The potential role for music therapy in a Deaf Education Centre in New Zealand

Abstract

This research paper was conducted within a qualitative paradigm and sits within the field of Ethnography. The primary aim was to gain an understanding of the ways in which music is used and valued by deaf people and those who work with them. This new understanding could be used further to guide the future practice of music therapy in deaf education in New Zealand as based on the values of the users of the service. Three methods were used: 1) Four participants were interviewed for the research, all members of the deaf education community. 2) A survey with 38 participants from the deaf education centre provided statistical data on the value of music for Deaf and hearing-impaired people. 3) A checklist from the music therapy department, detailing choices made in sessions was analysed. This information was analysed and the findings were discussed. The findings indicated that there was a potential role for a music therapist in deaf education as perceived by service users. Further, music therapists can expose deaf students to a range of musical options and provide them with the knowledge and understanding of ways they can receive, value and appreciate music, so that they can make informed choices of their individual musical preferences.