Date of Award
12-1995
Degree Name
Master of Music
Department
Music
First Advisor
Brian L. Wilson
Second Advisor
Susan Gardstrom
Third Advisor
Dr. David Sheldon
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Music therapy practitioners residing in the United States and known to have experience with Rett Syndrome were surveyed to better understand how music therapy aids in the treatment of clients with Rett syndrome. The survey was designed to learn if there were general trends in goals/objectives addressed, session structure used, vocal response to music intervention, strategies toward encouraging independent hand usage, and preferred instruments and adaptive equipment.
Of the 73 sent out to NAMT and AAMT members, 36 questionnaires were returned. Question items that received a 50% or higher response rate by the participants included session structure involving a set routine with improvisation, music intervention as the most beneficial when their clients were upset, change of facial affect when a song was recognized, gentle restraining of one hand, client preference for playing an instrument and for very rhythmic music, therapists' preference for live music and use of voice, and eye gaze for choice making.
Recommended Citation
Gay, Stacy S., "Music Therapy and Rett Syndrome: A Survey of Music Therapy Practitioners" (1995). Masters Theses. 5285.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5285