Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

24/06/2025

🌈Pride Month 🎸

Pride Month is observed in June in many places, celebrating authentic self-expression and identity. It’s about embracing gender-affirming choices and living boldly as our true selves. From parades to personal reflections, it honours the courage to love and exist freely, fostering a more inclusive world.

Pride Month’s celebration of identity can extend to music therapy, where self-expression through musical instruments can reflect gender and sexuality. Jill Halstead and Randi Rolvsjord’s article (2017) in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, titled “The gendering of musical instruments: what is it? Why does it matter to music therapy?”, considers how the electric guitar is routinely associated with gender and sexual identity.

Through personal narratives and public discourse, the authors provide a detailed exploration of how the playing, performing, and instrumental design of the electric guitar are shaped by gendered narratives. They advocate for awareness of gender issues related to instruments in music therapists’ interactions with individual clients. They write, “Awareness of the potentials for gender affirmation and disruption, and the performance of sexuality connected to the use of musical instruments might be important both in terms of the relationship with the client and with the therapeutic potentials with regard to their choice of instruments.”

💡Food for Thought: How do the instruments you’re drawn to reflect your identity or experiences?

🔗 Access the article through your institution or subscription here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2015.1088057




Reference: Halstead, J., & Rolvsjord, R. (2015). The gendering of musical instruments: what is it? Why does it matter to music therapy? Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 26(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2015.1088057

[Image description: A rectangular image features a central quote in bold, black text: “Awareness of the potentials for gender affirmation and disruption, and the performance of sexuality connected to the use of musical instruments might be important both in terms of the relationship with the client and with the therapeutic potentials with regard to their choice of instruments.” It also includes details about the article, such as the title, authors, journal issue, and page numbers (see the reference list). The background is a colourful, faint pattern in shades of red, purple, blue, green, and yellow, symbolizing the message of diversity and acceptance. The overall design is clean and vibrant, emphasizing the quote.]

20/06/2025

Latest music therapy research on dementia care is published on NJMT🌟!

This new online-first article is titled “The development of the Person Attuned Musical Interactions modified version (PAMI-M) for UK care home staff working with residents with dementia”, authored by Bryony Waters, Martin Orrell, Hanne Mette Ridder, Julie Kolbe Krøier and Orii McDermott.

The article introduces PAMI-M, a tailored music therapy training program for UK care home staff! Adapted from Denmark’s Person Attuned Musical Interaction (PAMI), this program equips care staff with skills to foster non-verbal connections with dementia residents through music. By streamlining training for UK settings, PAMI-M empowers staff to enhance resident well-being despite diverse care home challenges.

The authors write, "The modified version of Person Attuned Musical Interaction (PAMI-M) was designed to be flexible enough to accommodate variations in staff experiences, attributes, and knowledge, ensuring equal opportunities for its adoption."
Read more about this innovative adaptation: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2025.2488753

Congratulations to the authors on this important work in music therapy! Thanks to the editor, reviewers, and technical team for supporting the development of this publication! How do you think tailored staff training can transform dementia care? Share your ideas! 🎵💬

13/06/2025

Music therapy research on dementia support is published in NJMT! 📄

We are excited to highlight one of the latest online-first publications in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, authored by an international team: Kristi Stedje, Tone Sæther Kvamme, Helen Odell-Miller, Karette A. Stensæth, Anna A. Bukowska, Jeanette Tamplin, Thomas Wosch, and Felicity Anne Baker.

Titled “Music therapy approaches to support relationship quality in couples living with dementia: A hermeneutic-phenomenological study of music therapists’ reflections,” this study is a sub-study of HOMESIDE, which examines home-based, family caregiver-delivered music and reading interventions for people living with dementia. While the interventions are being studied in a large-scale international randomized controlled trial (RCT), this article sheds light on an interview study exploring how music therapists who delivered music training in HOMESIDE viewed and reflected upon the potential influence of their work on Spousal Relationship Quality (SRQ) in couples.

The authors write: “Music therapy interventions may enhance closeness, reciprocity, and enjoyment, and further spark creativity and (re)discovery of couplehood. On the other hand, music experiences may give reminders of loss and trigger grief, as well as disclose power imbalance in the couple.” The authors emphasize the complexities of musical experiences and the need for professionally tailored music interventions with supervision and support from qualified therapists.

