Doctor Alison Short

Senior Lecturer in Creative Music Therapy,
Music & MCMT

Biography
Contact
Publications
Projects
Supervision
Teaching

Biography

As a music therapist practitioner, academic senior lecturer, and experienced health services researcher, I am passionate about research and its capacity to inform the evidence base and education, changing health care practices in the future via translational knowledge. My interests span both Music Therapy and Music Medicine. My doctoral research focused on music therapy in cardiac rehabilitation, and I have further interests across a broad range of areas including the auditory environment and public health. I have researched and written about many areas of music therapy practice, including the specialist area of Guided Imagery and Music (Bonny Method), using both hospital based and broader community well-being approaches to the use of music in the therapeutic context.

Based on my previous extensive work as a health services researcher, my interprofessional research has related to areas such as consumer-oriented chronic disease management and cultural issues in health. I see research capacity building and knowledge dissemination in the clinical setting as fundamental to evidence based practice in both music therapy and other health-related fields.

I have further interests in research supervision and national/international research project development, and I am happy to discuss innovative thoughts and ideas. Employing qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, I have produced over 60 formal publications, including articles in peer-reviewed journals (29), book chapters (4) and published refereed conference papers (12).

My research output can be found at:

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=pDtVBzMAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alison_Short2/contributions

This information has been contributed by Doctor Short.

Qualifications

DT University of Divinity
GCULT University of New South Wales
PhD University of Technology, Sydney
MA New York University
BMus University of Melbourne

Professional Memberships

Music and Imagery Association of Australia (1994)
International Association for Music and Medicine (2012)
Certification Board for Music Therapists (USA) (1991)
World Federation of Music Therapy (1979)
Australian Music Therapy Association (1979)

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

Music & MCMT

Committees

School Research and Higher Degrees Committee, HCA
Music and Imagery Association of Australia, Education and Training Committee
South Western Sydney Health and Arts Reference Group

Contact

Email:	A.Short@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone:
Mobile:
Location:	C.G.31 Penrith (Kingswood)

PLEASE NOTE: obtaining information from this Directory must be for the legitimate purposes of doing business with and within Western Sydney University, and must not be used for unsolicited bulk e-mailing (spamming) or similar purposes.

Teaching

Previous Teaching Areas

100911 Music Therapy Professional Practice, 2014
100911 Music Therapy Professional Practice, 2015
100911 Music Therapy Professional Practice, 2016
100911 Music Therapy Professional Practice, 2017
100911 Music Therapy Professional Practice, 2018
100912 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 1, 2017
100914 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2, 2015
100914 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2, 2016
100914 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2, 2017
100914 Music Therapy Theory and Practice 2, 2018
101443 Creative Music Therapy Practicum 1, 2016
101443 Creative Music Therapy Practicum 1, 2018
101444 Creative Music Therapy Practicum 2, 2017
101445 Music Therapy Skills 1, 2016
101445 Music Therapy Skills 1, 2018
101446 Music Therapy Skills 2, 2017
102248 Music and Wellbeing, 2015
102248 Music and Wellbeing, 2016

Publications

Chapters in Books

Short, A. (2023), 'Reframing motherhood within a Jungian approach to Snow White : a research case study using Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)', The Wounds of Our Mother Psychoanalysis: New Models for a Psychoanalysis in Crisis, IntechOpen 9781803568812.
Short, A. and Heiderscheit, A. (2023), 'Expanding music therapy education and training to support interprofessional collaborative practice', Developing Issues in World Music Therapy Education and Training: A Plurality of Views, Charles C. Thomas Publisher 9780398094027.
Short, A. (2019), 'GIM for health and well-being in the context of physical and medical care', Guided Imagery and Music: The Bonny Method and Beyond, Barcelona Publishers 9781945411403.
Short, A. (2019), 'Cultural considerations in GIM practice, training, and research', Guided Imagery and Music: The Bonny Method and Beyond, Barcelona Publishers 9781945411403.
Short, A. (2018), 'Profile 38 : Alison E. Short, Australia', The Lives of Music Therapists: Profiles in Creativity. Volume 3, Barcelona Publishers 9781945411229.
Short, A. (2015), 'Heart's work : relaxing and infilling as integral to sustained, forward movement : GIM in cardiac rehabilitation', Advanced Practice in Medical Music Therapy: Case Reports, Jeffrey Books 9780977027828.

