ResearchWorks: “Music Therapy Works!” Interventions for Selective Mutism in Children

This presentation will chart Dr Kate Jones’ ongoing research journey exploring and evaluating the use of Music Therapy for children with Selective Mutism. Her commitment to this project began 16 years ago after being referred ‘quiet children’ from nursery and primary schools. Kate found that these ‘quiet’ children responded quickly and positively to Music Therapy often returning to the classroom talking, with teachers frequently commenting that they were now ‘loud’. Upon discovering that these children had Selective Mutism -an anxiety-based condition whereby children can speak at home but not at school- Kate felt compelled to investigate further.

An initial case study provided a theoretical framework of how key ingredients of Music Therapy appeared helpful for a child with Selective Mutism. This was then used as the template and data collection tool for a literature review, survey, qualitative interviews and multiple case studies. Discover the details of the new theoretical framework and hear how the current research is developing intervention guidelines prior to a multi-site randomised controlled trial.

Speaker

Dr Kate Jones is the research coordinator for Music Therapy at Guildhall School of Music and as such is an enthusiastic ambassador for all research that supports the use of Music or Music Therapy for health and wellbeing. She is also Director of the charity Music Therapy Lambeth.

Kate’s future focus will be to extend and develop Music Therapy and Selective Mutism research up through the age ranges. Kate is also developing projects addressing neuroscientific applications of Music and Music Therapy.

Dr Kate Jones was awarded a PhD from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, in 2019, on the use of Music Therapy for young children with Selective Mutism. Kate has presented papers at international conferences across Europe and the US, produced a video for BBC news, published widely read open access articles (2012, 2022) and a chapter in the book ‘Tackling Selective Mutism’ (2014).

Guildhall School’s ResearchWorks is a programme of events centred around the School’s research activity, bringing together staff, students and guests of international standing. We run regular events throughout the term intended to share the innovative research findings of the School and its guests with students, staff and the public.