‘Filling the void with melody’: Therapists’ reflections on group songwriting using GarageBand in music therapy for adults with depression

Abstract

Songwriting is widely used in individual music therapy but less often in groups. This article draws on the authors’ experience of facilitating music therapy groups for adults with severe depression using songwriting. This work was part of the SYNCHRONY study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of group music therapy with a songwriting component for patients with long-term depression (1 year or longer) within the community. The authors (all music therapists in the study) describe their experiences and reflections on the group processes and use of songwriting, drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted as part of the study. Themes of the work included pre-composed songs as a more accessible way to talk about difficult experiences, musical improvisation enabling an environment for songwriting, the impact of difficulties in attendance on group cohesion and the songwriting process, building confidence through song development and recording, and considerations around the end process and creating the song album. These are illustrated with clinical vignettes. Some recommendations for practice are also offered. The authors hope to identify the potentials and challenges of a songwriting approach in a community mental health context.