Care ethics in music therapy higher education in Australia
Tracks
Stream 3
Stream 4
| Saturday, September 7, 2024 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
| Rooms 3&4 |
Speaker
Dr Allison Fuller
Head of Music Therapy
Western Sydney University
Care ethics in music therapy higher education in Australia
Abstract Overview
We are in a ‘new time’ within the music therapy profession, where intersectionality and transversality are being considered within the context of service provision, and henceforth within music therapy training programs (Gilbertson, 2023). International music therapy higher education leaders are imploring educators to embrace a broadly inclusive approach within teaching frameworks and program application processes (Goodman, 2023); and higher education institutions are prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as indicated across a broad range of updated university policies and procedures (Wang, 2023).
As music therapy higher education programs in Australia progress towards rebuilding teaching foundations based on a more diverse, equitable and inclusive approach, assumptions of accredited programs being seen as the 'gatekeepers’ and somewhat ‘caretakers’ of the profession are being challenged. Additionally, music therapy accreditation and registration associations around the world are being prompted to address the significant challenge of equally valuing different expressions of musicking, while being called upon to provide a framework whereby validated education institutions can evolve beyond the practice of measuring applicant skills against traditional western music grading systems.
As the profile of the music therapy participant broadens, so should the profile of the music therapy practitioner, and consequently, the music therapy higher education applicant. Within this presentation the program leaders from both AMTA accredited courses will jointly present on DEI considerations within their respective programs, framed within care ethics models (Noddings, 2013) and related literatures (Schultz, 2022). The ‘creative journeys’ theme of this conference will be addressed, as the presenters extend the notion of celebrating diversity in music therapy practice and research, to include a celebration of higher education post graduate training in Australia.
Gilbertson, S. (2023). Transversality and music therapy education. In K. Goodman (Ed.), Developing issues in world music therapy education and training: A plurality of views. Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Goodman, K. (Ed). (2023). Preface. In Developing issues in world music therapy education and training: A plurality of views (pp. xi-xv). Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Noddings, N. (2013). Caring: A relational approach to ethics & moral education (2nd ed.). University of California Press.
Schultz, C. (2022). Leading with feminist care ethics in higher education. Palgrave Macmillan.
Wang, L. (2023). Equity, inclusion and the transformation of higher education. UNESCO.
As music therapy higher education programs in Australia progress towards rebuilding teaching foundations based on a more diverse, equitable and inclusive approach, assumptions of accredited programs being seen as the 'gatekeepers’ and somewhat ‘caretakers’ of the profession are being challenged. Additionally, music therapy accreditation and registration associations around the world are being prompted to address the significant challenge of equally valuing different expressions of musicking, while being called upon to provide a framework whereby validated education institutions can evolve beyond the practice of measuring applicant skills against traditional western music grading systems.
As the profile of the music therapy participant broadens, so should the profile of the music therapy practitioner, and consequently, the music therapy higher education applicant. Within this presentation the program leaders from both AMTA accredited courses will jointly present on DEI considerations within their respective programs, framed within care ethics models (Noddings, 2013) and related literatures (Schultz, 2022). The ‘creative journeys’ theme of this conference will be addressed, as the presenters extend the notion of celebrating diversity in music therapy practice and research, to include a celebration of higher education post graduate training in Australia.
Gilbertson, S. (2023). Transversality and music therapy education. In K. Goodman (Ed.), Developing issues in world music therapy education and training: A plurality of views. Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Goodman, K. (Ed). (2023). Preface. In Developing issues in world music therapy education and training: A plurality of views (pp. xi-xv). Charles C Thomas Publisher.
Noddings, N. (2013). Caring: A relational approach to ethics & moral education (2nd ed.). University of California Press.
Schultz, C. (2022). Leading with feminist care ethics in higher education. Palgrave Macmillan.
Wang, L. (2023). Equity, inclusion and the transformation of higher education. UNESCO.
Biography
Dr Al Fuller (she/her) heads up the Master of Creative Music Therapy at Western Sydney University on the lands of the Dharug people. Al has been a Registered Music Therapist for almost 30 years, with practice and research focus areas including Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC), and Telepractice Music Therapy (TMT). Al has served the AMTA over many years through her work in various roles, including the ethics and education committees, as the invited guest editor of AJMT, secretary-treasurer on the national executive, and more recently as the vice-president. Al is thrilled to be the AMTA2024 Conference Host, as we utilise the conference centre at Western Sydney University and celebrate 25 years of Music Therapy training at Western.
Dr Grace Thompson
Head of Music Therapy
The University of Melbourne
Care ethics in music therapy higher education in Australia
Biography
Grace Thompson is a music therapist and Associate Professor in Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne. Grace has lived experience of disability, and has worked with disabled children and young people, and their families, for over 20 years within the early childhood and special education sectors. Her research focuses on understanding how accessible music making can foster relationships and social connection. Grace is author of the book “Goal processes in music therapy”, and co-editor of the book “Music Therapy with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives”. She is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy.
