music therapy

Musical justice

Title: Who says I can’t sing? Musical justice for people with intellectual disabilities
Author/researcher: Katrina McFerran, National Music Therapy Research Centre, University of Melbourne
Publisher/funder: The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Central Division Research and Advocacy Portfolio
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: 2008
Length: 25 pages
Keywords: music, music therapy, Australia, disability
Abstract: This report explores the complementary roles of music therapy and community music for people with disabilities. It compares two existing music programs through The Salvation Army Brunswick and Able Australia, in order to identify overlap and points of distinction. The adult participants in these programs were engaged as co-researchers in the investigation, offering their perspectives through focus group interviews, regular written feedback mechanisms and quality of life questionnaires. These adults included people with a range of disabilities and their carers, both of whom engage in the music programs with equal enthusiasm.