Bridging Five Decades of Innovation in Music Therapy Practice
Tracks
Stream One
| Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
| Centre Stage 1 |
Overview
Panel moderator - Helen Cameron | Panelists - Emeritus Prof Denise Grocke AO, Assoc. Prof Clare O'Callaghan AM, Assoc. Prof Alison Short and Beth Dun, MMT, RMT
Speaker
Helen Cameron
JAM music therapy
Bridging Five Decades of Innovation in Music Therapy Practice
Abstract
As we celebrate 50 years of music therapy in Australia, this panel will include our founder, Emeritus Professor Denise Grocke and other leading music therapists who have contributed since the early days of the profession. These innovators, who have made a lasting impact on our profession, will share personal insights and reflections of establishing of the
country’s first training programs, their challenges and successes, and how they contributed to music therapy becoming a respected allied health profession in Australia.
This session will offer valuable insights for both emerging and experienced
practitioners, fostering a connection between the historical roots of the profession and its evolving future. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, enabling participants to engage directly with these leading figures and benefit from their extensive professional experience. Attendees will gain rare access to Australia’s foremost music
therapists, explore strategies for addressing contemporary challenges, and reflect on the enduring impact that has integrated music therapy into the nation’s allied health services.
country’s first training programs, their challenges and successes, and how they contributed to music therapy becoming a respected allied health profession in Australia.
This session will offer valuable insights for both emerging and experienced
practitioners, fostering a connection between the historical roots of the profession and its evolving future. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, enabling participants to engage directly with these leading figures and benefit from their extensive professional experience. Attendees will gain rare access to Australia’s foremost music
therapists, explore strategies for addressing contemporary challenges, and reflect on the enduring impact that has integrated music therapy into the nation’s allied health services.
Biography
Helen, a Registered Music Therapist (RMT), founded JAM music therapy in 1998 to support individuals with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. She recently completed a research master's on support workers' perspectives in group music therapy and is dedicated to advancing the field and ensuring participants have access to quality music therapy services.
