Theses from the Viennese music therapy training course (1959–2014)

Background: Established in 1959, the Viennese music therapy training course was one of the first in Europe. By June 2014, 506 theses were written by 440 graduates.Objective: To provide a full list of all theses, and to give an overview of research topics addressed, and methodologies used.Methods: Using descriptive methods, all 506 theses have been analysed in relation to categories such as types of subjects, research methods and scientific quality.Results: Besides surveys, interviews and literature reviews, the qualitative single case design has been identified as the most frequent research approach. Populations that were focused on the most were adults with mental health issues. The gradual diversification of internships across clinical fields within the training programme correlates with an extension in populations addressed in theses. A wider range of research methods also emerged over time.Conclusion: The increase of scientific quality reflects the academization of the profession in general. Fields of

Medical education · Music therapy · Psychotherapist · Medicine · Music Therapy and Health · Psychology