Author: Kate Green   20th January 2015

 

Qualitative research synthesis (QRS) provides valuable integrated forms of knowledge and a means of making connections between existing studies, advancing professional knowledge through examination of evidence that is both broad and deep. This study, led by Katherine Wimpenny Senior Research Fellow, Co-Principal Investigator, will:

• Provide a new perspective of music therapy’s practice in clinical improvisation regarding what works, what does not, and why, to inform the profession, education, policy decisions and future research.
• Contribute a global understanding of clinical music improvisation’s impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities.
  

American Music Therapy Association, Arthur Flagler Fultz Award with Anthony Meadows, Associate Professor of Music, Shenandoah University, US.

More information is required about the practice and processes used by music therapists in clinical improvisation to determine best practice, contribute to the realisation of client outcomes for health and wellbeing, and recognise variables that can impact upon such outcomes. Music therapy interventions should reflect client needs, preferences and aspirations in addition to ensuring high quality reported outcomes, as identified within the funding priorities (Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund, 2013). A robust body of evidence that confirms a more integrated picture of music therapy’s practice in clinical improvisation is required. This Qualitative Research Synthesis (QRS) is the first international study of its kind to profile the increasing range of qualitative research evidence authored by music therapists about clinical improvisation. The study will advance professional practices by ensuring such evidence is synthesized and presented in ways to maximize dissemination, relevance and scientific knowledge.