Current Projects
Funding:
American Music Therapy Association, Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award, 1/2023-12/2023
Role:
PI
Summary:
This pilot project, which is grounded in the Clinical Practice Model (Reschke-Hernández, 2019; 2021) builds on a feasibility study in which we evaluated the acceptability, barriers, and facilitators of a novel collaborative telehealth framework for older adults with and without dementia. The framework, which integrates the delivery of music therapy with social work wellness support, may facilitate remote community connection of value and interest to older adults. The objectives of this randomized control trial are to evaluate the effectiveness of: 1) telehealth music therapy on feelings of older adults with and without dementia, 2) music therapy and social work collaboration within this framework on well-being, loneliness, and cognition, and 3) interdisciplinary collaboration on older adults’ perception of service quality. This study addresses key areas of the MTR 2025 strategic plan and will help inform best practice in an innovative area of the music therapy profession.
For more information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06219148
Funding:
University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Developmental Project Grant, National Institute on Aging P30 AG072946, 7/2024-6/2026
Role:
Project PI
Summary:
The goal of this pilot randomized clinical trial is to learn if a music therapy treatment, called AMUSED, can improve engagement and reduce behavioral symptoms in older adults with severe dementia who live in care facilities. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Is it feasible to conduct a full-scale trial of AMUSED?
- Can we identify the best outcome measures to assess its impact on behavioral symptoms of dementia?
- Does speech offer a useful indicator of treatment effectiveness?
- Researchers will compare a group-based music therapy treatment to a reading activity to learn if music therapy leads to greater improvements in behavioral symptoms and speech patterns.
Participants will:
- Participate at their care facility in either music therapy (includes live music, singing, and rhythmic instrument playing) or a reading group where they will hear stories about life and nature and talk about memories.
- Attend small group sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes between lunch and dinner.
- Be observed and assessed for behavioral symptoms, cognition, and speech several times during treatment and at a 4-week follow-up.
More information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06605157
Completed Projects
Funding:
University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, P30 AG072946, 07/01/2024 – 06/30/2026
University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, P30 AG072946, 8/2022-8/2023
University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts Assistant Professor Startup Fund
University of Kentucky School of Music
Role:
Project PI
Summary:
The goal of this project, which was grounded in the Clinical Practice Model (Reschke-Hernández, 2019; 2021) and built on clinical wisdom of music therapists, was to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal music therapy group intervention that is tailored to support long-term care residents with severe dementia. Specific aims were to 1) evaluate the feasibility, barriers, risks, and facilitators of the intervention and study design, and 2) identify and optimize outcome measures and obtain preliminary data on engagement, agitation, and arousal to support subsequent clinical trial design. In addition to exploring feasible physiological measures, we implemented qualitative inquiry (multiple case study) to gain an in-depth understanding of care staff perspectives.
Funding:
Igniting Research Collaborations, Office of the Vice President of Research and College Deans, University of Kentucky, 11/2020-01/2022
Role:
PI
Summary:
This project examined the feasibility a new telehealth framework that integrates the delivery of music therapy with social work wellness support for older adults with and without dementia. We determined how to optimize the framework, examined what was acceptable and preferred by older adults and their care partners, and identified appropriate outcome measures.
Funding:
Community Impact Grant, Office of Outreach & Engagement, University of Iowa, 08/2017-05/2019
Research Grant, Graduate & Professional Student Government, University of Iowa, 06/2018-12/2018
University of Iowa GOLDRush 2018 crowdfunding campaign
Dr. Richard and Mrs. Ellen Caplan
Role:
PI
Summary:
This dissertation project involved systematic development and testing of a clinical practice model for persons with dementia. I conducted a randomized clinical crossover trial that examined the effectiveness of a protocol-based music therapy intervention that was grounded in this model at 4 nursing homes.
Funding:
M. “Blackie” Floyd Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Grant, Iowa State Fraternal Order of Eagles, 01/2015-05/2019
Role:
PI
Summary:
In this project, we demonstrated a dissociation for declarative memory and emotions using recorded music. Specifically, we examined the effects of participant-selected music on self-reported happiness and sadness in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy comparison participants.
Funding:
University of Missouri – Kansas City Women’s Council, 08/2009-12/2010
Role:
PI
Summary:
This thesis project involved systematic development and reliability testing of a music therapy assessment tool for children with autism: the Autism Developmental Skillset Assessment (ADSA).
Funding:
University of Missouri – Kansas City SEARCH Grant for Undergraduate Research, 01/2002-12/2002
Role:
PI
Summary:
In this pilot project, I evaluated music- and non-music-based activities on play behaviors among children living in poverty in urban Kansas City.
