Therapeutic Songwriting Developments in Theory, Methods, and Practice

Over the past ten years songwriting has emerged as a popular method for many clinicians in a therapy context. This book provides the first comprehensive examination of the contemporary methods and models of songwriting involved and also discusses the environmental, sociocultural, individual and group factors which might support or constrain this therapeutic process. The role of music and music technology is highlighted as an important component of the therapy process illustrates the uniqueness of songwriting as a therapeutic tool. Methods that focus predominantly on lyric creation, music creation, or on both are described and illustrated by case vignettes and samples of song materials, and supported by pictorial representations of the methods. Finally this book also pays attention to comparing and contrasting models of songwriting according to the orientation of the therapist. Models outlined include those informed by behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, feminist, community music therapy, and resource-oriented music therapy approaches.

Felicity Baker is Associate Professor and Australia Research Council Future Fellow based at The University of Melbourne. She has dedicated her career to the study of songwriting as a therapeutic practice. Felicity has achieved numerous awards including a Foundation Research Excellence Award, an Australian Leadership Award, and an Australian Teaching Award. She is currently Associate Editor of the Journal of Music Therapy.

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1. Introduction, Research Focus and Method

2. Songwriting - A Coming of Age

PART II: FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SONGWRITING PROCESS

3. Environmental Factors

4. Sociocultural Factors

5. Individual Factors

6. Group Factors

7. Role of Music and Music Technology

PART III: SONGWRITING METHODS

8. Introducing Songwriting Methods

9. Songwriting Methods that Emphasize Lyric Creation

10. Songwriting Methods that Emphasize Both Lyric and Music Creation

11. Songwriting Methods that Emphasize Music Creation

PART IV: ORIENTATION

12. Outcome-Oriented Models of Songwriting

13. Experience-Oriented Models of Songwriting

14. Context-Oriented Models of Songwriting

15. Songwriting as an Integral Practice