The Leader of the Band: A Case Story of Community Music Therapy on a Hospital Ward for People Who Have Dementia

Authors

  • Patrice Dennis
  • Daphne Joan Rickson New Zealand School of Music

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v14i1.728

Keywords:

Community music therapy, dementia

Abstract

This case story was undertaken as part of a research project[1] investigating music therapy to aid relationships between people with dementia and their family members. Involving family members in the music therapy process was found to be valuable in fostering a sense of community between residents, family members, and care staff (Dennis, 2012). However, a sense of community was also fostered by the interactions of the residents themselves as they participated in music therapy over a ten month period. Music making became a natural part of the environment, an important medium for individual expression, shared communication, enhancing social events, and demonstrating mutual care and love. We demonstrate this through our case story of Jack[2] whose music making permeated the dementia ward to invite the active participation of others, and led to the development of caring relationships.

[1] The qualitative study used secondary analysis of clinical data (also known as clinical data mining) to explore and describe a student music therapist’s experience of involving family members of people with dementia in a music therapy process at a residential care facility. The study has the approval of the Massey University Human Ethics Committee (HEC: Southern A – 11/41).

[2] Not his real name.

 

Author Biographies

Patrice Dennis

Patrice Dennis, MMus Ther (Hon) BHSc (Nursing) is a New Zealand Registered Music Therapist living and working in Wellington. Before training as a Music Therapist with the New Zealand School of Music, Patrice worked for 10 years as a Registered Nurse in mental health services, and still practices as nurse part time in a community addiction service. Patrice has a passion for working with people with dementia. Her professional background as a nurse and personal experience as a family member of someone with dementia were significant factors in her choice to undertake music therapy research in this field. Patrice firmly believes that music therapy has the potential to improve quality of life and support people to live well in the presence of dementia. Patrice works as a music therapist at a residential care facility for older people and is also part of a participatory action research team with young people with intellectual disabilities who are transitioning from school.

Daphne Joan Rickson, New Zealand School of Music

Dr Daphne Rickson, PhD (Music), MMusTher, MHealSc(MenH), LTCL, RMTh, is a Senior Lecturer on the Master of Music Therapy programme at Te Koki, the New Zealand School of Music.  She has practiced music therapy with a range of client populations but specialises in work with children and adolescents in schools. Daphne is particularly interested in how music therapists might practice in inclusive education settings, and as consultants to schools. She is currently working on a text, with Dr Katrina McFerran of Melbourne University, which focuses on the potential for music therapists to develop collaborative partnerships with key players in education settings with the aim of establishing sustainable musical school communities. Daphne is currently the lead researcher in a participatory action research team which includes music therapy colleagues and young people with intellectual disabilities who are transitioning from school.

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Published

2014-02-10

How to Cite

Dennis, P., & Rickson, D. J. (2014). The Leader of the Band: A Case Story of Community Music Therapy on a Hospital Ward for People Who Have Dementia. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v14i1.728

Issue

Section

Original Voices