Cultural Implications of Percussion in Music Therapy: A Qualitative Analysis of Semi-Structured Interviews With Experts

Music therapists are expected to be competent in using percussion within their sessions and are expected to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity in their music therapy practice. Additionally, percussion has a deep and rich cultural history and relationship, both within European contexts and outside of them. However, there is very little research regarding the cultural implications of using percussion instruments within music therapy and health settings. This project sets out to help establish best practices for music therapists and experts’ suggestions regarding the use of non-European percussion instruments in the music therapy field. The researcher interviewed four participants with experience with non-European percussion instruments, two of whom were music therapists and two of whom were professional percussionists. Four themes emerged: (1) best practices, (2) concerns regarding schools of music, music therapy education and music therapy practice, (3) solutions and improvements, and (4) drum circles.

Author dc:creator

• Steffen, Rachel Jordan

Contributors dc:contributor

• West, Rebecca
• Molloy-Daugherty, Della
• Biggers, Carter

• Music therapy
• Percussion
• Cultural safety
• Instruments
• Qualitative

Language dc:language

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/11274/17301

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:tdl-ir.tdl.org:11274/17301