You can access this open-access article through the link below: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2025.2497805

Congratulations to the authors on this important work in music therapy! Thanks to the editor, reviewers, and technical team for supporting the development of this publication!🎉

10/06/2025

🧠Aphasia Awareness Month🗣

Aphasia Awareness Month is observed in June in many countries, dedicated to raising awareness about aphasia, a type of Acquired Communication Impairment (ACI). Caused by brain damage from stroke, head injury, tumour, or infection, aphasia can impair a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write, affecting individuals of all ages, including young children.

Burns, O’Connor, and Moss (2024) conducted an online survey to explore music therapists’ approaches, interventions, and outcome measures. The study focused on young children with Acquired Communication Impairments, including aphasia, to address language and communication goals. This international study revealed significant heterogeneity in current practices, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and approaches of music therapists.

The study also provided valuable insights into the benefits of professional collaboration to support children’s therapeutic goals. For example, the authors highlighted frequent and effective collaboration between speech-language therapy and music therapy.

They wrote, “Speech and language therapy [...] can provide specific techniques and strategies for enhancing language and communication skills, while music therapy can improve motivation and engagement, promote social interaction, and provide opportunities for self-expression.” This collaborative approach highlights the potential of integrating both therapies to holistically support young children with Acquired Communication Impairments in achieving their language and communication goals.

🔗 Access the full open-access article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2024.2329898



Reference: Burns, J., O’Connor, R., & Moss, H. (2024). Music therapy for young children with acquired communication impairments: An international survey of clinical practices. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 33(5), 391–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2024.2329898

[Image description: A rectangular image features a central quote in bold, black text: “Speech and language therapy [...] can provide specific techniques and strategies for enhancing language and communication skills, while music therapy can improve motivation and engagement, promote social interaction, and provide opportunities for self-expression.” It also includes details about the article, such as the title, author, journal issue, and page number (see the reference list). The background is white with colourful speech bubbles in green, purple and yellow scattered across it, symbolizing diverse aspects of language and communication. The overall design is clean and light, emphasising the quote.]

04/06/2025

[International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression]

Join us in honouring the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4, a day to acknowledge the pain suffered by children worldwide who are victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. On this day, we also recognise the resilience of children facing violence and adversity.

In music therapy, we see the potential of creative collaboration, where children’s voices are heard through collaborative songwriting. An insightful article from the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (2018) by Fairchild and McFerran explores songwriting as a participatory, arts-based research method to give voice to children’s understanding of how they use music in the context of homelessness and family violence. Throughout the collaborative songwriting process, the children described how music provided an escape from their challenges and offered hope for a better future.

The authors note, “The songs created represent the capacity and strengths of children despite their experiences of transience and violence and provide an arts-based representation of their experiences.”

🔗 Access the full article through your institution or subscription:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2018.1509106

Let’s support music therapy and creative outlets that empower these young voices to heal and dream.



Reference: Fairchild, R., & McFerran, K. S. (2018). “Music is everything”: Using collaborative group songwriting as an arts-based method with children experiencing homelessness and family violence. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 28(2), 88–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2018.1509106

[Image description: The image features a key quote: “The songs created represent the capacity and strengths of children despite their experiences of transience and violence and provide an arts-based representation of their experiences.” It also includes details about the article, such as the title, author, journal issue, and page number (see the reference list). The background shows a broken asphalt road stretching ahead with a deep crack, where bright green grass grows strongly, symbolising resilience and thriving despite adversity.]

02/06/2025

Feeling the Monday blues? Burnout is a real challenge for many music therapists.

Explore Lori F. Gooding’s insightful article, Burnout among Music Therapists: An Integrative Review, in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 28, 2019. This integrative review aims to examine the existing literature on burnout among music therapists, highlighting gaps, exploring new constructs, and identifying emerging issues. It highlights how the work environment and workload contribute to emotional exhaustion, while self-care strategies offer a path to resilience.

The author writes: “Burnout is a psychological syndrome related to chronic interpersonal job stressors, and music therapists, like other helping professionals, are at risk for burnout. Understanding and preventing burnout is important to ensure that music therapists provide competent services for the individuals that they serve.”

🔗 Access the full article through your institution or subscription:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2019.1621364

💡You are welcome to share your thoughts and self-care practices in the comments to support our community!

[Image description: The image features a key quote: “Burnout is a psychological syndrome related to chronic interpersonal job stressors, and music therapists, like other helping professionals, are at risk for burnout. Understanding and preventing burnout is important to ensure that music therapists provide competent services for the individuals that they serve.” It also includes details about the article, such as the title, author, journal issue, and page number (refer to the reference list). The background showcases five wooden matches arranged horizontally, with the first four matches unburnt and intact. The fifth match is partially burnt with its head charred, symbolising the theme of burning out.]



