'From random and fragmented playing to more organised, meaningful forms' : an inquiry into rhythm's unique qualities in facilitating such changes in music therapy and their therapeutic significance for clients with complex needs : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Music Therapy at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2006
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Massey University
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Abstract
Rhythm's unique, organisational qualities, both within a person and inter-relatedly, are
the focus of this inquiry. To do this, 'Rhythmic Events' were identified from
transcriptions of two videoed music therapy sessions in a series of six, for each of the
two research participants, one who has autism and the other, verbal apraxia. A detailed
analysis, by three contrasting categorisation processes, was carried out on these
'Rhythmic Events' to answer the research questions. These were concerning what types
of 'Rhythmic Events' occur, what patterns emerge, their interpretations and their
possible therapeutic significance for participants individually and within
communication. The research was done qualitatively by the music therapy student as
clinician, data gatherer and researcher within a secondary, educational context when the
therapeutic relationships with the two research participants were established. The
rationale for the research was provided by the participants who displayed fragmented
rhythmic order, combined with an interest in furthering Music Therapy knowledge of
rhythm's organisational functions, personally, clinically and collegially. The study
findings are that one participant's pulse order began to form from 'within' and some
'Rhythmic Events' were used inter-relatedly as a new, non-verbal language for the
participants to use. Stereotypical 'flapping' was found to present as vastly accelerated
beating in 'Rhythmic Events' in the second participant. This participant's connecting to
an external pulse was found to be disconnecting intermittently. While this participant's
responses displayed high levels of musical understanding, he used basic rhythms when
inter-relating musically. The emerging focus of this inquiry has been the use of rhythm
by both participants to communicate, providing an alternate productive, expressive
language. It is hoped this research will facilitate new understanding for readers about
rhythm, particularly within Music Therapy process, its acquisition, temporal qualities
and vital role in the development of a person individually and in communication.
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Keywords
Music therapy, Musical meter and rhythm, Rhythm, Psychological aspects