This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.

This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.

Music therapists from around the world working in conventional and unconventional settings have offered their contributions to this exciting new book, presenting spirited discussion and practical examples of the ways music therapy can reflect and encourage social change. From working with traumatized refugees in Berlin, care-workers and HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa, to adults with neurological disabilities in south-east England and children in paediatric hospitals in Norway, the contributors present their global perspectives on finding new ways forward in music therapy. Reflecting on traditional approaches in addition to these newer practices, the writers offer fresh perceptions on their identity and role as music therapists, their assumptions and attitudes about how music, people and context interact, the sites and boundaries to their work, and the new possibilities for music therapy in the 21st century. As the first book on the emerging area of Community Music Therapy, this book should be an essential and exciting read for music therapists, specialists and community musicians.

Contemporary Issues in Music Therapy Training introduces approaches, practices and dilemmas in contemporary learning and teaching of music therapy with a focus on experiential learning, reflective practice and inclusion. The book starts by setting out the pedagogical context for music therapy training, weaving together trainers’ views with pedagogical theory and drawing in contemporary themes essential to music therapy education. This context leads to a detailed focus on the experience of music in training, work-based learning and the trainee experience. The final chapters consider the broader developing role of the music therapist beyond the work in the therapy room, presenting individual career case studies. Contemporary issues of pedagogy, diversity and sustainability are also thoroughly explored throughout. Drawing upon the voices of recent graduates, trainers and practice educators, this book is steeped in lived experience and practice. The book will be of interest to current and future trainees, practitioners, placement educators and trainers of music therapy. It will also be relevant to readers across the fields of education, healthcare and social work.

An ambitious and long-awaited text that sets out the basic practices and principles of approaches to music therapy that place music and music experience in a central role. The text provides a philosophical and practical rationale for music experience as a legitimate goal of clinical music therapy. An historical account is given of music-centered thinking in music therapy and the manifestation of this way of thinking in various contemporary music therapy models. The latter part of the book develops the specifics of a particular music-centered theory that is meant to be applicable across different domains of treatment. This book is essential for readers interested in the development of theory in music therapy, for music-centered practitioners who have been searching for a vocabulary and conceptual framework in which to articulate their clinical approach, and for anyone interested in the intrinsic value of music experience for human development.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan. This is a comprehensive text on this topic. It presents exhaustive coverage of music therapy from international leaders in the field