The Use of Music in Music Therapy Supervision
A Report from the Supervision Action Team (2021 - 2024)
Introduction
Music therapy supervisors do not necessarily use music during supervision. In this small survey, we asked when and how music is used. 18 supervisors in 6 European countries (Finland, Türkiye, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain) responded.
Although 12 out of the 18 supervisors answered that they use music in supervision, most of the music therapist members of the Action Team conducting the survey have not experienced making music during supervision.
Uses of music in supervision
Music is used in supervision to promote self-reflection, such as inner process or transference and countertransference, and give practical assistance, such as modelling MT techniques. One respondent avoids using music when ‘it might be too much for the supervisee’, which raises a question about how much music therapists prioritize verbal communication over music (ref. Schwartz, 20201Schwartz, E.K. (2020) Basic Verbal Skills for Music Therapists. Barcelona Publishers ISBN: 1945411473, 9781945411472).
Methods and Techniques
The methods and techniques include:
- instrumental and vocal improvisation;
- listening to music and songs;
- listening to or watching recordings of musical improvisations with clients;
- playback of musical improvisations, songs and songwriting from therapy sessions;
- musical case descriptions;
- modelling;
- role play with music, including elements of empty chair, psychodrama and monodrama;
- constellations or sculptures with music.
Improvisation
Improvisation is used to promote self-reflection or awareness or to explore inner processes or unconscious feelings, such as relational issues between therapist, client or supervisor. Improvisation can also be used as non-verbal communication, and instruments as symbolic objects in role plays. Vocal improvisation, toning and humming can lead to mindful, holistic, and embodied self-connection.
Listening
Music listening can be used to achieve self-connection, assess, establish, or enhance mood-state, and develop reflection and discussion during supervision. One supervisor reported using music listening to enhance focus and concentration, in combination with painting or toning.
Use of music in online supervision
Most supervisors work both face-to-face and online. Online limitations and shortage of time can prevent the use of music in supervision. However, live music is still used online for ‘playing feelings, meanings etc. before or after reflexive discussions.’
Conclusion
In conclusion, this survey suggests that music helps the supervisee to be active in the supervision, to clarify concerns and questions and achieve the goal. By using music, the supervisor can emphasize music as a healing method, while reminding the supervisee of the importance of music for sharing non-verbal information.
Recommendations
We recommend that music therapy supervisors include music/musical activities in the supervision process to show the important role of music in the process of music therapy, because music is how we communicate in a non-verbal way.
Suggested Reading
| Country | Author | Year | Title | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | Luik, M. | 2019 | Group supervision supporting music therapy student’s study process. ANSE Journal. European Journal for Supervision and Coaching, 1, 3, 26−34. | sise.etis.ee |
| Slovenia | Knoll, C. | 2016 | Musical Improvisation in Supervision (only abstract in English, full article in German). | psycharchives.org |
| United Kingdom | Odell-Miller, H. and Richards, E. (Eds). | 2009 | Supervision of Music Therapy-A Theoretical and Practical Handbook. London and New York: Routledge. | routledge.com |
| United Kingdom | Warner, C. & Sloboda, A. (Eds.) | 2025 | Music Therapy Supervision: Diverse Perspectives on its Cultures and Practices | hachette.co.uk |
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To cite this report: Clancy, C., Hakomäki, H., Lindblad, K., Luik, M., Radulovic, R., Roelcke, B. and Salur, Ö. (2024) The Use of Music in Music Therapy Supervision. Report from a presentation at the 11th Nordic Music Therapy Conference, Aalborg, June 26-29, 2024. Available at: emtc-eu.com/training/supervision/the-use-of-music-in-music-therapy-supervision
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