Synopsis

Research into the role of music therapy in the care of hospitalised children provides evidence for reducing anxiety and agitation, and providing pain relief that enhances quality of life for children and their families. The music therapy team at RCH has contributed to this evidence-based research in children with cancer, cardiac problems, those undergoing rehabilitation or with complex chronic conditions. The presentation will celebrate the team’s 25 years of music making at the hospital, and will reflect on the changed role and perceptions of music in medicine from both an international and local perspective.

Speaker

Emeritus Professor Denise Grocke, PhD, RMT, RGIMT, FAMI, created the first music therapy position in an Australian hospital (Larundel Psychiatric Hospital) in 1971 and co-founded the Australian Music Therapy Association in 1975.  She established the music therapy course at The University of Melbourne in 1978, and retired in 2012. She continues to lead Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) training at The University of Melbourne, and co-ordinates the International Consortium of Music Therapy Research Universities. She has published four books, and has numerous book chapters and articles in refereed journals on music therapy and Guided Imagery and Music.