The Music Therapy Trust India, New Delhi India

PG Diploma

Overview

Research in Music Therapy has shown evidence of qualitative improvement on human being. Ongoing proven research outcomes of Music Therapy in chronic illnesses like Cancer, Alzheimer?s disease, Senile Dementia, Stroke, neuromuscular and neurological impairments have been published all over world and therefore gaining lots of attention from health care industries to do further researches in various field.
The following are some of effects of music, which help to explain the effectiveness of music therapy:

? Brain waves- Research has shown that strong beats can stimulate your brain functions.
   Some of the beats can be alerting for you and some of them can have calming effects.
? State of mind- Studies shows that certain kinds of music have soothing effect which can reduce stress and anxieties. Our Physiological system alters with change in our state of
mind. Clinical trials have also shown proven effect on our endocrine system.
? Other benefits like lowering BP, improving immune system, reducing pain, decreasing
hyperactivity, facilitating speech and communications have been already documented in
several research evidences.

Research Domains

Developmental disabilities ( Intellectual & Developmental disabilities, Autism and
   pervasive disorder )
Oncology ( Cancer )
Addictions (Alcoholism, Substance abuse, sexual abuse )
Geriatrics (Dementia, Alzheimer?s and common geriatric disorder)
Physical medicine and rehabilitation ( Cerebral Palsy, Head Injury, Parkinson?s,
   cognitive impairment, Physically challenged etc)
Psychological ( Anxiety and depression, OCD, Insomnia, Schizophrenia,
   psychosomatic disorders)
Pregnancy ,infant development and stimulation
Corporate
Social well being ( Social issues like Community development, peace, conflicts,
disaster, women empowerment, advocacy)
Wellness

Research reports

Dr Lucanne Magill has helped recently three Music Therapists Joke Bradt, Cheryl Dileo and Denise Erdonmez to conduct some of the researches which attracted lots of media attention. Abstracts of research papers are outlined below-

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232620.php

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/09/music.soothes.anxiety.cancer/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-11/music-soothes-cancer-patients/2834708

Research Staffs

1. Dr Lucanne Magill- Please add your research background
2. Dr Margaret Lobo- Please add your research background
3. Somesh Purey - Please add your research background

Publications

Student Sections

Through lectures and seminars students gain an introduction to the research process and to research methodologies used in Music therapy and Arts Therapies research. They then undertake a research project, resulting in assessment through a dissertation or various other modules. This research project offers the student the opportunity to undertake elements of the research process and to demonstrate the evidence of their researching in varied ways. A clinical issue, the student?s own clinical work or a professional issue may provide the material for their research. The research project enables the student to experience the research process, complete elements of a research project and thus take research skills into their future workplace.

Introduction to research
This module has been designed to provide students with an introduction to the research process and to research methodologies used in Music Therapy and other Arts Therapies. It will enable them to understand and critically evaluate several different methodologies and to consider which might be most useful in a research project.

Research Dissertation or Research Project
This research project offers the student the opportunity to undertake elements of the research process and to demonstrate the evidence of their researching in varied ways. A clinical issue, the student?s own clinical work or a professional issue may provide the material for their research. The research project enables the student to experience the research process, complete elements of a research project and thus take research skills into their future workplace.

Research essay
2,000 words, to include an exposition of the topic and a literature review. This should demonstrate self directed study into a specific clinical or professional area, and a critical awareness of the relevant literature.

Practical workshop/presentation + narrative
A practical demonstration of the techniques and their exploration as undertaken in the research project similar to the type of practical workshop that might be required as a Training session in the workplace. A written description of the workshop/presentation should also be submitted (eg handouts or power point slides). This description will include a theoretical summary for the techniques demonstrated together with a rationale for their clinical application.

Presentation and narrative
A written description of the presentation should also be submitted (eg handouts or power point slides), to include references.

Musical analysis and narrative
This will consist of the transcription and musical analysis of up to 3 short extracts from a clinical case study. A musical analysis and clinical interpretation of each extract will be made in the form of a written commentary which will demonstrate to a specialist and non-specialist reader the content or process of therapy.

Portfolio of writing
A reflective portfolio of writing that develops and documents the student?s engagement with research and Music Therapy research literature. This should give evidence for developing strategies for reflective clinical and research practice.

Student queries
PG diploma students are requested to send their research related queries to your course tutor Dr Lucanne Magill and Mr Somesh Purey through mails to: