Research
Research groups
Current research
Sarah's research the use of music in healthcare and education, contributing to the wealth of research recognising the profound value and benefit to individuals across the population. At Southampton this has involved cross-discipline research with the School of Medicine, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) and the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service (USAIS).
Sarah is a member of Southampton’s Music Focus Group, and have undertaken two AHRC funded research projects to create a rehabilitation programme that helps adult cochlear implant users benefit therapeutically from re-engagement with music. Two participatory-design projects have resulted in an online interactive music awareness programme, the IMAP, and a Good Practice Guide for specialist therapists.
Research within her clinical field includes a unique, longitudinal scoping project of music therapy in children’s hospices across the UK. The initial findings of this joint work with Professor Leslie Bunt can be found in ‘Music Therapy in children’s hospices: an evaluative survey of provision’. Recent findings have been published in a chapter she has written within ‘Music Therapy in Children and Young People’s Palliative Care’. Following on from this preliminary research, she has developed a bespoke outcome measure for music therapy in a paediatric palliative care setting.
Sarah's music therapy development work abroad has involved collaboration with Speech and Language therapist Deborah Green, creating an approach named ‘Commusicating’, which draws on the principles of music therapy, and speech and language therapy. Speech and Language therapy assessment tools to appraise the development of communication skills within music therapy.The British Ambassador in Moldova and UK House of Commons have held receptions recognising this approach now embedded in six regions across Moldova.