Annie Heiderscheit

Professor of Music Therapy & Director

Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
School:
Cambridge School of Creative Industries
Location:
Cambridge
Research Supervision:
Yes

Annie has a passion for researching music-based interventions and music therapy to improve the health and well-being of patients and their families in a variety of clinical settings.

Her research is driven by her clinical experience and expertise in working with clients in mental health, eating disorders, and substance use disorder treatment, as well as in medical and critical care settings. She strives to find solutions to complex health issues and empower clients and families using music and music therapy in their therapeutic or treatment process.

[email protected]

View Annie's ORCID profile

Background

Annie has been a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) for 32 years and a music therapy educator for over 20 years. She has authored over nearly 30 book chapters, more than 40 peer reviewed articles, and four books related to music therapy research and practice. In addition to her training as a music therapist, she is also a marriage and family therapist.

She is a Fellow in the Association of Music and Imagery, trained in the music psychotherapy method, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. She is a trainer of HealthRhythms® through Remo, Inc.

Prior to joining the faculty at ARU, Annie served as the Director of Music Therapy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 10 years. At Augsburg she developed the Master of Music Therapy program and redesigned the curriculum in the undergraduate music therapy program.

Annie has been collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams for nearly 20 years. These collaborations have focused on using patient-directed music listening to address complex symptoms of mechanically ventilated, critically ill, and hospitalised patients and their families.

Research interests
  • Music-based interventions and music therapy for procedural support with critically ill patients
  • Patient-directed music listening during mechanical ventilation
  • Music therapy in eating disorder treatment
  • Music therapy with clients with substance use disorders
  • Music and music therapy with patients and families during hospitalization
  • Music-based interventions during organ and bone marrow transplant
  • Song composition in the therapeutic process
  • Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music to address issues underlying eating and substance use disorders
  • Music therapy education & training
Areas of research supervision
  • Music therapy in trauma informed care
  • Reflective practice in music therapy
  • Music therapy with mechanically ventilated patients
  • Music therapy during solid organ transplant process
  • Song composition in music therapy
  • Mindfulness music therapy with adults diagnosed with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
  • Music therapy at end-of-life care
  • Case study research of clinical improvisation in music therapy
  • Arts-based music therapy research
  • Parents’ experiences of music therapy during their infant’s care in the NICU
  • Use of assistive technology in music therapy treatment with children with ASD
  • Effect of music therapy following at-risk birth and delivery
  • Music therapy with clients in eating disorder treatment
  • Music therapy training during the COVID-19 pandemic
Teaching

MA Music Therapy

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in music therapy & Music Education – Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa
  • Master’s degree in counseling – Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
  • Doctor of Philosophy – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy – Adler Graduate School, Minnetonka, Minnesota
  • Certification in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music – Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Memberships, editorial boards
  • Music Therapy Perspectives
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Frontiers: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Music & Medicine
  • Heart & Lung
  • Sage Open
  • Trends in Alternative & Complementary Medicine
  • Creative Arts Therapy in China: Research & Practice
  • Journal of Supportive Cancer Care
Research grants, consultancy, knowledge exchange

Decreasing Delirium through music (DDM) in critically ill older adults 2019-present

Consultant on 4-year study with Dr. Babar Khan (PI) Indiana University & Dr. Linda Chlan (Co-PI) Mayo Clinic Funding: National Institutes of Health $1,951,132.00

Decreasing delirium through personalized music (DDM) 2018-2019

Consultant on a pilot study with Dr. Babar Khan (PI) Indiana University & Dr. Linda Chlan (Co-PI) Mayo Clinic. Funding: Mayo Clinic & Indiana University $500,000

Feasibility & acceptability of a music listening protocol for the management of mechanical ventilated patient’s symptoms 2017-2018

Consultant on a study with Dr. Babar Khan (PI) Indiana University & Dr. Linda Chlan (Co-PI) Mayo Clinic Funded: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at the National Institutes of Health $150,000

Qualitative analysis of GIM with adults in chemical dependency treatment 2017-2018

PI and faculty advisor on this secondary analysis of GIM transcripts from the primary study, Adults in Chemical Dependency Treatment: Sense of Coherence, Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Interpersonal Problems. Funded; Augsburg University $5,000

Decreasing delirium through music 2016-2018.

