Considerations When Writing and Presenting Consent Forms for Clients

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-41
Author(s):  
Gene Ann Behrens
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
American Music ◽  
Legal Rights ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Ethical Research ◽  
Consent Forms ◽  
Conducting Research

Abstract While the writing and presentation of most general consent forms can be accomplished using a checklist of what to include and say, different nuances and considerations enter the process when the participants of a research study involve present or past clients who retain their legal rights. This process is even more challenging for student music therapists conducting research as part of a school-related project. While the Belmont Report1 and the American Music Therapy Association’s (AMTA) Code of Ethics (https://www.musictherapy.org/about/ethics/) provide some insights and direction for many ethical research decisions, music therapy researchers also must be aware of their values, morals, and integrity, as well as various ethical considerations. Based on an example scenario, six ethical questions related to writing and presenting a consent form for a past client are discussed along with references to the Belmont Report and AMTA’s Code of Ethics.

Safeguarding Curricular Self-Experiences in Undergraduate Music Therapy Education and Training

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Hiller ◽  
Courtney Belt ◽  
Susan Gardstrom ◽  
Joy Willenbrink-Conte
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Psychological Safety ◽  
American Music ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Therapy Education

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to put forth a model to support the psychological safety of undergraduate students as they engage in a form of experiential learning called self-experiences (SEs). SEs pair active engagement in learning episodes with learner self-inquiry. The need to safeguard curricular SEs is grounded in the American Music Therapy Association’s Professional Competencies and Code of Ethics and the Certification Board for Music Therapists’ Board Certification Domains. We first explicate several types and benefits of SEs and identify potential risks and contraindications that may compromise learners’ psychological safety and even cause harm. Next, we describe the steps we took in developing the model and gaining administrative approval. We outline major tenets and describe specific safeguarding practices at various levels of implementation. We offer a hypothetical vignette to contextualize the information, address certain challenges in implementing this model, and offer recommendations for future research related to undergraduate experiential learning. Educators, clinical trainers, and supervisors who employ SEs are encouraged to implement safeguards toward upholding professional ethics and supporting learners’ personal and professional development.

A Descriptive Analysis of Music Therapy Employment from 2013 to 2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon Oden
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
American Music ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Therapy Services

Abstract The purpose of this study was to descriptively analyze music therapy employment data from 2013 to 2019, including years in the field, gender, age, ethnicity, hours worked, jobs created, number of new board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs), funding sources, and wages. A database was created to analyze descriptive data from the 2013–2019 American Music Therapy Association Workforce Analysis Surveys as well as data from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Results indicate a large portion of music therapists (MTs) have been in the field for five years or less. Though the majority of MTs work full time, there is a high rate of part-time employment. An estimate of the total number of new full-time jobs represented a ratio of 57% of new MT-BCs during the period. Private pay was the most reported funding source for music therapy services. Music therapy wages tended to be higher for those with higher levels of education. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are provided.

scholarly journals Constructing a Two-Way Street: An Argument for Interdisciplinary Collaboration through an Ethnomusicological Examination of Music Therapy, Medical Ethnomusicology, and Williams Syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria Heaton Carrico
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Williams Syndrome ◽  
Interdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Therapeutic Practice ◽  
Grand Rapids ◽  
Medical Ethnomusicology ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The One

In this article, I investigate the ways in which methodological exchange between the fields of medical ethnomusicology and music therapy (MT) creates an interdisciplinary two-way street which, on the one hand enhances therapeutic practice by adopting an ethnographic and cultural understanding of disability, and on the other enriches ethnomusicological studies by ethnographically utilizing music therapy techniques. In support of this viewpoint, I offer ethnographic accounts of my time conducting research on music and Williams Syndrome and working alongside music therapists at the Whispering Trails summer camp for children with Williams Syndrome (WS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ultimately, I argue that synergistic collaboration between the fields of medical ethnomusicology and music therapy will not only augment scholarship in these areas, but will also allow ethnomusicologists and music therapists to address issues of social justice and to promote accommodation and acceptance for disability within society.

Defining the Therapeutic Singing Voice: Further Examination of the Everyday Singing Practices of Music Therapists

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina C Bingham ◽  
Elizabeth K Schwartz ◽  
Anthony Meadows
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
American Music ◽  
Singing Voice ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Vocal Health ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Therapy Sessions ◽  
And Training

Abstract Twelve music therapists were observed working clinically in 3 to 5 of their music therapy sessions and subsequently interviewed about their clinical work in order to further examine and define the essential characteristics of therapeutic singing in music therapy clinical practice. Observational and interview data were analyzed separately using procedures consistent with qualitative content analysis and then integrated to provide a comprehensive picture of these singing practices. Analysis of these data revealed 3 interrelated dimensions of therapeutic singing that were integrated into the larger realization of therapeutic singing: (1) foundational vocal skills, (2) vocal engagement, and (3) authenticity. Implications for the education and training of music therapy students, vocal health, and a reevaluation of the American Music Therapy Association’s competencies contextualize these findings for the profession as a whole.