Journal Articles

Garrido, S., Oliver, E., Pendergast, L. and Short, A. (2024), 'Online music listening programs for older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic : a feasibility study', The Arts in Psychotherapy, vol 87 .
Heiderscheit, A. and Short, A. (2024), '[In Press] Challenges and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic : an international survey of music therapy educators', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, .
Short, A. and MacRitchie, J. (2023), 'Who does what and why? : exploring the music, health and wellbeing continuum', Music and Medicine, vol 15, no 3 , pp 127 - 135.
Whalan, J. and Short, A. (2023), 'Fostering musical cultures in schools : broadening the role of music therapy in a special school setting to build teaching staff capacity', International Journal of Educatioin and the Arts, vol 24, no 15 .
Stone, T. and Short, A. (2023), '[In Press] Can music therapy help adults with schizophrenia improve their cognitive skills : a systematic review', Issues in Mental Health Nursing, .
Dilati, K. and Short, A. (2023), 'The application of hip-hop therapy in a forensic inpatient setting', Music Therapy Today, vol 18, no 1 , pp 104 - 105.
Jeffrey, L. and Short, A. (2023), 'Active yoga : a voice and meditation approach for wellbeing', Music Therapy Today, vol 18, no 1 , pp 106 - 107.
Lehmann-Kuit, A., Short, A. and Catanzaro, M. (2023), '"It's my way of releasing I guess" : a longitudinal, neurodiversity-affirming study sharing the perceptions and collaborative song creations of two autistic former music therapy participants', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 34 , pp 21 - 37.
Fuller, A., Kaplun, C. and Short, A. (2022), 'The application of the Music Therapy Visual Schedule Approach (MT-ViSA) within a group music therapy program', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, vol 31, no 2 , pp 153 - 175.
Short, A., Cheung, G., Smit, E. and Milne, A. (2022), 'Audio analysis reveals mutual associations between clients' and therapists' vocal timbres in guided imagery and music sessions', The Arts in Psychotherapy, vol 80 .
Short, A. (2022), 'Beyond an earthly reign : changing custom to meet context', Lutheran Theological Journal, vol 56, no 2 , pp 89 - 95.
Williams, G. and Short, A. (2022), 'Effects of noise on anxiety related to the experience of dining in restaurants', Music and Medicine, vol 14, no 1 , pp 27 - 38.
MacRitchie, J., Short, A., Dion, S. and Chow, J. (2022), '[In Press] Foundations for change management in integrating the arts into healthcare : an empirical study', Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, .
Short, A. (2022), 'Designing narrative for professional development : a programme for improving international health care practitioners' cultural competence', International Review of Education, vol 68, no 4 , pp 601 - 629.
Patch, M. and Short, A. (2022), 'Addressing the 'baby blues' : developing a music therapy model for prevention and treatment of postpartum depression', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 33, no 2 , pp 82 - 90.
Short, A., Grocke, D. and Fuller, A. (2022), 'Tribute to Dr Ruth Bright : a pioneer of music therapy in Australia', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 33, no 1 , pp 1 - 11.
Fuller, A. and Short, A. (2022), '"We have music, why would we need visuals in music therapy?" : overview of the music therapy visual schedule approach (MT-ViSA)', British Journal of Music Therapy, vol Online Special Ed. , pp 287 - 287.
Heiderscheit, A., Short, A., Young, L. and Trondalen, G. (2022), 'The hero's journey in GIM : unexpected integrative connections between emotional and physical health', Biritsh Journal of Music Therapy, vol Online Special Ed. , pp 57 - 57.
Honig, T., Yoshihara, N., Acebes-de Pablo, A. and Short, A. (2022), 'Does culture disturb? : perspectives on cultural differences in guided imagery and music (GIM)', British Journal of Music Therapy, vol Online Special Ed. , pp 44 - 44.
Short, A. (2021), 'Herzlich Willkommen to our mob, ni hao and salam', Lutheran Theological Journal, vol 55, no 2 , pp 77 - 80.
Short, A. (2021), 'Sounding the changes : clients report on GIM music used in cardiac rehabilitation', The Arts in Psychotherapy, vol 76 .
Short, A. and Heiderscheit, A. (2020), 'Interprofessional research in Guided Imagery and Music : working collaboratively', Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, vol 12, no 1 , pp 72 - 86.
Fuller, A. and Short, A. (2020), 'The utilisation of visual supports within music therapy practice in Australia : listening and looking', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 31 , pp 1 - 25.
Hogan-Gibbons, C., Short, A. and Isobel, S. (2020), 'Mental health inpatient experiences of song-writing : a qualitative study', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 31 , pp 29 - 43.
Short, A. (2020), 'Hope-makers in an un-peaceful world', Lutheran Theological Journal, vol 54, no 2 , pp 115 - 117.
