A Collaborative Coalition: Action Research Response To A Music Therapy Group For Gender And Sexual Minority College Students

The present study explored the experiences of previous group members of the gender and sexual minority college student music therapy group Myself in Melodies through action research. The group incorporated a variety of musical experiences with concepts from queer theories. Four previous group members participated in individual interviews discussing evolution of the group, barriers to participation, and further actions for social change. One participant’s suggestion for a group discussion led to another cycle of research in which three of the four participants engaged in a group discussion to brainstorm ideas for further action and the role of advocacy in music therapy. Findings include the importance of group music therapy and potential for other forms of music therapy groups for gender and sexual minorities.