Special Project Part 2 – Implementing Hearing the Whole Picture
Following extensive research and planning, the second part of my special project focused on the case study which included hands-on implementation and data collection. The client I selected for the eight week case study was a 23-year old client with vision impairment receiving weekly individual music therapy sessions centered on vocal improvisation.
Each session was carefully structured to offer choices and autonomy, allowing the client to engage with the music in ways that felt safest and most meaningful. Using a simple anxiety rating scale (0–5), emotional states were tracked pre- and post-session. During these sessions, consistent reductions in anxiety were reported by the client after each session. Beyond quantitative measures, qualitative session narratives revealed a growing trust between client and therapist. For example, in one session, the client began a vocal improvisation with the phrase, “When mom told me my primary caregiver was not coming today, I felt a tightness in my chest, and a feeling like I was going to cry.” which led to a co-created musical dialogue about unpredictability and feeling overwhelmed. In later sessions, the client appeared more comfortable taking musical risks, initiating new ideas, and expressing complex emotions through both lyrics and instrumental choices.
This clinical case study phase affirmed the potential of music therapy as a unique and adaptable intervention for emotional regulation in this population. It also challenged me to remain flexible, attuned, and recognize that emotional safety is as important as the musical content itself.
The project deepened my appreciation for music’s ability to provide a predictable yet creative outlet, especially for individuals whose sensory worlds require thoughtful adaptation. It was incredibly rewarding to witness moments of expression, connection, and calm emerge through intentional, tailored to the client, shared musical experiences.
Amelia Elbendary
