Developing the CBR Neurological Singing, Choir and Voice Network in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) Neurological Singing, Choir and Voice Network is an initiative of the University of Auckland, Aotearoa / NZ. This poster outlines the rationale, research and steps towards the development of this music therapist led network, and our future aspirations. In 2009 the CBR, a network of researchers, clinicians and community groups, launched the CeleBRation Choir for people living with neurological conditions (Talmage et al., 2013). Preliminary research, together with international research into the benefits of singing for the general population and within rehabilitation, has sparked interest throughout New Zealand. Subsequently groups established by music therapists, speechlanguage therapists and/or community musicians have requested support and professional development. Most NZ groups cater for people with variety of diagnoses, an approach supported by participants and pragmatic in a small country. However, interdisciplinary research and theory have also focused on the needs of particular groups (Buetow, Talmage, McCann, Fogg & Purdy, 2013; Fogg et al., 2016; Matthews, 2013; Thompson, Storie & Purdy, 2016). Our Community Engagement research (2016-2017) involved thematic analysis of semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of music therapists, speech-language therapists and community choir leaders. This revealed varied professional perspectives and understanding about specialist or inclusive approaches and terminology; psychosocial and rehabilitation benefits of singing; skill sharing and collaborative research; and sustainable funding. In 2017 the CBR hosted a Neurological Choirs Workshop in collaboration with Music Therapy NZ. Participant feedback led to the formalisation of the network, with three initial aims: developing a social media closed group; expanding the CBR's consultative role in disseminating research and practice guidelines; and further collaborative research. We also foster our international relationships, particularly with colleagues in Australia and the UK. We hope this poster will generate discussion and further collaboration within and beyond the music therapy profession.