Music Therapists' Listening Perspectives in Improvisational Music Therapy

Abstract

This article describes the research process and findings of a qualitative interview study conducted over two years. Participants were music therapists from different countries who work in music–centred and in–depth improvisational approaches with a variety of clients. The purpose of this research was to investigate the listening approaches of experienced music therapists who reflect on their clinical work and specifically to study improvisations co–created with individual clients. Interviews were conducted either by email or (when possible) in person. Interview questions focused on the process of listening both during sessions and afterwards when listening back to audio or videotaped improvisations. The data analysis process and procedures as well as the research philosophy used in this study are discussed. Research findings are presented as a series of perspectives. Each perspective comprises different levels of listening. Reflections about these perspectives as well as what was learned by conducting this research conclude the article.

Keywords:

• qualitative research
• listening
• improvisation
• music therapists
• interviews