The Field of Play in music therapy education

Authors

  • Debbie Carroll Université du Québec à Montréal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v10i2.155

Abstract

In this paper, I illustrate how the Field of Play model, developed by Carolyn Kenny (1989) as a guide for the theory and practice of music therapy, can also serve as a model for educational practice.  Descriptions of each of the fields that comprise this model - aesthetic, musical space, field of play, ritual, a particular state of consciousness, power and creative process - provide a springboard for reflecting on my role as a music therapy educator in sowing a Field of Play with my students. I also discuss some of the theoretical and philosophical ideas that inform my work.  I conclude with some ‘food’ for thought, including a list of questions for reflection aimed at inspiring you, the reader, to begin, or continue, reflecting on the assumptions, theories and values that inform your work as music therapy clinician, educator and/or researcher.

Author Biography

Debbie Carroll, Université du Québec à Montréal

Music therapy professor at the Université du Québec à Montreal where she has been educating and supervising students since 1985. She received her postgraduate diploma in music therapy from the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and worked as a music therapist in Germany (Heidelberg and Mannheim) and Canada (Montreal). An accomplished pianist and clinician with extensive experience in special education and child/adolescent psychiatry, Debbie’s research interests include children’s intuitive musical understandings and the role of an adaptation of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) in developing the expressive language of children with Down syndrome. She has also developed a guide for teaching clinical improvisation techniques. Debbie presents her work nationally and internationally. Recently, she was awarded a lifetime membership from the Canadian Association for Music Therapy in recognition for her outstanding commitment to the organization and to the field of music therapy.

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Published

2010-04-21

How to Cite

Carroll, D. (2010). The Field of Play in music therapy education. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v10i2.155

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2010)

Section

Theoretical Articles

License

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