While many music therapists work closely to support families experiencing marginalisation, there is little research into how music therapists work within a preschool setting in a marginalised area, where children spend significant time with peers and educators rather than in family units.
This is an ethnographic research study based on one year of fieldwork investigating how a music therapist can work within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. The Mosaic Approach (Clark & Moss, 2011) was utilised to prioritise children’s voices.
The author drew on experience in Creative Music Therapy, educational theories, and trauma-informed practise to curate a music therapy program that provided therapeutic support for the children’s additional needs.
Based on this extensive research and ethnographic fieldwork, this paper describes the theoretical underpinning of the results and investigates the implications for the practise, considering the role of a music therapist in a preschool.
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education champions children as experts in their own learning and values creative expression alongside an atelierista (Jaruszewicz, 1994).
The framework of Communicative Music Therapy (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2009) demonstrated the crucial role of intersubjectivity and sustained relationship to support the therapeutic relationship through intrinsic musical interactions.
Through collaborative program innovating with the staff, the author utilised therapeutic interventions to support the development of social and communication skills.
Discussion/conclusion
This project has far-reaching implications for the practise of music therapy and the role of music in early childhood. Music therapists working in early childhood education and care can benefit from considering the significance of meaningful relationship in their practise.

References

Clark, A., & Moss, P. (2011). Listening to young children: The mosaic approach. NCB.
Jaruszewicz, C. (1994). Reggio Emilia: An In-Depth View.
Malloch, S., & Trevarthen, C. (Eds.). (2009). Communicative musicality: Exploring the basis of human companionship. OUP.

What does a diagnosis mean to you? Music therapists working in community settings may not always receive the complete diagnosis of a participant, but at other times, they do receive a list of diagnoses. As we reflect upon the assessment process, we consider the helpful and unhelpful facets of 'knowing' a new participant through a diagnosis before meeting them.

This paper draws on three registered music therapists' and a music therapy student's experiences working across the lifespan with people in the community. We will share a reflective account of the benefits and limitations of receiving diagnostic information prior to meeting the participant and how this influences practice and the building of therapeutic relationships.

Through reflective peer collaboration, we gain an in-depth insight into the meaning of 'knowing' our participant and guide ourselves to explore the biases influenced by diagnostic labels, and associated countertransference in practice. Our reflection reveals that prior knowledge of a diagnosis could enhance and constrain our initial perception of participants. While it may facilitate deeper understanding of the physiological needs of the participant to tailor the therapeutic interventions, it could also hinder collaboration and the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. Although there is no single definitive answer, this presentation encourages clinical reflexivity, urging community practitioners to look beyond a diagnosis and discover opportunities to understand our participants through an open and creative lens.

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide specialised medical care for very pre-term infants and infants born with complex medical conditions. Admissions into the NICU can negatively impact infants and families, from long term neurodevelopment, bonding and mental health. Access to a range of clinical and non-clinical services to support infants and families during their NICU admission remain limited due to a range of barriers, including, operational, staffing and funding. This not only results in limited availability of supports for families but highlights the inequitable access to services across NICU sites.

NICU Music Therapy (NICU MT) has been a well-established intervention in Australia for 30 years, contributing to the early development and research of interventions. However, program growth rate and research output has not mirrored those of our international counterparts in recent years. Additionally to not all NICUs offering music therapy programs, many do not have dedicated developmental or psychosocial supports. The need for parent connection in NICU and parental support and confidence can be provided by parent organisations giving access to peer emotional support for families in the NICU and beyond.

This presentation will explore the cross-sector relationship between a music therapist and the CEO of a major NICU Parent Organisation to address service gaps and inequitable access to services across NICU sites. The implementation of the two programs will meet the needs of patients and families and complement the model of care on the unit. Through organisational support, a dedicated NICU music therapy pilot will be embedded alongside the parent organisation further implementing their long-standing peer support cot-side service, broadening their reach into more NICUs. Together, these two services will offer infants and their families an additional three days of clinical and non-clinical support, enhancing the patient and family experiences, mental health, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and staff education.

Title: And They Sang as They Watched and Waited: A Geriatric Evaluation and Management Ward-Based Rotational Music Therapy Group Program

Introduction:

Group music therapy (MT) is recognised in literature as a short-term, non-pharmacological intervention effective in reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). While growing evidence supports its use in residential and community settings, limited research has evaluated its implementation within Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) wards. Similarly, little is known about the impact of group MT on staff wellbeing within this context. As we look to the future of sustainable, innovative, and evidence-informed practice within evolving healthcare contexts, the need for adaptable, ward-based interventions that promote well-being for both patients and staff have become increasingly vital.