Research Support
Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of A Multimodal Music Therapy Intervention for Engaging Persons with Severe Dementia (AMUSED)
- Role: Project Principal Investigator
- Funding Source: University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Developmental Project Grant, National Institute on Aging P30 AG072946
- Funding Amount: $100,000
- Dates: 7/2024-6/2026
- Co-Investigators: Drs. Erin Abner and Frederick Schmitt
- Interventionists: Maren McGimsey, MSW; Zach Robinson, MM, MT-BC; Maggie Sunshine, MM, MT-BC; Nora Veblen, MM, MT-BC;
- Student Research Assistants: Grace Davis, Zach Palma, MM, MT-BC; Lian Rivera, Carson Woolums
Clinically meaningful outcomes for persons with dementia: A qualitative multiple case study of care staff perceptions of complementary and supportive care programs
- Role: Project Principal Investigator, Research Education Component (REC) Scholar*
- Funding Source: University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, National Institute on Aging P30 AG072946
- Funding Amount: $40,000
- Dates: 7/2023-6/2024
- Co-Investigators: Dr. Martina Vasil and Emma King, MM, MT-BC;
- Student Research Assistant: Carson Woolums
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Collaborative Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth Framework to Address the Well-Being of Community-Dwelling Older Adults
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Funding Source: American Music Therapy Association, Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award
- Funding Amount: $20,000
- Dates: 11/2022-12/2024
- Co-Investigator: Dr. Allison Gibson, St. Louis University (SLU)
- Additional Support: Dr. Natalie Pope, UK
- Interventionists: Erin Batkiewicz, MM, MT-BC; Emma King, MM, MT-BC; Maren McGimsey, MSW; Maggie Scheppmann, MM, MT-BC
- Student Research Assistants (rotating): Kaylee Berger (SLU), Riley Chenoweth (UK), Kathryn Coccia (SLU), Lauren Hasten (SLU), Jen Matthias (UK), Zach Palma, MT-BC (UK), Dimitra Tziarli
Evaluation of A Multimodal Music Therapy Intervention for Engagement and Agitation Among Persons with Severe Dementia: Feasibility and Proof-of Concept
- Role: Project Principal Investigator, Research Education Component (REC) Scholar*
- Funding Source: University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, National Institute on Aging P30 AG072946
- Funding Amount: $40,000
- Dates: 7/2022-6/2023
- Interventionists: Meghan Ross, MM, MT-BC; (consultant) and Nora Veblen, MM, MT-BC
- Student Research Assistants: Caroline Copley, MM, MT-BC; Hayley Rockwell Davis, MM, MT-BC; Emma Foret Latham MM, MT-BC;
Music as An Autobiographical Memory Cue Across the Lifespan
- Role: Consultant
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging 1R15AG075609-01
- Dates: 1/2022-12/2024
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Amy Belfi, Missouri Science & Technology
A Novel Social Work and Music Therapy Telehealth Framework to Promote Older Adult Wellbeing: A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Funding Source: University of Kentucky Igniting Research Collaborations, Office of the Vice President for Research and College Deans
- Funding Amount: $38,200
- Dates: 1/2021-12/2021
- Co-Investigator and grant co-author: Dr. Allison Gibson
- Interventionists (rotating): Erin Batkiewicz, MM, MT-BC; Emma King, MM, MT-BC; Dawn Oaks, MSW; Matt Proffitt, MM, MT-BC; Austin Robinson, MM, MT-BC
- Student Research Assistants (rotating): Laura Elliott Buckner, MM, MT-BC; Caleb Posey, MM, MT-BC; Yomira Rodriguez, MSW; Alisia Sullivan, MSW; Stephanie Uecker, MSW
Inclusive Music Principles and Practices (MUS 664), Service-Learning Development Support
- Role: Proposal author, course instructor
- Funding Source: University of Kentucky Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
- Funding Amount: $750
- Dates: 1/2020-6/2020
Laurie Farnan 3-Day Cross-Curricular Residency
- Role: Proposal author, course instructor
- Funding Source: UK School of Music Studio and Program Guest Support Funding
- Funding Amount: $1300
- Dates: 4/2020 (cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
The Feasibility of A Dyadic Music-Based Intervention For Persons Living With Dementia and Their Care Partners
- Role: Co-Investigator
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging PAR-25-274 (R-34)
- Applied Amount: $749,641 (total); $59,322 (UK subaward)
- Date Submitted: 6/2025
- Status: in review
- Co-Principal Investigators: Drs. Darina Petrovsky & Katherine Ramos, Duke University
- Co-Investigators: Drs. Allison Lewinski & Wei Pan, Duke University
The Feasibility of A Dyadic Music-Based Intervention For Persons Living With Dementia and Their Care Partners
- Role: Co-Investigator
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging PAR-24-168 (R-34)
- Applied Amount: $749,641 (total); $67,000 (UK subaward)
- Date Submitted: 10/2024
- Status: Scored, not funded
- Co-Principal Investigators: Drs. Darina Petrovsky & Katherine Ramos, Duke University
- Co-Investigators: Drs. Allison Lewinski & Wei Pan, Duke University
Kentucky Postbaccalaureate Alzheimer’s Disease Research Education Program (KYPAD)
- Role: Program Faculty Mentor / Significant Other Contributor
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging RFA-AG-24-012 (R-25)
- Applied Amount: $2,000,000 (direct), to support post-baccalaureate trainees for 5 years
