To play and be playful in joyous co-operation: Reflecting on the contribution of Colwyn Trevarthen to the field of music therapy

Abstract

<p>The paper for this special issue in honour of Professor Colwyn Trevarthen reflects on his contribution to the field of music therapy, as well as to the author’s growth and development as a practitioner and researcher. Each of the contributors for the special issue was asked to choose a piece written by Colwyn and write a reflection on it. Ultimately the writing that felt closest to our collaborations was the foreword he wrote for The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy (Edwards, 2016). This is used as a jumping off point to consider a wider range of impacts of Colwyn’s work – within the creative arts therapies and music therapy but also personally in the journey of the author.</p>