Involving Senior Citizens in Group Music Therapy

Joseph Pinson, MA, MT-BC, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Texas Woman's University where he teaches courses on music therapy. He also provides music therapy services to older people in local facilities on a regular basis. He has degrees in music from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, and American University, Washington, District of Columbia. He is a published composer and he is the founding director of the Denton Bell Band, a community-based group whose members are adults with developmental disabilities. He has served as President of the Southwestern Region of the American Music Therapy Association. In 2009 he received the Community Arts Recognition Award in Arts Education by the Greater Denton Arts Council. He resides in Denton, Texas.

Preface. 1. Overview of the Senior Population. 2. Assessment, Goals and Objectives. 3. Current Music Therapy Interventions. 4. An Improved Plan of Intervention. 5. The Welcome Song. 6. Structured Motor Strategy. 7. The Question/Answer Song. 8. The Closing Song. 9. Composing Your Own Songs. 10. Including the Fun Factor. 11. Self-Assessment and Conclusion. Appendix: Musical Examples of Songs Discussed in the Text. References. Bibliography. Index.

"As Pinson engages one in a lively discourse about therapeutic interactions with older persons, the reader is prompted with practical, step-by-step ways to facilitate meaningful music-making by seniors. This book delivers the what, when, where, why, and how all within the context of an animated conversation." - Anita L. Gadberry, PhD, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy, Marywood University, and Regional Liaison for North America, World Federation of Music Therapy