A reflexive history of Sing&Grow: Impacts that inform future innovation
Tracks
Stream Two
| Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| 2:10 PM - 2:20 PM |
| Centre Stage 2 |
Overview
Thea Maxwell
Speaker
Thea Maxwell
Sing&grow (playmatters)
A reflexive history of Sing&Grow: Impacts that inform future innovation
Abstract
Sing&Grow is one of the largest employers of Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) in the country, with a strong history of achieving statistically significant improvements for families across Australia (Williams, Savage, & Nielson, 2019). By reflecting on the historical impact of Sing&Grow, innovations for can be considered in emerging contexts for both families and RMTs. Approaching this from the lens of an early-career RMT will enable a unique perspective on how the past can inform future innovations.
Objective: Explore how Sing&Grow has simultaneously impacted families, communities, and the RMT profession. By synthesising key findings, professional reflections, and new opportunities, recommendations will be made to promote innovation within this model of music therapy, supporting continued positive impacts for both families and RMTs.
Focus: Embracing historical learnings from Sing&Grow to shape future community-based music therapy practice.
Understanding how Sing&Grow has impacted the community and the music therapy profession for over two decades will inform directions for future innovations. Sing&Grow currently engages with approximately 2500 families each year, through a workforce of over 50 RMTs, providing a strong base for research and reach of impact (Williams et. al., 2019). Clinical narratives and recent studies will illustrate how RMTs engage with community resources to support positive change and growth for families and communities, while growing the potential of the music therapy profession. Using the lens of an early career RMT, emerging contexts will be identified and ways to embrace the resulting opportunities will be recommended.
Conclusion:
This presentation will provide recommendations for innovations enabling positive therapeutic outcomes and community growth, while simultaneously advancing the music therapy profession across Australia.
References:
Williams, K., Savage, S., & Nielson, C. (2019) Sing&Grow Final Evaluation Report November 2019. Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Objective: Explore how Sing&Grow has simultaneously impacted families, communities, and the RMT profession. By synthesising key findings, professional reflections, and new opportunities, recommendations will be made to promote innovation within this model of music therapy, supporting continued positive impacts for both families and RMTs.
Focus: Embracing historical learnings from Sing&Grow to shape future community-based music therapy practice.
Understanding how Sing&Grow has impacted the community and the music therapy profession for over two decades will inform directions for future innovations. Sing&Grow currently engages with approximately 2500 families each year, through a workforce of over 50 RMTs, providing a strong base for research and reach of impact (Williams et. al., 2019). Clinical narratives and recent studies will illustrate how RMTs engage with community resources to support positive change and growth for families and communities, while growing the potential of the music therapy profession. Using the lens of an early career RMT, emerging contexts will be identified and ways to embrace the resulting opportunities will be recommended.
Conclusion:
This presentation will provide recommendations for innovations enabling positive therapeutic outcomes and community growth, while simultaneously advancing the music therapy profession across Australia.
References:
Williams, K., Savage, S., & Nielson, C. (2019) Sing&Grow Final Evaluation Report November 2019. Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Biography
Thea is a RMT working with Sing&Grow. She is passionate about collaborating within communities to assist families to flourish. Working in individual and group settings, Thea uses attachment theory, relationship-based intervention, and Circle of Security frameworks, focusing on ways music therapy can support positive connections within families and communities.
