Music therapy with the gifted? A trial program.

Author(s): Hughes, J. E., Robbins, B. J.

Journal/Book: Music Therapy Perspectives. 1989; 7: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. National Association for Music Therapy. 23-27.

Abstract: Eleven fourth grade students attending a gifted resource room were involved in a trial program implementing music therapy in the gifted curriculum for the purpose of improving self-concept and increasing creativity. Students received two sessions per week during their regular gifted class time over a four week period. Music therapy techniques included Guided Imagery to Music to stimulate creative response and Orff-Schulwerk activities (using chant and instruments). The children's GIM experiences were elaborated and developed into product outcomes through the Orff-Schulwerk process, by using instruments, developing chants, drawing and creating compositions out of imagery generated in the GIM experience. The final product was a group effort that included both auditory and visual representation, demonstrating the creative abilities of the children. Students were evaluated with the Renzulli-Hartmann Creativity Checklist (pre and posttest) and a therapist-designed Music Therapy Questionnaire (posttest only). ABSTRACT 2: Examined the use of locus of control (LOC) assessments to monitor a specific aspect of an adolescent chemical dependency treatment program. 20 adolescents (mean age 16 yrs 3 mo) admitted to a hospital for chemical dependency were assigned to experimental and control groups. Ss in the experimental group attended 4 1-hr music therapy discussion groups. Each session consisted of listening to a recorded song, analyzing the song's lyrics, and processing the themes/values suggested by the song. Controls participated in alternate activities consisting of occupational therapy craft groups. Short-term modifications were noted in the experimental Ss' perceived LOC; no improvements were noted in the controls' perceived LOC. The significant posttreatment differences between the groups indicate that addictions counselors can successfully influence adolescent patients' perceived LOC. ABSTRACT 3: Assessed the effects of music therapy sessions, using music-facilitated imagery experiences and Orff-Schulwerk activities (C. H. Bitcon, 1976), on the self-concept of 11 gifted 4th graders. Self-concept was assessed with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. Scores increased from pre- to posttest for 8 Ss, while scores decreased for 3 Ss.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing music facilitated imagery experiences & Orff Schulwerk activities; self concept; gifted 4th graders

Keyword(s): music-therapy, gifted-children, elementary, creativity, creative-process, creativity-tests, creative-thinking, guided-imagery-and-music, orff-schulwerk, orff, orff-method, Renzulli-Hartmann-Creativity-Checklist.

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