Music Therapy
Music Therapy - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| Music therapy provides pleasure, motivation, relaxation and support. The qualified music therapist at Peter Mac offers live music and other creative techinques, either at the bedside, in a private room or in the outpatients department. | ||||||
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| What is music therapy? | ||||||
| How can music therapy be useful? | ||||||
| How to participate in music therapy? | ||||||
| What happens in a music therapy session? | ||||||
| When and where is music therapy held? | ||||||
| Who are the music therapists at Peter Mac? | ||||||
| Who funds the music therapy service at Peter Mac? | ||||||
| What is music therapy? | ||||||
| Music therapy is the creative use of music to assist people to attain and maintain their health and well-being. The use of music is tailored to focus on 'therapeutic aims' such as improving mood and promoting relaxation. This is it different from listening to music for entertainment or learning about music. In music therapy a variety of musical methods can be explored including: • live or recorded music listening and singing • music relaxation and guided imagery techniques • song writing and recording your own songs • work with computer-based music software • music improvisation • borrowing instruments, therapeutic music lessons and music appreciation You do not need a musical background. people of all ages can be involved. Children of patients and children undergoing treatment can participate, and families can share sessions together. | ||||||
| How can music therapy be useful? | ||||||
| Music is an important part of many people's lives and music therapy offers methods to assist patients and their families to ‘get through’ their cancer experiences. It offers opportunities for people to share their musical backgrounds, and can be used to help to improve mood, divert from pain, increase energy, promote relaxation, or assist with physical rehabilitation. Music therapy can be used as a pathway for self-discovery. Some people find it helpful to talk about their memories and feelings associated with music. Concerns and feelings may be shared and worked through. Music therapy can also be focused on the music itself as a 'pleasurable time out'. | ||||||
| How to participate in music therapy? | ||||||
| Patients and families can ask to meet with Peter Mac’s Registered Music Therapists, or may be referred by other staff. Music therapists also offer services in the wards. | ||||||
| What happens in a music therapy session? | ||||||
| The music therapists at Peter Mac offer live music and other creative techniques, either at your bedside or in a private room. They spend time you and your family to learn about your individual musical interests, goals for music therapy sessions, and they explore a range of music therapy methods. Further Information about music therapy is found at: www.amta.org. | ||||||
| When and where is music therapy held? | ||||||
| Music therapy is available Mondays Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Peter Mac, East Melbourne, 8.30am-5pm. Music Therapy is located within the Social Work Department on level 4 and can be contacted on 03 9656 1031. | ||||||
| Who are the music therapists at Peter Mac? | ||||||
| Pip Barry, MMus RMT, is currently Peter Mac's music therapist. Click to email Pip | ||||||
| Clare O’Callaghan, PhD RMT, will return in February 2010, after completing a NHMRC Post Doctoral Fellowship in Palliative Care. Click here to email Clare | ||||||
| The music therapists’ have written and published many articles about music therapy. If you would like to read more about these please click on the link below. | ||||||
| Link to publications | ||||||
| Who funds the music therapy service at Peter Mac? | ||||||
| The Music Therapy Service at Peter Mac is provided free of charge to patients and families. The Redkite registered music therapist works as a part of the Paediatric and onTrac@PeterMac services. This two day position is funded by Redkite, a national Australian charity that supports young people to the age of 21 and their families through cancer. Funding music therapy services is an essential part of Redkite's support. |