Methods:

Delivered over a nine-year period—intermittently due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the Mood and Agitation Management MT Group was implemented across five GEM wards by five music therapists. Each rotation consisted of weekly one-hour sessions delivered over six to eight weeks. Interventions utilised included singing familiar songs, song choice, music and movement activities, music-based reminiscence, and instrument playing. Evaluation data were drawn from written staff feedback surveys, assessing perceived impacts on patient outcomes, staff wellbeing, and ward environment.

Results:

Evaluation feedback indicated consistent improvements in patient mood and social connection and a reduction in BPSD. Staff reported observable reductions in agitation, wandering, and anxiety, as well as enhancements in ward environment and a decrease in their own emotional stress. All participating wards expressed interest in making the program a permanent fixture.

Conclusion:

This pilot demonstrated the feasibility and therapeutic value of a targeted MT intervention in the GEM ward context. Qualitative data suggests group MT may reduce BPSD, improve mood, and support staff wellbeing. Further research using standardised outcome measures is recommended to quantify impact and support broader implementation.

Throughout a professional career it is important to be challenged, to learn and to adapt our practices and approaches. As music therapists, this enables us to evolve professionally while also ensuring longevity in what can often be a transient workforce.
It is common for music therapists to work within multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams. In early childhood settings, we orchestrate goals across multiple disciplines to shift into transdisciplinary practice, which has significant positive impacts for family centred practice.
The key worker model (KWM) was a key design element in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The KWM is underpinned by a sound understanding of childhood development and emphasises a holistic approach, focusing on the whole child and family rather than on the child alone and their identified deficits or struggles.
Essential to the KWM is the relationship that the clinician has with the family. Music therapists have a unique ability to connect with families, be creative and respond to the individual needs, experiences and expectations. We’re able to shape our approach according to what arises for the family, at the given time, with a holistic view and positive, natural, affirming, play based interventions.
This presentation will utilise both visual support in the form of a powerpoint presentation, as well as the mentimeter tool to provide a more engaging, relevant and meaningful presentation responsive to the interest and knowledge base of the audience.
Both authors will offer valuable insights into expanding music therapy practice and how our expertise as music therapists has the potential to not only fit into but expand other existing roles in healthcare and community settings.

Background:
As the Australian Music Therapy Association marks five decades of impact and innovation, this review reflects on the evolving role of music therapy within specialist community palliative care. While music therapy is well-established in acute and hospice settings, the implementation in home-based models of care is less known. This review explores patterns in referral, access, intervention delivery, and client engagement within a metropolitan community-based palliative care service.
Method:
A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on more than 50 referrals to a community music therapist over a two-year period. Data sources included internal referrals and clinical documentation. Key variables analysed were client demographic characteristics, palliative care phase at time of referral, reasons for referral, intervention goals, type and number of sessions delivered, duration of involvement, and reasons for discharge. Intervention types were categorised using common palliative music therapy classifications (e.g. receptive, re-creative and song writing), and clinical data was aligned to a modified palliative care outcomes framework.
Findings:
Findings revealed trends in the types of interventions provided, timing and frequency of referrals, and variation in clinical goals across client groups. Further analysis demonstrates the use of intervention types and how these align with client needs and client phase.
Discussion:
Findings highlight the contribution of music therapy to person-centred care at the end of life and identify opportunities to improve referral appropriateness and timing, refine intervention planning, and strengthen routine data collection. Insights from this review can inform workforce development, service planning, and advocacy - supporting the sustainability and strategic relevance of music therapy within integrated, valued-based models of palliative care.

T

This presentation will explore the integration of diverse religious beliefs within music therapy practice, emphasizing collaboration among various faith traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Baha'i. By examining how spiritual beliefs influence therapeutic dynamics, we can enhance the effectiveness of interventions.

Drawing upon Victoria Di Giovanni's research, which investigates the impact of religious beliefs on music therapists' clinical identities, this presentation will highlight findings from her phenomenological study. It reveals that therapists often find their faith enriches their ability to connect with clients, fostering a sense of purpose and stability in challenging therapeutic contexts.

Further, this discussion will reference existing literature on spirituality in healthcare, illustrating how incorporating clients’ spiritual beliefs can lead to more personalized and effective therapeutic outcomes. The presentation will also address the shared values among different faiths that can enhance the therapeutic relationship and promote inclusivity.

Attendees will be invited to engage in a reflective dialogue around key questions: How can we effectively incorporate clients’ spiritual beliefs into therapy? What challenges arise when navigating personal faith in professional settings? How can we advocate for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the spiritual needs of our clients?

This session aims to inspire music therapists to adopt a multifaith perspective, fostering a holistic and person-centered practice that respects the diverse beliefs of clients, ultimately shaping innovative and impactful therapeutic practices.

