Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Copyright Status, No Creative Commons License

All Rights Reserved

Degree Name

Master of Science in Music Therapy

Department

Music Therapy

School

School of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Amanda MacRae

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of art therapists who used music in art therapy sessions with and without the presence of a music therapist. Two participants were selected through purposeful sampling and participated in a 45-minute, virtual, semi-structured individual interview. Participants met the following criteria: (a) board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC), (b) a minimum of two years of professional work experience as an art therapist, (c) experience in working with music therapists and using pre-recorded music without the presence of a music therapist during the art therapy sessions for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and (d) speaks Korean and/or English. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data analysis revealed five themes: the rationale for the use of music, using multiple creative means to meet the needs of clients, experience of working with a music therapist, limitations to using music in art therapy sessions, and perspective on collaborating with a music therapist. The results indicate that collaborative music and art therapy can lead to positive outcomes in achieving therapeutic goals. However, some knowledge gaps about music therapy were identified, which should be considered to enhance future art and music collaboration. The study’s findings have implications for art and music therapists working with individuals with ASD, highlighting the need to expand their perspectives and therapeutic interventions. By promoting accurate knowledge of collaborative practices, therapists can improve the quality of care for individuals with ASD.

Related Pillar(s)

Study

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Music Therapy Commons

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