References: Gooding, L. F. (2019). Burnout among music therapists: An integrative review. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 28(5), 426–440. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2019.1621364

28/05/2025

🇭🇰 Hong Kong music therapy research is published on NJMT!

We are excited to highlight one of the latest online-first publications in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, authored by Lesley Wan San Leung, Jinah Kim and Grace Thompson.

Titled “Parent perspectives of telehealth compared to in-person family-centred music therapy for their autistic child in Hong Kong: A qualitative study,” this study aims to explore the perspectives of parents who experienced telehealth in comparison with in-person family-centred music therapy (FCMT) with their autistic child in Hong Kong. Specifically, it aims to explore the experiences of four Hong Kong parents in telehealth FCMT for their autistic children and for them, as well as their perceived benefits and challenges in these programs.
The authors write: “Despite the challenges they experienced, overall, parents perceived there were enhancements in parent-child bonding and the children’s level of social interactions and self-confidence after the whole family-centred music therapy (FCMT) program.” The authors advocate for consideration of Hong Kong's cultural context when designing telehealth FCMT for autistic children and their families.

You can access this open-access article through the link below💡https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2025.2494206?src=exp-la

Congratulations to the authors on this important work in music therapy! Thanks to the editor, reviewers, and technical team for supporting the development of this publication!

[Image Description: The image features the big title "Original Research Article" with the article title beneath it. The left-hand side are the headshots of three authors. The right-hand side is a quote from the article "Despite the challenges they experienced, overall, parents perceived there were enhancements in parent—child bonding and the children’s level of social interactions and self-confidence after the whole family-centred music therapy (FCMT) program.” (Leung, Kim & Thompson, 2025). The bottom features the journal name and the cover image.]

23/05/2025

Hear our authors share insights from their latest research article on NJMT!

We are honoured to invite two authors from Australia, Dr Imogen Clark and Dr Melissa Murphy, to share their insights from the article titled “Graduate music therapists’ experiences of using the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music as a form of supervision: A creative process for exploring work-based issues, professional identity, and personal wellbeing.”

In this video, Dr Clark and Dr Murphy introduce themselves, their latest article, and the key insights from this research, which aims to explore the experiences of new graduates in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) as a form of supervision in the year following their graduation and the roles GIM plays in their professional practice.

You can access this new open-access article through the link: below:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2025.2488757?src=exp-la

Congratulations to the authors on this important work in music therapy! Thanks to the editor, reviewers, and technical team for supporting the development of this publication!

23/05/2025

Last week final call!

Please share to your friends and colleagues who may be interested in this post!

📢 Final Call - Application closes in two weeks🤚

The Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (NJMT) is now warmly recruiting for a new Associate Editor (AE). Applications will close on 30 May, two weeks from now. Thinking about contributing to knowledge development in music therapy? Join our team!

🔗Get more information and apply here:
https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/editor_recruitment/associate-editors-needed-for-nordic-journal-of-music-therapy/

As an AE, you will join a dynamic, international team of editors and our international publisher to coordinate high-quality peer review of manuscripts and to contribute to the development of the journal, in close collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief. This role includes initial evaluation of new submissions, selecting and inviting external peer reviewers, managing the review process, and working with the Editor-in-Chief on review decisions.
For this role, we are looking for experienced researchers with a track record of music therapy publications in a variety of peer-reviewed journals and substantial experience as a peer reviewer.

We expect AEs to agree with the journal's mission (published on our website) and to uphold a professional commitment to social justice issues. We encourage applications by scholars from diverse and under-represented groups in research and publications, with support and training provided by the Editor-in-Chief (Grace Thompson) and Managing Editor (Monika Geretsegger).

The work of AEs for NJMT is voluntary. We offer a 4-year term, which can be renewed once. Working as an AE of NJMT is a rewarding learning experience, on a team where collaborative spirit and mutual learning are valued and emphasised. Our journal publishes five issues a year, both in print and online.

If you wish to discuss the role, you are welcome to contact the Editor-in-Chief (details are on our Website).

21/05/2025

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development🌎

Join us on May 21 for World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day that celebrates the richness of global cultures and the power of intercultural dialogue for peace and sustainable development. In music therapy, this day emphasises the importance of global collaboration, where researchers and practitioners adapt music therapy tools to local contexts, fostering mutual learning and innovation across cultures.

We’re excited to share an insightful article from the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (2017, Vol. 26, Issue 1), titled "Translation and adaptation procedures for music therapy outcome instruments" by Hanne Mette Ridder, Orii McDermott, and Martin Orrell. This paper provides a 10-step guideline for translating and culturally adapting music therapy tools, ensuring they resonate in diverse regions, especially where English is not the first language.