As we celebrate 50 years of music therapy in Australia, this interactive panel will reflect on where music therapy is today and invites you to envision what music therapy could look like in 2075. As a profession that has flourished in the last fifty years, Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) have continually adapted their music therapy approaches in response to shifting funding models. Systemic pressures raise questions about the future scope of music therapy that maintains high-quality, person-centred, evidence-based care.

Through open dialogue and collaborative visioning, we invite you to reflect on the evolving role of RMTs in models of healthcare, disability, and community settings. Drawing on our experience in private practice, we will discuss the barriers, challenges, and the possibilities that lie ahead. Using the continuum of music for health and wellbeing (Short & MacRitchie, 2023) as a framework, we will explore current assumptions and future possibilities.

We will ask:
- How do we learn from the past and shape a future that centres participant voices and lived experiences?
- How do ethical and economic considerations intersect and interact with clinical decision making?
- In what ways do contrasting models of disability and health (e.g. medical vs social, person-centred vs system-driven) influence our future service and practice?
- How do we challenge inequity and foster (co-create?) accessible and empowering models of care?

We invite you to join us to discuss our opportunities, consider the pressure of volatile funding models and identify ‘the gaps’ and potential changes we’ll need to face to sustain and grow music therapy in Australia.

Join us to elevate your voice, affirm the impact of music therapy over the last 50 years and innovatively collaborate to envision our future.

Mental health consumers range from acute inpatient to non-acute community-based settings; their presentations, readiness for engagement, and needs vary. Music therapy for mental health consumers emphasises "music as therapy". It utilises music therapeutically to meet them where they are and personalises it to be part of their recovery journey. Through practising music therapy in mental health settings, the following concepts are effective in connecting with consumers.

Being present for consumers during the music experience. Music itself is a powerful language. During song sharing, the songs describe the intense emotions and personal struggles of consumers. It is not necessary to prompt verbal processing from consumers to gain an understanding of their reflection, but being in the moment with them, allowing space for sharing without feeling exposed, providing validation through acknowledging the unspoken meaning of the music and avoiding the risk of unravelling the traumatic experience when they are not mentally ready. 

Making "I want to play music" achievable. Consumers often experience hardships and setbacks in life, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Consumers show interest in developing new musical skills, yet struggle to take action due to their mental capacity. In this situation, the impact of therapeutic instrumental learning is significant, not only in creating a sense of gratification and the locus of control but also in building confidence and resilience. Music therapists support consumers by modifying the skills required to attune to their abilities and preferred learning styles, offering non-judgmental feedback and positive encouragement, and leading to successful experiences.

Openness to change for the session plan. Consumers' overall presentation varies depending on the day and mood. There are times when the music therapy goals set are not suitable to orient the session. Therefore, providing a dynamic musical interaction is essential to accompany them at different stages. 

Background
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that affects kidney function and often requires ongoing support through medication, dialysis, or transplant. Haemodialysis is life-sustaining yet demanding treatment that can impact a child's psychological wellbeing (1,2). To support holistic care, Resource-Oriented Music Therapy (ROMT) was introduced in a paediatric dialysis unit to nurture the “musical self”—a creative identity often overlooked in clinical environments (3).

Purpose
This case study explores the experience of 'Jasper', a 9-year-old receiving haemodialysis, referred to music therapy for mental health support. It considers how shared musical experiences can highlight a child’s strengths and foster identity expression beyond diagnosis.

Method
Therapeutic songwriting enabled 'Jasper’s' hidden musical self to emerge, offering a meaningful outlet for expression and connection amid medical routines. The creative process acted as both intervention and advocacy, amplifying 'Jasper’s' voice.

Outcomes
Music therapy promoted 'Jasper’s' individuality and reframed his hospital experience. His mum described it as “a breath of fresh air,” reflecting the shift from diagnosis-driven identity to a strengths-based narrative.

Conclusion
This case illustrates music therapy’s role in affirming identity for children with chronic illness. In settings that may overshadow identity, music therapy uniquely fosters space to reclaim and reimagine the self. 'Jasper’s' journey calls for continued innovation and advocacy to keep music therapy integral to holistic care.

References
1. Wightman A, Zimmerman CT, Neul S, et al. Caregiver experience in pediatric dialysis. Pediatrics. 2019;143(2):e20182102. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2102
2. Kobus S, Buehne AM, Kathemann S, Buescher AK, Lainka E. Parents' perceptions of the effectiveness of music therapy on their chronically ill children. Behav Sci (Basel). 2023;13(5):409. doi:10.3390/bs13050409
3. Shoemark H, Rimmer J, Bower J, Tucquet B, Miller L, Fisher M, et al. A conceptual framework: The musical self as a unique pathway to outcomes in the acute pediatric health setting. J Music Ther. 2018;55(1):1–26. doi:10.1093/jmt/thx018