National keynote: Multi-tracking music therapy: Past, present and future
| Friday, September 6, 2024 |
| 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM |
| Rooms 3&4 |
Speaker
Dr Alison Short
Senior Lecturer in Creative Music Therapy
Western Sydney University
National keynote: Multi-tracking music therapy: Past, present and future
Abstract Overview
This keynote presentation explores the development of music therapy in Australia by using a metaphor of multi-tracking as a focusing concept. Multi-tracking allows for the existence of many separate sources, which can be developed and refined, which in turn can then be combined into a complete musical whole where all parts comprehensively work together. In doing so, each track may come to the fore at different times and in different ways, with individual contributions providing both interest and structure to the whole, as with the music therapy profession in Australia. The themes of such individualised music therapy tracks include research, education, governance, creativity, connectivity, respect, diversity and context, each of which are supported by examples and initiatives within this keynote presentation. Research is foundational for evidence-based music therapy practice, upon which critically thinking well-educated music therapists can practice. Governance structures both within and outside of the music therapy profession inform and guide ethics and best practices. Creativity is foundational to clinical decision-making and engaged practices, leading to connectivity in music therapy within the applied setting at many different levels. As core values, individual respect and inclusion of diversity are essential for best practice in music therapy. Across the many different contexts in which music therapists work, differentiation and adaptation are essential to foster accessibility and meet individualised needs. In addition, the temporal nature of multi-tracking across musical development is further applied to the past, present and anticipated future development of music therapy in Australia. Music therapy is now well established in Australia since 1975 and before. However, despite consistent messaging, some sectors of society still treat music therapy as a new profession. Despite this, the current reach and breadth of music therapy within and beyond Australia is to be celebrated. At the same time, consideration needs to be given about how to support the further development of music therapy in Australia, amidst current enablers within health and related sectors. Elements of music therapy practice and the vital role of practitioners as functioning with an evidence-based creative framework can lead to opportunities and suggestions for the future, as we consider metaphorically multi-tracking our profession.
Biography
Dr Alison Short (she/her), PhD, MT-BC, RMT, is an internationally accredited music therapy academic and experienced health services researcher at Western Sydney University, one of only two accredited music therapy programs in Australia. She trained in music therapy in the first class at the University of Melbourne under Emeritus Professor Denise Grocke. Later, she became one of the first Masters-level trained Australian music therapists, completing her studies at New York University. Pioneering in the field of music therapy, and also the specialist method of Guided Imagery and Music (Bonny Method), Alison has published, presented and lectured extensively. She is well known internationally for work across many topics, including 1) understanding the role of music therapy within the interprofessional context, 2) mental health related to physical/medical care, 3) the impact of indoor noise on health, and 4) benchmarking of music therapy education around the world. As an articulate and passionate advocate for music therapy, Alison constantly seeks new research knowledge for translation into everyday evidence-based training and practice, thereby improving capacity and changing health care practices for the future. Dr Short currently serves on the Council of the World Federation of Music Therapy as Regional Liaison Representative for Australia and New Zealand. She currently leads the Arts and Health network at Western Sydney University. Alison works closely with health service providers, including longstanding membership of the Southwestern Sydney Health and Arts Reference Group. She was recently an invited Plenary Speaker for a large Thoracic and Respiratory Medicine conference (TSANZ/ANZSRS, 2024). As the National Keynote speaker for the 49th Australian Music Therapy Association National Conference, Dr Short brings her theme of, ‘Multi-tracking music therapy: Past, present and future’ to explore the complexity of music therapy which can be applied collaboratively into diverse community and real-world contexts, based on her extensive knowledge and experience.
