Using Music Technology in Music Therapy With Populations Across the Life Span in Medical and Educational Programs

Wendy L. Magee; Michael Bertolami; Lorrie Kubicek; Marcia LaJoie; Lisa Martino; Adam Sankowski; Jennifer Townsend; Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux; Julie Buras Zigo

doi:10.47513/mmd.v3i3.395

Authors

Wendy L. Magee PhD, NMT-F
Michael Bertolami MA, MT-BC
Lorrie Kubicek MT-BC
Marcia LaJoie MM, MT-BC
Lisa Martino MA, MT-BC, LMHC
Adam Sankowski MT-BC
Jennifer Townsend MT-BC, NMT-F, CCCLS
Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux MA, MT-BC
Julie Buras Zigo MEd, MT-BC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v3i3.395

Abstract

Despite the call for information about using music technologies in music therapy over 20 years ago, few resources have been realized to guide practitioners in the craft of using these tools in practice. A small number of published case studies describe the use of music technology in practice with adults with neurological needs and adolescents with behavioral disorders. The relevance of music technologies in therapy with other populations of different ages is less clear. Training in using these tools remains outside of standard music therapy curricula. Detailed descriptions of methods in using technology remain illusive. Recent exploratory research indicates that music technologies are used in music therapy with populations across the life span. This article presents detailed case descriptions where music technology is used with children, adolescents, adults, and elders in medical, palliative, and educational settings. Lastly, guidance is offered for establishing a technology service within music therapy programs.

Author Biographies

Wendy L. Magee, PhD, NMT-F

Wendy L. Magee, PhD, NMT-F, is International Fellow in Music Therapy at the Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, London.

Michael Bertolami, MA, MT-BC

Michael Bertolami, MA, MT-BC, is a music therapist in the Lower School Program at Perkins School for the Blind.

Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC

Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC, is the music therapist with the HOPES Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Marcia LaJoie, MM, MT-BC

Marcia LaJoie, MM, MT-BC, is a music therapist and music educator at Massachusetts Hospital School.

Lisa Martino, MA, MT-BC, LMHC

Lisa Martino, MA, MT-BC, LMHC, has been working as a music therapist at Perkins School for the Blind for the past 16 years.

Adam Sankowski, MT-BC

Adam Sankowski, MT-BC, is a music therapist at the Kennedy Day School and practicum supervisor for Berklee College of Music.

Jennifer Townsend, MT-BC, NMT-F, CCCLS

Jennifer Townsend, MT-BC, NMT-F, CCCLS, is the coordinator of Creative Arts Therapies and Child Life at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center.

Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux, MA, MT-BC

Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux, MA, MT-BC, is a music therapist at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston.

Julie Buras Zigo, MEd, MT-BC

Julie Buras Zigo, MEd, MT-BC, is a music therapist at the Kennedy Day School and a part-time Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.