Benefits and Challenges of Therapeutic Songwriting with Deaf Adolescent Girls: A Qualitative Feasibility Study

Music is a part of every culture and community in some way, and Deaf culture is no exception. Music has the power to go beyond the surface of typical communication and experience, especially for members of the Deaf community. The following feasibility study was conducted to identify the benefits and challenges of songwriting-focused music therapy services for Deaf adolescent girls. A pilot study implemented prior to the main study identified logistical information and potential research questions. Data for the main study included the researcher’s session notes and post-music therapy interviews of participants. Results suggested that there are both benefits and challenges related to therapeutic songwriting with Deaf adolescents, with the benefits outweighing the challenges. The results identified specific aspects of music, such as instrumentation, rhythm and use of American Sign Language music, that are important with this population. The study also describes themes for songwriting, techniques, and strategies.