My OnCampUS placement through the Department of Music explored music and hearing impairment. This is an area of music psychology dealing with neuroscience (auditory system and auditory processing), medical technology (hearing aids and cochlear important) and music education (teaching or sharing music to and with persons with hearing impairments). I chose to apply for this placement as it gave me an opportunity to synthesise the various areas in music psychology in a tangible and practical way.
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The application process involved contacting the placement supervisor with interest in the position. Afterwards, I submitted a cover letter and CV. The supervisor contacted me about an interview, and following the success of that meeting, I was invited to complete the placement.
The activities I was involved in for this placement ranged from conducting interviews to learning and finding related information in the current literature to creating resources that will be available to those interested in the subject.
The interviews consisted of conversations with people in hearing impairment research and those who have experiences with hearing impairment, either personally or through others. My role also involved extensive literature review into the current hearing aid and cochlear implant technology, including what is available, what is being used by patients and why, as well as affordability. Additionally, I searched the literature for how music is being used in education and music therapy with people with hearing impairments. Finally, I got the opportunity to participate in workshops sharing and making music with participants who have hearing impairments.
I enjoyed all of the information I learned about the human auditory system, auditory processing, hearing aids, cochlear implants, the Deaf community, and the presence/absence and effect of music on those with hearing impairments.
Many contacts for interviews did not respond or agreed to be interviewed but did not follow through. I had to decide how to otherwise find the information and insight I was hoping to gain through interviews.
Yes, I hope to become more involved in research and development of teaching and training programs intersecting music and hearing impairment.
Psychology of Music is a mix of many disciplines and applies to many areas. Take your time to explore what interests you most, identify the basic knowledge in order to perform best in that area, and pursue research and opportunities that allows you to apply it in the way that suits your abilities (practical/applied vs theoretical).
Form completed: 02 Jul 2018