Expanding a Music Therapy Business Using AMTA’s Aspirational Code of Ethics

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Meredith Roman Pizzi
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Applied Ethics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Ethical Decisions ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Trust Law

Abstract While all music therapists look to the Code of Ethics as a guiding document, music therapists who are self-employed or managing teams rely heavily on this document to create sound business and administrative policies. This article articulates how the 2019 Code of Ethics informs the music therapy entrepreneur or manager to make thoughtful, accountable, and ethical decisions, decreases confusion about specific business practices, and addresses significant concerns related to aspects of the previous AMTA Code of Ethics that were in conflict with federal anti-trust regulations in the United States, including the Sherman Anti-Trust Law. To address the legal and ethical issues inherent in expanding a service business, a discussion guided by the 2019 Code of Ethics and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (2009) model is provided as a way to think through potential ethical dilemmas when considering subcontracting music therapy services.

Gatekeepers of the Profession: Using the Code of Ethics to Guide Supervision

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
American Music ◽  
Clinical Practicum ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Decision Making Model

Abstract Clinical practicum and internship supervisors often share the role of gatekeepers with university faculty to ensure that students meet all necessary and applicable professional competencies before moving on to the next step in their music therapy journey (Dileo, 2001; Hsiao, 2014). However, the interpretation of these competencies can be subjective, and predicting student success can be challenging (Dileo, 2000). Therefore, making the decision of whether to pass a student from a clinical practicum or internship can be complex and filled with ethical implications for all involved. This paper explores that decision through the lenses of both the past and current American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Codes of Ethics using Dileo’s (2000) Ethical Decision-Making Model. An ethical dilemma, based upon the author’s supervisory experiences, is presented here and analyzed using the following guidelines: setting and context; problems and issues; personal responses, beliefs, and values; obligations; Codes of Ethics standards and principles; laws and institutional and professional policies; opportunities for consultation; possible solutions and consequences; and implementation.

scholarly journals Towards a Culturally Centered Music Therapy Practice

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
World Views ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Cultural Empathy ◽  
Universal Language ◽  
Multicultural Music

At present very little information on the topic of multicultural music therapy practice has been published in the United States and Canada. This article reviews the music therapy and counselling literature to advocate the need for culturally centered music therapy practice. The paper examines the areas of ethical considerations, cultural empathy, the need for music therapists to understand and explore their own and their clients' world views, and the concept of music as a universal language. The article ends with some useful techniques for readers to apply to their practice.

Therapeutic Uses of the Flute Within Music Therapy Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
Cecilia E Burns
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
American Music ◽  
Flute Music ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Broad Term ◽  
Therapy Sessions ◽  
Primary Instrument

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe flute usage among current, professional music therapists. The broad term “flute” included any instrument with sound created by blowing air across or into an aperture hole. Members of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) were sent an electronic survey consisting of 25 questions pertaining to the flute and music therapy. Descriptive statistics describe how flutes were being used in music therapy sessions, and chi-square tests were used to determine whether music therapists who studied flute as a primary instrument used the flute as an instrument within a music therapy setting more frequently. Results showed that 42.4% of the 387 respondents were actively using flute music in some way within music therapy sessions while 67.8% of respondents reported using flute music at some point in the past. Flute-playing music therapists reported using flutes more frequently in a music therapy context than music therapists who did not study flute as a primary instrument. It appears that the flute is a viable instrument for music therapy practice.

Introducing Music Therapy to Hospitalized Adults in Medical Settings: A Thematic Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantise J Hunt ◽  
Michael J Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Music Therapist ◽  
Live Music ◽  
Clinical Benefits

Abstract Music therapy can decrease illness- and treatment-related symptoms for adults in medical settings. In these environments, service users often decide to accept or decline music therapy after a brief introduction by the music therapist. As there is limited literature exploring the challenges related to these introductions, the purpose of this interpretivist study was to describe how music therapists introduce music therapy in the form of patient-preferred live music (MT-PPLM) in adult medical settings to augment the likelihood of patients accepting treatment. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants who had experience providing MT-PPLM in adult medical settings. In this exploratory interpretivist study, we used an inductive approach to thematic analysis and incorporated member-checking to augment trustworthiness and credibility of the results. We identified three themes (supported by eight subthemes depicted in parentheses): (A) Offer patient a unique interaction through verbal and nonverbal techniques (Provide opportunities for patient control; Engage patient through nonmedical dialogue; and Use affect and body language to convey a different demeanor); (B) Clarify expectations related to patient and session (Avoid the word “therapy”; Use the music to explain the intervention; and Mention clinical benefits to describe what the patient can expect from the session); and (C) Respond to patient’s verbal and nonverbal communication (Assess patient and adapt introduction; and Validate patient’s response). The findings offer introductory techniques for music therapists that may increase the likelihood of adults in medical settings accepting MT-PPLM. Implications for clinical practice, ethical considerations, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

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