Co-PI on the study with Dr. Babar Khan, Indiana University & Dr. Linda Chlan (Co-PI), Mayo Clinic Funded through Innovation Grant from Indiana University for $40,000

A feasibility study to explore the impact of music therapy in an outpatient clinic setting: Patient-caregiver stress and satisfaction 2014-2015.

Co-PI on the study with Dr. Lynn Gerhsan (University of Minnesota Medical Center) Funded through the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation for $30,000

Effects of patient-directed music on symptoms among medical ICU patients 2014-2016

Co-PI with Dr. Linda Chlan (Ohio State University, Dr. Nancy Redeker Yale University), Dr. Margaret Pisani, (Yale University) and Melissa Knauert (Yale University). Funded: Ohio State University and Yale University for $50,000

Feasibility & acceptability of active music -making with BMT patients and their parents 2013-2016

Co-PI with Dr. John Wagner (University of Minnesota) Funded: Hourglass Integrative Therapies Cancer Research Fund University of Minnesota Cancer Center for $25,000.00

Reducing Sedative Exposure in Ventilated ICU Patients 2006-2011

Co-PI of multi-site randomized controlled trial with Dr. Linda Chlan (University of Minnesota) & Dr. Craig Weinert  (University of Minnesota Medical Center) Funded: National Institutes of Health for $1,400,000

Pilot study of a research protocol with mechanically ventilated patients 2005-2006

Co-PI on study with Dr. Linda Chlan & Dr. Craig Weinert (University of Minnesota) Funded: University of Minnesota School of Nursing for Health Trajectory Research, $18,500

The Effectiveness of Music Listening for Managing Stress & Anxiety for Eating Disorder Patients During Mealtimes 2005-2007

PI with Dr. Jillian Croll (Co-PI) Park Nicollet Healthcare System Funded by Park Nicollet Health Foundation’s Innovation Grant $26,950

MacPhail and Andrew Residence Music Therapy in Residential Mental Health Setting Phase I 2015-2016 Serve Consultant on project collaborating with music therapists at MacPhail Center for Music Funded: Aroha Philanthropies for $87,350.

Music Therapy Program Development in the Journey Clinic 2014-2015 Co-project coordinator with Dr. Lynn Gerhsan (University of Minnesota Medical Center) Funded: Minnesota Medical Foundation $35,000  

Music Therapy Program Implementation the Transplant Unit 2014-2017                                                              Project lead with Dr. Lynn Gerhsan (University of Minnesota Medical Center) Funded: Minnesota Medical Foundation $35,000.

Minnesota Public Radio: Music, Health & Wellness products 2014-2015 Creation of music playlists designed to improve sleep, foster relaxation, and guided imagery experience Funded: Minnesota Public Radio $75,000.

Music and Imagery Resources and Tools for Bone Marrow Transplant Unit 2013-2015 Development of music and guided imagery resources and tools for patient Funded: University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital $2,500.

Integrative Care Project 2011-2013 Designed workshop and educational materials for Veteran’s Administration Medical Center staff for the use of music and guided imagery for patient care. Funded: Veteran’s Care Fund $50,000.

WellscapesTM 2010-2012 Created guided imagery and designed music for iApp in collaboration with renowned nature photographer, Craig Blacklock for music nature-based relaxation video. Funded: University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing for $25,000.

Songs for Our Child: Personalized Lullaby DVD 2008-2010 Composed and recorded lullabies with families for their child/loved one to help them sleep and relax.                 Funded: Target Corporation, Coca-Cola, and Minnesota Medical Foundation $36,000.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education Project 2005-2010 Create music therapy web module content for the New Medicine website for Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Funded: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine $2,244,994.

Transitions and Life Choices 2002-2006 Creative arts therapy initiative for end-of-life care for children and families at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. Funded by the Deva House Grant $175,000.

Selected recent publications

Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2023) Clinical decision-making in music therapy: Case studies. Barcelona Publishers.

Short, A. & Heiderscheit, A. (2023). Expanding music therapy education and training to support interprofessional collaborative practice. In Goodman, K. (Ed). Developing issues in world music therapy education & training: A plurality of views. (p. 72-95). Charles C. Thomas.

Chlan, L. & Heiderscheit, A. (2023). Music Intervention. In Lindquist, R., Snyder, M., & Tracy, M. F. (Eds.). Complementary & Alternative Therapies in Nursing, 9th Edition, (p. 145-161). New York, New York. Springer Publishing Company.