Short, A. and Heiderscheit, A. (2016), 'Why collaborate in music therapy? : exploring advances in relation to interprofessional publication practices', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, vol 25, no Supplement 1 , pp 67 - 67.
Short, A. (2016), 'Teaching cultural sensitivity in music therapy : reporting on an international professional development program', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, vol 25, no Supplement 1 , pp 149 - 149.
Heiderscheit, A. and Short, A. (2016), 'Evidence-based training in professional music therapy : a model for tertiary educators', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, vol 25, no Supplement 1 , pp 33 - 33.
Short, A. (2016), 'Combining music and imagery in the context of medical music therapy', Music and Medicine, vol 8, no 2 , pp 6 - 8.
Phillips, R., Short, A., Kenning, A., Dugdale, P., Nugus, P., McGowan, R. and Greenfield, D. (2015), 'Achieving patient-centred care : the potential and challenge of the patient-as-professional role', Health Expectations, .
Short, A., Phillips, R., Nugus, P., Dugdale, P. and Greenfield, D. (2015), 'Developing an inter-organizational community-based health network : an Australian investigation', Health Promotion International, .
Phillips, R., Short, A., Dugdale, P., Nugus, P. and Greenfield, D. (2014), 'Supporting patients to self-manage chronic disease : clinicians' perspectives and current practices', Australian Journal of Primary Health, vol 20, no 3 , pp 257 - 265.
Ortiga, J., Kanapathipillai, S., Daly, B., Hilbers, J., Varndell, W. and Short, A. (2013), 'The sound of urgency : understanding noise in the emergency department', Music and Medicine, vol 5, no 1 , pp 44 - 51.
Short, A., Gibb, H., Fildes, J. and Holmes, C. (2013), 'Exploring the role of music therapy in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiothoracic surgery : a qualitative study using the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music', Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, vol 28, no 6 , pp 74 - 81.
Hogden, A., Short, A., Taylor, R., Dugdale, P., Nugus, P. and Greenfield, D. (2012), 'Health coaching and motivational interviewing : evaluating the chronic disease self-management toolbox as a tool for person-centered healthcare', International Journal of Person Centered Medicine, vol 2, no 3 , pp 520 - 530.
Dind, A., Short, A., Ekholm, J. and Holdgate, A. (2011), 'The inaccuracy of automatic devices taking postural measurements in the emergency department', International Journal of Nursing Practice, vol 17, no 5 , pp 525 - 533.
Sheikh, M., Nugus, P., Gao, Z., Holdgate, A., Short, A., Al Haboub, A. and MacIntyre, C. (2011), 'Equity and access : understanding emergency health service use by newly arrived refugees', Medical Journal of Australia, vol 195, no 2 , pp 74 - 76.
Short, A., Short, K., Holdgate, A., Ahern, N. and Morris, J. (2011), 'Noise levels in an Australian emergency department', Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, vol 14, no 1 , pp 26 - 31.
Short, A., Gibb, H. and Holmes, C. (2011), 'Integrating words, images, and text in BMGIM : finding connections through semiotic intertextuality', Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, vol 20, no 1 , pp 3 - 21.
Short, A., Jackson, W. and Nugus, P. (2010), 'Expanding clinical research capacity through a community of practice (CoPER)', Nurse Education in Practice, vol 10, no 1 , pp 52 - 56.
Short, A., Ahern, N., Holdgate, A., Morris, J. and Sidhu, B. (2010), 'Using music to reduce noise stress for patients in the emergency department : a pilot study', Music and Medicine, vol 2, no 4 , pp 201 - 207.
Kington, M. and Short, A. (2010), 'What do consumers want to know in the emergency department?', International Journal of Nursing Practice, vol 16, no 4 , pp 406 - 411.
Nugus, P., Carroll, K., Hewett, D., Short, A., Forero, R. and Braithwaite, J. (2010), 'Integrated care in the emergency department : a complex adaptive systems perspective', Social Science and Medicine, vol 71, no 11 , pp 1997 - 2004.
Short, A., Holdgate, A., Ahern, N. and Morris, J. (2009), 'Enhancing research interest and collaboration in the interdisciplinary context of emergency care', Journal of Interprofessional Care, vol 23, no 2 , pp 156 - 168.
Ekholm, J. and Short, A. (2009), 'Merger and development : a collaborative approach to emergency nursing education within the context of an extended career pathway', Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, vol 12, no 2 , pp 44 - 49.
Short, A. and Ahern, N. (2009), 'Evaluation of a systematic development process : relaxing music for the emergency department', Australian Journal of Music Therapy, vol 20 , pp 3 - 26.
Isbister, G., Brown, S., Miller, M., Tankel, A., Macdonald, E., Stokes, B., Ellis, R., Nagree, Y., Wilkes, G., James, R., Short, A. and Holdgate, A. (2008), 'A randomised controlled trial of intramuscular vs. intravenous antivenom for latrodectism - the RAVE study', QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, vol 101, no 7 , pp 557 - 565.

