Date of Award

Spring 3-16-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Michele Forinash

Second Advisor

Joe Mageary

Third Advisor

Adenike Webb

Abstract

The purpose of this arts-based study was to investigate music therapists’ personal experiences and thoughts on whether the music therapy profession is engaging in oppressive practices and musical gatekeeping in education, training, and clinical practice. Seven participants engaged in either a focus group or individual interviews to discuss their experiences related to the topic, then created a zine article to artistically explore the topic. All participants’ articles were put together to form one full zine, which was sent to everyone for final comments and feedback. Transcripts from the focus group and interviews, the zine articles, and any comments provided about the full zine were used as data in the study. Data were analyzed through in vivo coding, which resulted in three themes and five subthemes. All participants identified examples of how they felt harmful musical gatekeeping happens in music therapy education, training, and clinical practice. Additionally, all participants identified the ways ethical gatekeeping ensures the quality of the profession and ethical music therapy treatment. Overall, participants felt clinical decisions to either gatekeep or not gatekeep various musical elements were complex and situation-dependent, requiring critical self-reflection and continual professional growth to maintain anti-oppressive services.

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