Wang, Anna Ping-An2011-08-252011-08-252010http://hdl.handle.net/10179/2633Accompanying sound files available with hard copyThis qualitative study examines four improvisations taken from four phases of the researcher’s clinical music therapy experience with an adolescent who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therapeutic changes and communicative qualities in the improvisations were traced through reviewing clinical notes and journal reflections, and using adapted versions of Bruscia’s Improvisational Assessment Profiles (Autonomy and Variability profile) to provide insights to the description and interpretation of the music. The results suggest a progression in the client’s awareness of the music therapy student (MTS) (who later became the researcher) an increased ability to interact through turn-taking, imitating, sharing and empathetic playing, as well as enhanced non-verbal and verbal skills. The analyses unfold the client and the music therapy student’s journey in music therapy, highlighting the process of how two strangers became partners through improvisations.enThe AuthorCommunication in musicImprovisation (Music)Music therapy for teenagersAutismAutistic teenagersPeople with disabilitiesMeans of communicationCommunicative disorders in adolescenceMusic therapy improvisationAdolescentsAutism Spectrum DisorderCommunicationImprovisational Assessment Profiles (IAPs)ThesisQ112884935https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112884935