The emergent voice, a systems theory perspective for environmental music therapy strategies in an extended care facility

by Woodward, Alpha

Many music therapists who work in geriatric faàlities are faced with the dilemma of conduchIg group sessions in large open spaces. The nature of our work requires us to be open and sensitive to subtle nuances of sound and changes in sound or musical expression. The reseaxh question to consider is how can we work effectively in shared open spaces in the midst of random interruptions, tr&c movement, disruptive and agitated residents, busy staff and visitors? Sources used for thïs in* induded personal dream material, duiical experiences, music therapy fiterature, Systems and Field theories, Quantum Theory, and various perspectives on consaousness. The theory is centered around the concept of the Emergent Voice. Other theoretical constructs such as 'therapeutic intentionality', the 'aesthetic continuum', and the Informant Dream are integral to the theoretical framework and are described as the inquiry unfo!ds. The method of research was conducted through the philosophical tradition of phenomenology and made extensive use of hermeneutics. It interprets the phenornena of sound behaviour using a global perspective, and it proposes that the presence or absence of Listening is the key to a balance or imbalance in the institutional environment. This inquiry explores the integriw of that perspective, using the philosophical underpuinings of systems thinking and the personal and clinicd experiences h-om which this work ernerged. Wth love to my moth and father, Edie and Al Woodaard My mother's ïnelodious, nu sic al piano pluying wus thejrst music I Listened to as n child; but mnyfnther's tuncless iuhisfle 50% is the mrlsic 1remember mosL 'Seerningcontradictions are reconciled in that oibrancy, not through the denial of death, oiolence, sufiring, and injwfice, but thro ugh fhe &al, pulsing force that muks hamony of opposites. During those moments, all that is is music, music heard and unhenrd, in zvhich negation and selfdeception are impossible. And then all the connections are clear." Leonard George (1978) For making this Masters Degree possible: CaroiynKenny, the Open University Staff and Faculty. For understanding the essence of uniqueness. CaroIyn Kenny For shnring their spirit and joy of Iearning: All of my graduate student colleagues. For gïmng me a musical ooice: Helen Dahktrom. For listening: Terra hferrill; Heather Mohan;Noele Bird; Su McMas ter. mers, and For teaching me to trust the wisdom of dreams: Linda Keiser Mardisr Liz Moffitt, Kirçty Lewis, and my patron angel. For caring abont our sound environment: Murray Schafer. For hm aduocacy in the work place and support in the mWting of this thesis: Bette Thompson. For providing relentless scientificfeedback : Dave McDonald. For support at home and rigorousgate-keepr'ng: Wayne Rowley. Thank you, ali. Alpha