The Oxford Handbook of Special Music Education and Music Therapy

Abstract

Abstract This handbook brings together two complementary fields, special music education and music therapy. The global impact of the two fields coming together was realized in the first professional group that formally recognized special music education, the International Society for Music Education (ISME) Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy, formed in 1974. This group meets every two years, providing one of the few opportunities for the two professions to meet and share their research. It is through the ISME commission that the importance of bringing together the two complementary fields of research and practice was recognized. With a focus on early childhood education through grade twelve, this book has brought these two fields together. Chapters include a range of topics, from intercultural music learning in special education using the Japanese Koto to dismantling ableism in music therapy for autistic students. The editors have identified leaders in the two fields, particularly those conducting research that benefits children and adults with (dis)abilities who desire to grow in their musicianship. Twenty-six chapters grouped into sections reflect a collection of research including narrative inquiry, case studies, and phenomenological study, among others. Many chapters are not research studies but descriptions of successful programs in music therapy and special music education around the world. One word that frequently occurs in almost every chapter is “collaboration.” The Oxford Handbook of Special Music Education and Music Therapy is a collaboration between the two fields for the benefit of children, their teachers, and their music therapists.