Jackson, N. & Heiderscheit, A. (2022). Compositional methods in music therapy. Barcelona Publishers.

Heiderscheit, A. (2022). Feasibility & acceptability of patient and family-directed active music-making during pediatric bone marrow transplant process. European Journal of Health, Psychology, & Education, 12, 1867-1877. doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12120131.

Heiderscheit, A. Chlan, L. & Johnson, K. (2022). Analysis of Preferred music of mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative & Complementary Medicine, 28(6), 517-529. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0446

Haslam, R. Heiderscheit, A. & Himmerich, H. (2022). A systematic review of scientific studies on the effects of music with people with personality disorders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, 15434. doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph192315434

Seyffert, S. Moiz, S. Coghlan, M. Balozian, P. Nasser, J. Abi Rached, E. Jamil, Y. Naqvi, K. Rawlings, L. Perkins, A. Gao, S. Downs, J. Khan, S. Heiderscheit, A. Chlan, L. Khan, B. (2022). Decreasing Delirium through Music (DDM) in Critically Ill, Mechanically Ventilated Older Adults in the Intensive Care Unit: A Two-Arm, Parallel-group, Randomized Clinical Trial. Trials. 23(1), 1-9.

Heiderscheit, A. (2022). Analysis of type of imagery and imagery themes from Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) sessions with adults in chemical dependency treatment. Arts in Psychotherapy, 80. doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2022.101933

Gardstrom, S. Hiller, J. Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2022). Music therapy pre-internship education and training: Support for a methods-based approach. Music Therapy Perspectives, doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miab026.

Applewhite, B. Cankaya, Z. Heiderscheit, A. Himmerich, H. (2022) A Systematic Review on the Effects of Music in People with or at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 19,(9). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095150.

Heiderscheit, A. & Murphy, K. (2021). Trauma-informed care in Music Therapy: Principles, Guidelines and a Clinical Case Illustration. Music Therapy Perspectives, 39(2), 142-151. doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miab011.

Truong, T. Applewhite, Heiderscheit, A. & Himmerich, H. (2021). A systematic review of scientific studies and case reports on music and obsessive-compulsive disorder. International Journal of Environmental Research in Public Health, 18, 11799. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211799.

Heiderscheit, A. (2021). Non-pharmacological management of symptoms during mechanical ventilation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in critical care: Patient-directed music listening. In Chung Ong, K. (Ed.). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A Current Conspectus. IntechOpen. P. 1-16.

Heiderscheit, A. (2018). Profile 17: Annie Heiderscheit. In Mahoney, J. (Ed.). The Lives of  Music Therapists: Profiles of Creativity, p. 488-522. Barcelona Publishers.

Chlan, L. & Heiderscheit, A. (2018). Music Intervention. In Lindquist, R., Snyder, M., & Tracy, M. F. (Eds.). Complementary & Alternative Therapies in Nursing, 8th Edition, (p.109-126). Springer Publishing Company.

Chlan, L. Tracy, M. Heiderscheit, A. & Hetland, B. (2017). Nonpharmacological interventions for pain, agitation and delirium. In Clemmer, T. Balas, M., & Hargett, K. (Eds.), ICU Liberation: The Power of Pain Control, Minimal Sedation and Early Mobility, 4th Edition, (p. 161-166). Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Heiderscheit, A. & Madson, A. (2017). Use of the Iso Principle as a Central Method in Mood Management: A Music Psychotherapy Clinical Case Study (p. 281-290). In Mazza, N. (Ed.), Expressive Therapies. Taylor & Francis.

Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2018).  Introduction to music therapy practice. Barcelona Publishers.

Heiderscheit, A. (Ed.). (2016). Creative Arts Therapies in Eating Disorder Treatment. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Recent presentations and conferences

Chlan, L. Khan, S. Khan, B. Heiderscheit, A. (2023). Innovative approaches to non-pharmalogical critical care in the ICU. American Thoracic Society Conference, Washington, DC (US), 9-12, June.

Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2023). Clinical decision-making in composition methods in music therapy. Western Regional Conference of the American Music Therapy Association. San Diego, CA (US), 5-7, April.

Hiller, J. Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, A. (2023). Clinical decision-making from a methods-based perspective. Music Therapy Education & Training. Great Lakes Regional Conference of the American Music Therapy Association. Niagara Falls, New York (US), 16-19, March.

Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2023). Clinical decision-making in composition methods in music therapy. Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of the American Music Therapy Association. Niagara Falls, New York (US), 9-11, March.

Stewart, K. Bosco, F. Heiderscheit, A. Rosetti, A. & Zander, M. (2023). Orienting our Perspectives of Trauma: A Review of Primary Considerations in Music Therapy. Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of the American Music Therapy Association. Niagara Falls, New York (US), 9-11, March.

Heiderscheit, A. Short, A. Trondalen, G. & Lotter, C. (2023).  International Survey of Music Therapy Education & Training: World Congress of Music Therapy, Vancouver, Canada, 24-29, July.

Goodman, K. Baines, S. Clements-Cortes, A. Fachner, J. Jack, N. Kavaliova-Moussi, A. Short, A. Heiderscheit, A. Developing issues in world music therapy education & training: A plurality of views. World Congress of Music Therapy, Vancouver, Canada, 24-29, July.

Heiderscheit, A. & Short, A. (2022). Addressing the complexities of intertwined physical & psychological health in the GIM process. European Association of Music & Imagery in Fredericia, Denmark, 21-25, September.

Heiderscheit, A. & Boerger, K. (2022). Globalizing Core Music-History Curriculum: A Case Study in Departmental Collaboration. College of Music Society National Conference, Long Beach, CA (US), 7-9 November.

Heiderscheit, A. Short, A. Trondalen, G. & Young, L. (2022). The Hero’s Journey in GIM: Unexpected integrative connections between emotional and physical health. European Music Therapy Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK), 8-12, June.

Heiderscheit, A. Lee, J. & Moonier (2022). Decentering European Elite Music: One University’s Process of Change. American Music Therapy Association National Inaugural Virtual Symposium, 13-16, November.

Heiderscheit, A. (2022). Arts-based strategies to support resident and staff retention. Inaugural Conference for ESTEAM Health’s Virtual Conference, 20, September.

Chlan, L. & Heiderscheit, A. (2021) Novel Approaches for Managing Pain, Anxiety, Delirium and Sedation in the ICU. American Delirium Society 2021 Virtual Conference, 13-15, June.

Heiderscheit, A. (2021). Advancing & impacting practice through research. Master of Creative Arts Therapy Program at the University of Western Sydney, 7, September.

Murphy, K. & Heiderscheit, A. (2021). Trauma-informed music therapy practice: Guidelines and clinical examples. 7th Annual Mental Health Congress: International virtual conference, 8-9, September.

Short, A. Fuller, A. Heiderscheit, A. & Murphy, K. (2021). Editor perspectives on journal manuscript submission: Tips and tricks for putting it together. 47th Australian Music Therapy Conference, 14-17, September.

Behrens, G. Heiderscheit, A. Murphy, K. Nevis, K. Curnutte, E. Bates, D. Vernisie, S. Lee, J. & Cho, H. (2021). Creative Approaches to Integrating Research into you Practice. American Music Therapy Association Virtual Conference and sponsored by the AMTA Research Committee (US), 14-17, October.

Heiderscheit, A. (2021). Patient-directed music listening to manage complex symptoms of critically ill mechanically ventilated patients World Conference on Lung & Respiratory Diseases hosted by the European Society of Medicine in Paris, France & Berlin, Germany 11-13, September.

Heiderscheit, A. (2021). Differences between music therapy & music listening in healthcare. 1st International Kocaeli Traditional and Complementary Medicine Congress at Kocaeli University in Izmit, Turkey, 7-9, July.

Heiderscheit, A. (2020). The brain comes alive with sound and music: Innovative treatment of clients with eating disorders through music therapy. Keynote at International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, Orlando, FL (US) 26-29, March.

Murphy, K. Heiderscheit, A. & Jackson, N. (2020). Case Study Research Design. American Music Therapy Association National Virtual Conference (US), 20-22, November.

Heiderscheit, A. Jackson, N. Murphy, K. Inoune, S. Short, A. (2020). Publishing to advance the profession: What can you publish? Presentation for the 16th World Music Therapy Congress Johannesburg, South Africa, 7-8, July

Heiderscheit, A. (2020). Music therapy in eating disorder treatment. International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals in Orlando, FL (US). 26-29, March.