- Date Submitted: 4/2024 *Review impacted by 2025 Federal funding pause
- Status: In review
- Co-Principal Investigators: Drs. M. Paul Murphy and Luke Bradley
NeuroSync: A data-driven augmented reality neurorehabilitation platform of neurologic music therapy-based games, puzzles, and exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity and prolong functional independence in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Role: Co-Investigator
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging PAS-22-196 (R-44)
- Applied Amount: $2,500,000 (total direct); $400,000 (UK subaward)
- Date Submitted: 4/2024 *Review impacted by 2025 Federal funding pause
- Status: In review
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Gray, Outlier Technology, LLC, https://outliertechnology.com/
- Co-Investigator: Dr. John Cowart, Outlier Technology, LLC
MELODY MIND: Proof-of-Concept and Feasibility Trial of a Novel Music-Enhanced Lifestyle Optimization Program for Dementia Prevention and Brain Health in Diverse Communities
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Funding Source: National Institute on Aging PAR-23-256 (R-34)
- Applied Amount: $688,500
- Date Submitted: 10/2023
- Status: Not discussed
- Co-Investigators: Drs. Erin Abner and Frederick Schmitt
Feasibility of Music Therapy as a Tool for Managing Test Anxiety in Nursing Education
- Role: Proposal author
- Funding Source: UK School of Music Faculty Development Support
- Applied Amount: $500
- Date Submitted: 1/2020
- Status: Funding cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- Co-Investigator: Dr. Morgan Chojnacki, UK College of Nursing
Music Therapy and Dementia Clinical Trial, 2018
- Role: Team lead (by application)
- Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa Center for Advancement, GOLDRush
- Funded Amount: $5158 (crowdfunding)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2018
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Dissertation Fellowship
- Funded Amount: $11,250 (competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2018
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Graduate & Professional Student Government Research Grant
- Funded Amount: $1500 (competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2017
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Provost’s Office of Outreach & Engagement, Community Impact Grant
- Funded Amount: $4000 (competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2017
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Sponsors: Drs. Mary Adamek and Kate Gfeller
- Funding Source: University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Caplan Music Therapy Fund
- Funded Amount: $1500 (non-competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2017
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Graduate College Summer Fellowship
- Funded Amount: $4000 (competitive)
The Effects of Music Listening on Emotions and Feelings in Patients with Dementia, 2017
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Graduate Student Senate Travel Award
- Funded Amount: $750 (competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2016
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Graduate College Post-Comprehensive Research Fellowship
- Funded Amount: $9,405 (competitive)
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2016
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Kate Gfeller and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: University of Iowa, Graduate College Summer Fellowship
- Funded Amount: $4000 (competitive)
The Effects of Music Listening on Emotions and Feelings in Patients with Dementia, 2016
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Co-Applicants: Drs. Amy Belfi, Edma Guzman-Velez, and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: The Fraternal Order of Eagles, M. “Blackie” Floyd Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Grant
- Funded Amount: $2500 (competitive)
Evaluation of a Developmentally-Based Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Children with Autism, 2010
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deanna Hanson-Abromeit
- Funding Source: University of Missouri – Kansas City Women’s Council Grant
- Funded Amount: $500 (competitive)
Music Therapy Books and Materials, 2010
- Role: Proposal author
- Faculty Mentors: Drs. Robert Groene and Deanna Hanson-Abromeit
- Funding Source: University of Missouri – Kansas City Friends of the Library
- Funded Amount: fully funded (competitive)
Music Therapy for Unhoused and Low-Income Children, 2002
- Funding Source: University of Missouri – Kansas City SEARCH Grant for Undergraduate ResearchFunded Amount: $1645 (competitive)
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sheri Robb
A Clinical Practice Model of Music Therapy to Address Psychosocial Functioning for Persons with Dementia: Model Development and Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial, 2017
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kate Gfeller
- Funding Source: American Music Therapy Association, Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award
The Effects of Music Listening on Emotions and Feelings in Patients with Dementia, 2015
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Co-Applicants: Drs. Amy Belfi, Edma Guzman-Velez, and Daniel Tranel
- Funding Source: The GRAMMY Foundation
