Improvisational Methods of Music Therapy

Improvisational Methods of Music Therapy is the second in a series of textbooks addressing each of the four music therapy methods employed in a variety of clinical contexts. Students and professionals alike will gain foundational knowledge about Clinical Music Improvisation (CMI) and its many variations as pertinent to individual, dyadic, and group improvisation.

This book is specifically intended as a general roadmap for the design and implementation of therapeutically relevant, effective, and individualized improvisation experiences applicable to a wide range of clinical profiles and interpersonal and cultural contexts. As such, Improvisational Methods of Music Therapy addresses prerequisites, risks, contraindications, inherent affordances, and challenges related to CMI, with overarching considerations and procedural steps for Instrumental, Vocal, and Body Improvisation. Attention is given to the use of CMI toward both client achievement of predetermined and measurable therapeutic objectives (i.e., outcome-oriented practice) and client identification and exploration of needs as they manifest in the musicing process (i.e., experience-oriented practice). Hypothetical case illustrations and summaries of actual clinical cases highlight particular CMI variations and procedures.

CONTENTS:

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION: Methods-Based Training and Clinical Practice

Population-Based Approach

Methods-Based Approach

UNIT ONE: LAYING THE FOUNDATION

CHAPTER ONE: Overview of Clinical Music Improvisation

Clinical Music Improvisation Defined

Prerequisites for the Client’s Involvement

Risks and Contraindications

Affordances and Challenges

Ethical Considerations

Cultural Considerations

CHAPTER TWO: General Considerations in Selection, Design, and Implementation

CHAPTER THREE: Listening

Listening in CMI Contexts

Improvisation Assessment Profiles (IAPs)

The Profiles

Interpretation

CHAPTER FOUR: Relationships

CHAPTER FIVE: Outcome Orientation to Clinical Practice—Basic Procedures

What Is the Essence of an Outcome Orientation?

When Is an Outcome Orientation to CMI Indicated?

How Might I Design Outcome-Oriented CMI Encounters?

What Does Implementation Entail?

CHAPTER SIX: Experience Orientation to Clinical Practice—Basic Procedures

What is the Essence of an Experience Orientation?

When Is an Experience Orientation to CMI Indicated?

How Might I Design Experience-Oriented CMI Encounters?

What Does Implementation Entail?

CHAPTER SEVEN: Ecological Orientation to Clinical Practice

CHAPTER EIGHT: Roles and Responsibilities

Outcome Orientation

Client Roles and Responsibilities

Experience Orientation

Client Roles and Responsibilities

UNIT TWO: METHOD-VARIATIONS (SOUND MEDIA)

CHAPTER NINE: Instrumental Improvisation

Sound Media

Prerequisites for Instrumental Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Instrumental Improvisation

Affordances and Challenges of Instrumental Improvisation

Nonreferential Instrumental Improvisation

Referential Instrumental Improvisation

Outcome and Experience Orientations

CHAPTER TEN: Vocal Improvisation

Prerequisites for Vocal Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Vocal Improvisation

Affordances and Challenges of Vocal Improvisation

Nonreferential Vocal Improvisation

Referential Vocal Improvisation

Outcome and Experience Orientations

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Body Improvisation

Sound Media

Prerequisites for Body Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Body Improvisation

Affordances and Challenges of Body Improvisation

Nonreferential Body Improvisation

Referential Body Improvisation

Outcome and Experience Orientations

UNIT THREE: INTERPERSONAL CONTEXTS

CHAPTER TWELVE: Solo Improvisation

Overview

Prerequisites for Solo Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Solo Improvisation

Improvisational Methods of Music Therapy Affordances and Challenges of Solo Improvisation

Procedural Considerations

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Solo Improvisation—Case Studies

Outcome Orientation

Experience Orientation

Additional Resources

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Dyadic Improvisation

Overview

Prerequisites for Dyadic Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Dyadic Improvisation

Affordances and Challenges of Dyadic Improvisation

Procedural Considerations

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Dyadic Improvisation—Case Studies

Overview

Outcome Orientation

Experience Orientation

Additional Resources

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Group Improvisation

Overview

Prerequisites for Group Improvisation

Risks and Contraindications of Group Improvisation

Affordances and Challenges of Group Improvisation

Therapist’s Roles in Group Improvisation

Procedural Considerations

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Group Improvisation—Case Studies

Outcome Orientation

Experience Orientation

Additional Case

Additional Resources

APPENDIX A: CMI Design Worksheet

APPENDIX B: Improvisation Assessment Profiles (IAPs)

APPENDIX C: E-A-R

APPENDIX D: Yalom’s Therapeutic Factors

Index