The authors emphasise, “It is evident that a translation is not merely the process of semantically transforming words used in the instrument, but that translation involves a procedure of culturally adapting the instrument.”

Food for thought: Reflect on how adapting music therapy or creative practices to celebrate diverse cultural traditions can build bridges and foster understanding. 🎶🌍

[Image Description: The left side of the image displays a key quote from the article: "It is evident that a translation is not merely the process of semantically transforming words used in the instrument, but that translation involves a procedure of culturally adapting the instrument." Below the quote, the authors' names, the article's title, and publication details are provided. The background is a light blue shade, featuring two conversational speech bubbles—one containing the English letter "A" and the other the Chinese character "文," symbolising the concept of "translation."]



References:
Ridder, H. M., McDermott, O., & Orrell, M. (2017). Translation and adaptation procedures for music therapy outcome instruments. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 26(1), 62-78.

20/05/2025

Freshly published articles are available on NJMT’s website!💡

Before a research article is published in print or online within an issue, it is published online first. Today, we highlight one of the latest online-first publications in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, authored by Janeen Bower, Sebastian J. Corlette, Wendy L. Magee, Cathy Catroppa, and Felicity A. Baker.

Titled “Exploring the rehabilitative potential of familiar song for a child with acute DoC: A single-case analysis of EEG and time-locked video,” this study aims to develop an objective description of the effects of familiar song, speech, and noise auditory conditions on behavioural and neural responses indicative of a change in arousal and awareness in a child presenting with an acute Disorder of Consciousness (DoC). It also aims to determine whether a familiar song is more effective in facilitating these neural and behavioural responses than comparative speech and noise conditions.

The authors write: “While acknowledging the limitations of a single case, this research provides preliminary empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of familiar song in enhancing early arousal and awareness for a child with an acute DoC. The inherent temporal organisation, salience, and live contingent presentation of familiar song may make it an ideal rehabilitative intervention to maximise early consciousness recovery for children with an acute DoC following severe ABI (Acquired Brain Injury).”

You can access this open-access article through the link below ⬇️
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2025.2494211

Congratulations to the authors on this important work in music therapy! Thanks to the editor, reviewers, and technical team for supporting the development of this publication!👏




[Image description: The image is a promotional graphic for an "Original Research Article." At the top, the bold title "Original Research Article" is displayed, followed by the title in smaller text. On the left side, headshots of five authors are arranged. On the right side, a key quote from the article reads: "The inherent temporal organisation, salience, and live contingent presentation of familiar song may make it an ideal rehabilitative intervention to maximise early consciousness recovery for children with an acute Disorder of Consciousness (DoC) following severe Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)." The quote is attributed to Bower et al., 2025. At the bottom, the journal’s name is displayed alongside its cover image.]

References:
Bower, J., Corlette, S. J., Magee, W. L., Catroppa, C., & Baker, F. A. (2025). Exploring the rehabilitative potential of familiar song for a child with acute DoC: A single case analysis of EEG and time-locked video. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2025.2494211

16/05/2025

📢 Final Call - Application closes in two weeks🤚

The Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (NJMT) is now warmly recruiting for a new Associate Editor (AE). Applications will close on 30 May, two weeks from now. Thinking about contributing to knowledge development in music therapy? Join our team!

🔗Get more information and apply here:
https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/editor_recruitment/associate-editors-needed-for-nordic-journal-of-music-therapy/

As an AE, you will join a dynamic, international team of editors and our international publisher to coordinate high-quality peer review of manuscripts and to contribute to the development of the journal, in close collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief. This role includes initial evaluation of new submissions, selecting and inviting external peer reviewers, managing the review process, and working with the Editor-in-Chief on review decisions.
For this role, we are looking for experienced researchers with a track record of music therapy publications in a variety of peer-reviewed journals and substantial experience as a peer reviewer.

We expect AEs to agree with the journal's mission (published on our website) and to uphold a professional commitment to social justice issues. We encourage applications by scholars from diverse and under-represented groups in research and publications, with support and training provided by the Editor-in-Chief (Grace Thompson) and Managing Editor (Monika Geretsegger).

The work of AEs for NJMT is voluntary. We offer a 4-year term, which can be renewed once. Working as an AE of NJMT is a rewarding learning experience, on a team where collaborative spirit and mutual learning are valued and emphasised. Our journal publishes five issues a year, both in print and online.

If you wish to discuss the role, you are welcome to contact the Editor-in-Chief (details are on our Website).