Collaborative peer lyric writing during music therapy training: a tool for facilitating students' reflections about clinical practicum experiences

Self-reflection is integral to effective clinical practice and yet is a skill that many intelligent students struggle to develop. This paper reports on the findings of a pilot study where students shared both positive and challenging experiences with each other and co-wrote songs that captured their experiences. Four students attending clinical practicum engaged in collaborative songwriting experiences with peers from both the same and different universities in the US and Australia. These experiences utilized both face to face and online environments utilizing Skype communication software. Lyrics were reviewed by the researchers and were compared with themes and categories about music therapy clinical training found in the literature. Findings suggest that collaborative songwriting provides opportunities for students to engage in experiences of reflection with other peers.