Proceedings, Oxford, UK (2002) - World Federation of Music Therapy

adolescents. Using music as a medium to express one’s thoughts and
feelings through song writing, including song parody and performance
would therefore seem a an appropriate and non-threatening medium for
self-expression.
Song writing provides a flexible yet structured musical medium for the
expression and communication of thoughts and feelings (Robb,1996;
Kennelly1999; Bailey, 1984; Dileo,1999; Turry & Turry,1999).
Song writing also allows for experiences of mastery and therefore helps
to increase feelings of self esteem and self worth.
In a case study of a teenage boy undergoing treatment for a relapse of
ALL Kennelly (1999, 2001) reported that song writing facilitated the
patient to relate his musical experiences to his own feelings. This was
despite his refusal to otherwise discuss his illness with staff or family.
Hadley (1996) reported that a teenage girl in isolation for BMT
participated in song writing and maintained a positive attitude despite her
medical decline and physical weakness (p24 –25).
Ledger (2001) reports on a case study in which a 12 year old girl
composes a song parody during music therapy sessions that expresses her
feelings about her illness and treatment. Ledger felt that the parody
exercise had assisted her in adjusting to the cancer, treatment and
hospitalisation, as well as providing opportunities for feelings of mastery
and control (p.26 & 27). Ledger states that “the idea of parodying songs
is highly appealing to adolescents, perhaps because popular music is such
a normal and valued part of their lives. Through writing their own lyrics
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