped excerpt of music therapy.  The results of this experiment are used to form the basis of a discussion about several commonly expressed 'language problems' in music therapy: the need for a 'common language', the verification of clinical data; describing musical behaviour and the boundary between description and interpretation.

'Kinesis und Katharsis': The African traditional concept of sound/motion or music: its application in, and implications for, Music Therapy   p17 - p23

Dr Anthony-Ekemezie Mereni

Abstract

This paper falls into three broad sections, the first two being published in this issue, the third in the autumn issue of the BJMT.  The first section attempts, through a brief introduction to the African philosophy of music and musical instruments, to explore the reasons behind the therapeutic powers attributed to music.  The second section, which opens with an introductory discussion of the traditional African causal theory of ailments, discusses the relevance of the different uses of music in almost all traditional medical interventions in African society.  The last section is an attempt to draw up an evaluative paradigm of some traditional music therapeutic practices and techniques in the light of modern music therapy.  Several traditional music therapy practices are mentioned, but, overall, the paper does not have an anthropological bias.

This paper is a partial report of current research into African traditional music therapy.  The author's specific notice in undertaking such research is to present what is deemed valid and effective for consideration and/or integration in modern music therapy methodology and practice.

A Natural End: One Story about Catherine  p24 - p31

Cathy Ibberson

Abstract

This article describes my work as a music therapist in a children's hospice.  It gives an account of 13 music therapy sessions with a girl, Catherine, who reached just 13 years of age before her death.  During this short but intense span of time, Catherine showed great courage not only in coming to terms with the recent death of her younger sister, but as it transpired, in preparation for her own death.  As the therapeutic relationship developed, music became an invaluable source of communication, exploring the anxieties and confusion that Catherine faced as grief and fear came to the fore, while nurturing her innate zest for life.

Stretto  p32 - p33

Book Reviews  p34 - p36

Lonely Waters - Proceedings of the International Conference 'Music Therapy in Palliative Care' Oxford 1994 edited by Dr Colin A. Lee/Reviewed by Nigel Alan Hartley

Listening, Playing, Creating:  Essays on the Power of Sound edited by Carolyn Bereznak Kenny/Reviewed by Gary Ansdell

Vol 10 No 2 1996

Music Therapy with Anorexia Nervosa: An Integrative Theoretical and Methodological Perspective  p3 - p13

Dr. Henk Smeijsters

Abstract

This article starts with an overview of the theoretical concepts, the aetiology and the guidelines that have been developed in verbal psychotherapeutic treatment of anorexia nervosa.  Next, the views of music therapists working with anorectic clients are compared to the ideas of verbal psychotherapist, and it is shown that there are many points of agreement.  In the most important part of the article the following issues are presented: the way in which anorexia nervosa is expressed in musical behaviour, reasons why music therapy should be indicated and, finally, examples of musical playforms and techniques that can influence typical aspects of anorexia nervosa.

Music, Meaning and Archaic Forms: A Response to Kimmo Lehtonen  p14 - p20

Mercédès Pavlicevic

Chaos, Noise and a Wall of Silence: Working with Primitive Affects in Psychodynamic Group Music Therapy  p21 - p33

David Stewart

Abstract

This article explores the efficacy of weekly psychodynamic group music therapy with those with chronic mental illness in a Therapeutic Community setting.  An exploration of the author's general theoretical standpoint acts as the context for a discussion of the group in question and the specific approach that has evolved over four year's work.  The group's use of the music therapy process is examined in the light of a single session, and its underlying processes are further explored in relation to Wilfred Bion's theory of K and minus K (bion 1967).  The music therapy is viewed essentially as providing a space for emotional communication and resonance to a group whose members are all severely isolated, silent and cut off.

Stretto p34

Music making in Cross-Cultural Meltdown

Book Reviews  p35 - p38

Music Therapy Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives - Edited by Barbara L. Wheeler/Reviewed by Helen Odell-Miller

Music for Life: Aspects of Creative Music Therapy with Adult Clients by Gary Ansdell/Reviewed by Helen Odell-Miller

Children with Autism: Diagnosis and Interventions to Meet Their Needs by Colwyn Trevarthen, Kenneth Aitken, Despina Papoudi and Jacqueline Robarts/Reviewed by Auriel Warwick