Conference Papers

Honig, T., Yoshihara, N., Acebes-de Pablo, A. and Short, A. (2022), 'Does culture disturb? : perspectives on cultural differences in guided imagery and music (GIM)', European Music Therapy Conference, Edinburgh, U.K..
Heiderscheit, A., Short, A., Young, L. and Trondalen, G. (2022), 'The hero's journey in GIM : unexpected integrative connections between emotional and physical health', European Music Therapy Conference, Edinburgh, U.K..
Short, A., Weymann, E., Preissler, P., Lund, H., Bertelsen, L., Sonntag, J. and Nowack, K. (2019), 'Addressing the auditory environment : impact and influences on health and therapy', European Music Therapy Conference, Aalborg, Denmark.
Short, A., Torres Serna, E., Samara, M., Hertrampf, R. and Heiderscheit, A. (2019), 'Music, imagery and physical health : applying guided imagery and music (GIM) and related methods to music therapy practice', European Music Therapy Conference, Aalborg, Denmark.
Short, A. (2016), 'Exploring the auditory environment in the hospital setting : using music to reduce noise stress in the emergency department', Asian Music Therapy Congress, Taipei, Taiwan.
Mackay, R., Short, A. and Fuller, A. (2016), 'Connecting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through music : a collaborative practice opportunity', Western Sydney University, School of Social Sciences and Psychology Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Symposium, Parramatta, N.S.W..

Other Publications

2023, 'I Have Plans for You', Published Work
2019, 'Sounding Out: Music for Health and Wellbeing', Report
2018, 'Tackling Maternal Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: Reconceptualising Mothering Narratives', Report
2013, 'Evaluating Primary Health Care Policies: A Step Towards Identifying Human Resource Issues in Commune Health Stations in Vietnam', Report
2008, 'Investigating Iron Deficiency Anaemia With African Women', Report

2015-2016 Exploring the feasibility of a purpose-designed music therapy relaxation program to reduce risk factors in cardiac recovery after major cardiac events: Pilot study and research capacity development ($19,896)

2015 ReViVe Program, Music Melodies Project, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services (Consultancy, $3,640)

2016 Determining music and music therapy needs in aged care. HCA Research Infrastructure Funding supporting development of collaborative research ($5,000).

2016 Interprofessional engagement in the Creative Arts Therapies: Art Therapy and Music Therapy ($6,600)

2017 Music therapy for health and wellbeing with Chinese communities: A collaborative industry engagement day ($4,900)

2017 The essential role of the creative arts in trauma recovery: Developing and piloting an in-service teacher training module (9,500)

2018 It's not just listening to music: Use of voice in the context of GIM therapy ($10,000)

2019 Exploring the use of music and music therapy to address anxiety for women undergoing gynaecological and fertility treatments ($4,990)