Research in music therapy has proliferated over the past decade, some conducted by practitioner-researchers, some by academics. This research includes both clinical and non-clinical studies and encompasses a variety of research methodologies - qualitative, quantitative, new paradigm, and single case-studies. This paper reports a number of single case-studies. This paper reports a number of emerging trends in music therapy research across Europe. It focuses specifically on research conducted at PhD or post-doctoral level, and acknowledges the debate between the adoption of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in music therapy research in Europe.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the different stages of Huntington's Disease (HD) and to present methods of music therapy assessment and treatment specifically related to the varying levels of abilities seen in the early to advanced stages of this illness. Whilst these methods are described here in relation to HD, they are also useful when working with clients with other forms of cognitive or neurological impairment. Music therapy, unlike other treatments, provides an active outlet for a person living with HD even during the most advanced stages of the illness. Participation in music therapy can be facilitated for those people who are unable to take part in any other form of activity, thus providing a valuable assessment tool for other disciplines working with the HD client. This paper will present a progressive picture of life for the HD client. Using case studies, it will suggest different music therapy treatment approaches for the varying stages of the illness. Special consideration will be give to assessment when working with clients experiencing cognitive degeneration, and methods for optimising clients' remaining skills within individual and group settings.

The central idea of this article is based on the assumption that there is a close parallel between the forms of music and 'archaic' forms of thinking. The article discusses the Piagetian developmental model of assimilation and accommodation processes and their resemblance to the increasing and decreasing inner tensions caused by music. At the most general, pervasive level, music can be viewed as being parallel to bodily experienced, non-verbal forms of meaning, and, as such may be described as 'archaic thinking'. This dimension of musical experience is common to all know cultures, and it is similar to the body schemas and 'bodily forms of thinking' of an infant. Forms of 'archaic thinking' as a hierarchy are also discussed. Theories concerning the different developmental phases of thinking are considered. The cognitive and psychoanalytical theories of Eva Basch-Kahre shed new light on the phenomenon of music, as do the infant developmental research and writings of Daniel Stern. Basch-Kahre distinguishes different forms of thinking according to the different developmental stages of the individual, e.g. chaotic, emotional-sensomotoric and operational thinking processes. Stern considers developmental stages of the infant in an interpersonal dimension, the dynamic processes of which manifest 'musically', or in 'musical' forms. This author's thesis is that, by using music and musical symbols in the therapeutic situation, for example, it is possible to meet and address all these developmental stages within the individual.