Carolyn Arnason

My work with adult clients involves collaborative improvisation, and imaginal listening and art making in the Bonny Method of guided imagery and music, a music-centred psychotherapy and creative approach to healing and growth that engages different levels of consciousness.

My research specialties include arts-based performative inquiry, holistic musicianship and improvisational music psychotherapy. I have developed a reflexive theory of improvisation called Musical Transparency that explores intersections between use of self in music therapy and performance contexts.

• Member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Board for 6 years, serving as chair of the Education and Community Programs Committee.
• Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery.

I have teaching assistantships for 2nd year graduate students that provide opportunities to work with music therapy and music faculty. Teaching Assistants are involved in a range of academic, clinical and creative activities.

I am willing to supervise students in the areas of arts-based research, improvisation, feminist practices and imaginal music psychotherapy.

• Arnason, C & Schenstead , A. (in press) “Arts-based research and creative processes in clinical practice” Special Issue of Music Therapy Perspectives, American Music Therapy Association.
• Arnason, C. & Seabrook, D. “Reflections on change in arts-based research: The experiences of two music therapists” Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. (2010)
• Arnason, C. “Woman to woman: A music therapist’s experience of working with a physically challenged and non-verbal woman” British Journal of Music Therapy. (2006)
• Arnason, C. “Naturalistic Inquiry (in press)” Music Therapy Research (3^rd Edition), Barbara Wheeler, Editor. 
• Arnason, C. “Return to natural: The imaginal as an ally for integrated health” International Association for Music and Medicine, Toronto. (2014)
• Arnason. C. “The Dark Goddess archetype: Exploring Feminine Consciousness in the Helen Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music” Canadian Association for Music Therapy, Saskatoon. (2013)
• Arnason, C. “Music therapy and performance: Clearing the way for musical transparency in improvisation” 3rd International Music Therapy Research Conference. Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research, Wilfrid Laurier University. (2011)

• Piano 4-hands with Boyd McDonald, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto, October 2012.
• Piano duet partner with Boyd McDonald (on Streicher and McCobb fortepianos owned by Laurier), Laurier Association for Life Long Learning (LALL), Wilfrid Laurier University, October-November 2012.

For me, improvisation is the integrating element between teaching, clinical work and performance. I am a classically educated pianist who has practiced in improvisational music therapy for 25 years. This musical and psychotherapeutic experience infuses my teaching.