The Evidence Bank

“What difference does music therapy make to peoples’ lives?”

Music Therapy in Aged Care

The Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre opened in November 2001 and became fully operational early in 2002. At the beginning the Centre was staffed by 3 part-time music therapists and clinical work was focused on developmental disability with children and adults of all ages. As staffing levels increased and the work was consolidated, new areas of clinical practice opened up – including work with groups of older people (many with dementia) from 2005. The following is an overview of some of the experiences and findings from Centre programs between 2006 and 2009, concluding with a summary of current thinking in 2012.

Download the full paper HERE.

Music Therapy for Children "at Risk"

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia started working with “children at risk” in 2004.This work encompasses school-age students failing to engage in literacy and numeracy learning and/or attendance at school; experiencing significant difficulties in academic achievement and social skills through issues like disruptive behaviour, history of neglect or abuse, disability or other problems.

Students recommended for music therapy included those with emotional / behavioural disorders, aggression, anti-social behaviour, anger management, violent behaviour, poor socialisation skills and poor attention span. Some students had a specific diagnoses of “Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)”, “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” or “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” (including Asperger’s syndrome).

Download the full paper HERE.