“Moment’s Notice” - A phenomenological inquiry into the intersubjective experiences using monochord sounds

The purpose of this article-based PhD is to study, explore and explicate the intersubjective phenomena of a receptive music therapy intervention using monochord sounds. Of particular interest is to analyze patterns of physiological parameters (Heart Rate Variability, Breath Rate, Electrodermal Activity) between the recipient (participant) and the player (music therapist) and their subjective experiences of the intervention. The study is embedded in an interdisciplinary research project at the Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland.

Design: The main study is designed as a two-armed-randomized-controlled crossover study. A mixed-methods design is used, in which pre-, peri- and post measurements are taken. The effect of monochord sounds on healthy subjects aged between 25 to 34 years is investigated. All subjects will receive one session in each of the two conditions (live vs. prerecorded monochord sounds) in a randomized order. In an embedded qualitative part of the study, I will explore the intersubjective experiences.