Date of Award

5-2024

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

Brigette Schneible

Abstract

According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an estimated 7.38 million people in the United States live with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (2021). Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) reside in community-based settings, such as private residences, family members’ homes, or group homes (ACL, 2021). However, little research exists exploring home-based music therapy (HBMT) for people with I/DD, especially from the clinician’s perspective. Thus, this study examines the experiences of home-based music therapists working with individuals with I/DD to provide a foundational overview. Three music therapists working in home-based settings participated in semi-structured guided interviews, which were then analyzed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006). Results indicate four themes representing the experiences of home-based music therapists working with individuals with I/DD, including: 1) the pragmatics of successful HBMT practice, 2) the home as a unique therapeutic setting, 3) the therapeutic process of the home-based music therapist, and 4) the personal experience of being a home-based music therapist. Findings suggest the need for comprehensive academic and clinical training specifically addressing HBMT. The development of formal standards of clinical HBMT practice could also increase the recognition of HBMT within the profession and unify current home-based clinicians who pose a greater risk for professional isolation.

Related Pillar(s)

Study

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