The Therapeutic Value of Recording in Music Therapy for Adult Clients in a Concurrent Disorders Inpatient Treatment Facility

Abstract

Abstr Abstract actWhile recording traditionally has been viewed as a practical, adjunctive role of the music therapist, here the authors examine the skillful use of recording devices and software as fertile ground for the development of therapeutic programs with tangible benefits for adult clients in a concurrent disorders recovery setting. The integration and layering of musical composition with musical performance, digital technologies, and production invite rich and engaging conversations about therapeutic goals, processes, and outcomes. Using program evaluation and reflections on practice, the authors discuss how their interactions with clients through recording have yielded new insights into therapist roles and identities as well as expressions of music therapy. We outline the case for therapy-oriented recording, and a description of the authors' setting and information collection methods identified before a literature review on the use of recording in music therapy. The authors then distinguish four types of therapeutic recording illustrated by case examples from work with clients. The article culminates with a discussion of challenges and benefits associated with therapeutic recording. The authors conclude that recording offers critical and rewarding, yet often unrecognized, opportunities for music therapists to be innovators in their field.

Music Technology Tools – A Therapist-in-a-box?

“…In addition, I suggest that establishing a clear goal in the beginning of the project, and then following it by making an artifact-a personal piece of music-was equally important for motivation. This is consistent with some of the literature on music technology and therapeutic songwriting that highlights the benefits of recording (Kirkland & Nesbitt, 2019;McFerran et al, 2019;Sadnovik, 2014;Viega, 2018Viega, , 2019Weissberger, 2014) and discusses the role of the artifact (Baker, 2015, pp. 22-23;Rolvsjord, 2010, pp.…”

Health Musicking Technology

“…Most of the literature on music, technology, and mental health notes possible negative implications and continually discusses when to use and when not to use technology (Baker, 2015;Clements-Cortès, 2013;Crooke, 2018;Hahna et al, 2012;Kirkland & Nesbitt, 2019;Knight & Krout, 2017;Knight & LaGasse, 2012;Magee, 2014). In my study, no severe harmful or negative experiences were reported.…”

“…A literature review of the implications of technology in music therapy practice and research demonstrated that technology has been present in the literature since the 1970s, both as medical, assistive, computer-based technology and as musical instruments and recording technology (Crowe & Rio, 2004). Clinical music therapy studies have demonstrated how electronic music technology can address identity and relational issues (Burland & Magee, 2014;Street, 2014;Weissberger, 2014), promote self-awareness and self-confidence (Kirkland & Nesbitt, 2019), promote participation and inclusion (Stensaeth, 2014a), and be a resource for creating and exploring cultural and personal narratives (Sadnovik, 2014;Viega, 2018). These studies demonstrate that music technology is valuable as a practice of musicking; as a health-promoting catalyst; and as a motivational tool for engaging and activating people to take part in creative, self-reflective processes that empower them and influence their wellbeing.…”

“…Apart from this, the methods and implementations differ substantially in the current research. The call for more methodically thorough and critical studies (raised by scholars such as Hillier et al, 2016;Kirkland & Nesbitt, 2019;Knight, 2013;Magee, 2014) further indicates that this field is in a premature state and that more research is needed on digital technology's position towards meeting therapeutic goals and wellbeing.…”

“…The inventions are currently most prominent in somatic health care (Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, 2023; University of Agder, 2023;van Gemert-Pijnen et al, 2013;Zulman et al, 2015); however, new technology is also being used in mental health care (Areán et al, 2016;Biagianti et al, 2017;Maulik et al, 2017). In music therapy, assistive technology devices (Crowe & Rio, 2004;Magee & Wosch, 2018) and music technology tools used in music production (Burland & Magee, 2014;Kirkland & Nesbitt, 2019;Viega, 2018) are valuable assets in dealing with health challenges, both in therapy and in public health.…”