Design Research into Music Therapy
Design Research into products for Music Therapists and Therapy
Why Music Therapy?
The purpose and scopeDesign researchers need to explore many areas eg creativity, design tools such as CAD and the role of knowledge. One way of approaching this is through analysing designing, and real contexts are needed for the designers involved to ensure that valid research data is obtained. Loughborough University’s ‘polymer acoustic guitar project’ originated from a design research project exploring the role of knowledge (see www.coolacoustics.com).
Some designing has been carried out to provide specialist equipment for music therapists eg the Nordoff-Robbins reed horns and Midicreator, but generally music therapists use instruments and equipment that has not been specifically designed for them. Therefore, music therapy provides a rich context with many design opportunities, and both design researchers and music therapists should benefit from the outcomes. Finalist undergraduate designers at Loughborough University have made a start in 2008/9 ... please look at their emerging designs and give any supportive feedback that you can.
This brief summary page is designed to give an overview of the project but the focus of changes and developments will be based on the publication and updates related to the project overview document available by clicking right and using the 'save as' option on the link below:
Download project overview Undergraduate projects >>>
A Definition?
Music therapy is the use of music and/or musical elements (sound, rhythm, melody and harmony) by a qualified music therapist, with a client or group, in a process designed to facilitate and promote communication, relationships, learning, mobilization, expression, organization, and other relevant therapeutic objectives, in order to meet physical, emotional, mental, social and cognitive needs.
Music therapy aims to develop potentials and/or restore functions of the individual so that he or she can achieve better intra - and interpersonal integration and consequently a better quality of life through prevention, rehabilitation or treatment.
World Federation of Music Therapy (1997)
A Contribution?
You can make a contribution to the project or comment by contacting Liz Norman via email. Please refer to the PDF overview of the project prior to contacting the research group.
Contribute!An Explanation?
There are various sources of information for those wishing to gain an insight into the work a Music Therapist but the video clips below provide a concise guide to the subject. Play each row left to right to find out more about music therapy in 4 stages. Click on the clips to open them in a new window.