Writing a Research Proposal/ Thesis/Paper

So as a final year student, we are required to hand in a research proposal, complete with rationale, literature review and methodology. In the past, I always did my assignments on Microsoft Word... can't go wrong there, but when it comes to papers that are more formal, I was introduced to... Latex (pronounced lay-tech).

First, install:

this...

This is miktex... and you'll need it, don't ask questions just do it.

Then install the ghostscript:

here....

And finally, the editor, texmaker:

this....

After installing all that, just open up TEX and start writing your paper!

Here's an example to get started:

\documentclass[10pt]{article}

\usepackage{color} % use if color is used in text

\usepackage{natbib}

\begin{document}

\author{Treehugger}

\title{Test!!!}

\maketitle

\newpage

\tableofcontents

\section{Introduction and Rationale}

\newpage

\section{What??}

This document illustrates the use of BibTeX\@. You may want to refer to

\cite{ahu61} or \cite{ab94} or \cite{m85}.

Or you may want to cite a

specific page in a reference, like this: see \citet[p.~199]{m85}. Or

perhaps you want to cite more than one paper by Maskin: \cite{m85, m99}.

Or you want to make a parenthetical reference to one or more articles, in which case the \verb+\citealt+ in the \texttt{te.bst} bibliography style omits the parentheses\footnote{yet how do i use this} around the year (\citealt{ahu61}).

\bibliographystyle{te}

\bibliography{research}

\end{document}

In this case, you'll need a separate file that is titled "research.bib" which is your bibtex. More on that when I figure out how to use it! I'm still new at this too~

Family Music Therapy

Key features of Family music therapy:

Discussion: knowing whether the family members played any instruments before, interested in which genre of music, went to which concerts before, etc

Drumming: Djembe, working together, testing relationships based on who can keep in time. Get parents to play together and keep a regular beat while children keep another. Therapist tries to distract with a different rhythm. Emphasize that when lost, look to each other for references. Other drum circle activities work well too.

Musical instrumental play: get the child to choose which instruments should be allocated to which family member. Improvisations include rock or familiar songs. Allow for solos, where family members can appreciate what the other members can do. 

Drawing on the board: At the start of the session, perhaps get each member of the family to draw or write something on the board indicating how they feel at the moment. At the end of the session, get them to revise what they have drawn. Discuss the difference and reasons.

Improvisation on the piano: Getting each member of the family to come individually to the piano to improvise with the therapist. This shows the different style each member has and perhaps reflects their inner personality, or one that they choose not to show. Discuss differences.

Client solo: If the client plays a musical instrument, encourage that and have them bring in their instruments or play it during the session. Therapist can play along using other instruments such as piano, and parents are invited to join in with the music making experience, ie. on drums or on a completely foreign instrument. Be creative with choice and encourage adventures.

"Play stations": Set up "stations" of instruments, ie. clusters of instruments like percussive, drum kit, handsonic, xylophone, etc. around the room. Have each member at different stations, determine a "theme"- could be chosen by client himself, and improvise around that theme. Move around different stations to have a feel for the different instruments. Discuss the emotions and feelings elicited and whether it developed from the original theme.

More discussions: Do not be afraid and ask questions like "what do you expect out of this family music therapy session?" and have members play their responses rather than to answer verbally. Have other members try to understand the musical response. 

Aged care music therapy

Aged care is really different from all the other therapy sessions. Contrary to common beliefs, those people, despite their elderly age, do like movements, singing and active participation. Some even like to dance. You'd be amazed at how animated they become once the music starts.

Hello song: Is always a good starting point.

Movement song: catchy rhythmic tunes with a "conductor" in the middle showing actions, from simple ones like clapping, to raising hands in the air, waving, taping shoulders, moving from top to bottom. Songs like "Loosen up" and even just instrumental music "t42" and "raindrops falling on my head" work well.

Sticks: A variation from movements. Using two sticks, hit the sticks together (done to the tune of "the entertainer"), high up, low, fast, slow, to the sides, around in circles, on their own heads, on their knees, just be creative.

Singing: This is where you'll need to train up your repertoire of songs. It's often done by request, but classics like "You are my Sunshine", "Run Rabbit Run", "Three little Fishies", "Que Sera" and "Daisy" never fails. Try musicals like "The Sound of Music" if you are completely lost, or even "Somewhere over the Rainbow".

Arrangements: Arrange pieces for instruments like bells, chime bars, horns, cymbals etc, and "practice" them. Often, they will be able to feel good about themselves for accomplishing something like playing a piece together, and it also helps them gain awareness of those around them- having to work together. Don't be afraid to revisit these pieces, first time they do it- might not go so well, but after another session, it should refresh their memory and get better. Of course, gauge their capabilities and push just that tiny bit further to make them work. Remember, it's therapy, not play.

Improvisations: Piano playing? You're kidding! Such a typical reaction from someone who does not play any musical instrument, but they'll be pleasantly surprised when they find out they actually sound pretty good even without having to "learn" piano, with the therapist on the side accompanying them. If piano is not practical, try glockenspiel, or xylophone. Some sort of melodic instrument... heck, try the violin if you're feeling adventurous. Why not?

Goodbye song: Always good to show a clear end to the session, or they might be having so much fun they won't leave. "Show me the way to go Home" or "Wish Me Luck (As You Wave Me Goodbye)‏" is a good one.