Professor Raymond MacDonald

Professor of Music Psychology and Improvisation

ROOM: M421
T: +44 141 331 3971
E: raymond.macdonald@gcal.ac.uk

Profile

Raymond leads the Glasgow Caledonian Music Psychology Research Group. After completing his PhD at the University of Glasgow, investigating therapeutic applications of music, he worked as artistic director for a music company, Sounds of Progress, specialising in working with people who have special needs. His ongoing research focuses on issues relating to improvisation, musical communication, music health and wellbeing, music education and musical identities. He studies the processes and outcomes of music participation and music listening. This work contributes to debates highlighting the ubiquitous importance of music, stressing that everybody has a biological and social guarantee of musicianship. He runs music workshops and lectures internationally and has published over 60 peer reviewed papers and book chapters.

His research has been recently supported with grants from a wide variety sources including Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office, EPSRC, NHS, The British Academy, The Royal Society, The European Union and The Scottish Arts Council. He has co-edited two texts, Musical Identities (2002) and Musical Communication (2005), has two forthcoming texts in development, Musical Imaginations and Music Health & Wellbeing and is currently editor of the journal Psychology of Music and associate editor for The International Journal of Music Education, Jazz Research Journal and Research Studies in Music Education. He is involved in running Polyphony - a lottery funded music project providing access to musical activities for individuals with mental health problems and is a Patron of Drake Music Scotland.

As a saxophonist and composer his recorded output can be heard on over 40 CDs and he performs internationally with some of the world’s leading improvising musicians including Evan Parker, Keith Tippett, George Lewis and Barry Guy. He co-leads The George Burt / Raymond MacDonald Quartet (‘leading Scottish contemporary jazz’, The Guardian) and is a founder member of The Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra (‘the premier league of the international improvisation scene’, Sueddeutsche Zeitung). 

Teaching

Currently teaching on the following courses:

• Personality and Individual Differences (Module Leader, Lecturer, Tutor)

• Advanced Research Methods (Project Supervisor)

PhD Supervision

• Laura Mitchell, The effects of music listening on pain (graduated 2004)

• Katie Reid (University of Glasgow), The temporal characteristics of chronic pain (graduated 2006)

• Maria Pothoulaki, The psychological effects of music on patients with chronic illness (graduated 2006)

• Lana Carlton, A qualitative analysis of everyday uses of music across the life span (graduated 2007)

• Gianna Cassidy, The effects of self selected and experimenter selected music on driving game performance and experience (graduated 2008)

• Jane Oakland, Musical identities of opera singers (graduated 2010)

• Simon Rose, Free improvisation: bridges and boundaries for education

• Claire Renfrew, An investigation of musical identities in professional classical musicians

• Jill Mitchell, The role of music within relationships between couples

• Miwa Natsume, The effects music listening on exercise

• Julie De Simone, An investigation of the effects of music in the treatment of patients with dementia

• George Caldwell, Musical identities across the life span

• Aspasia Kontogianni, The effects of music education on health and well being in Greece.

• Una MacGlone, A Qualitative investigation of practitioners use of improvisation within music education

• Helen Loth, (Anglia Ruskin University), An Investigation of the Use of Gamelan Music within Music Therapy Practice

• Rachel Drury (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama), The effects of music teaching in primary school pupils

• Lori Watson (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama), Innovation in traditional musicians

Podcasts

This podcast provides an overview of psychology of music research and in particular focuses on a project at Gartnaval Royal Hospital where we provide access to musical activities for patients at the hospital.

Play MP3 Audio File

Publications

Books

• MacDonald R.A.R, Greutz, G. & Mitchell, L. EDS (forthcoming) Music Health and Wellbeing Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Hargreaves D.J. Miell, D. & MacDonald R.A.R EDS (forthcoming) Musical Imaginations Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Miell, D. MacDonald R.A.R, & Hargreaves D.J. EDS (2005). Musical Communication Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• MacDonald R.A.R, Miell D & Hargreaves D.J. EDS (2002). Musical Identities Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Refereed Journals and Book Chapters

• Mitchell, H. F., & MacDonald, R. A. R. (in press). Remembering, recognising and describing singers’ sound identities. Journal of New Music Research.

  MacDonald R.A.R, Hargreaves D.J & Miell D (in press) Situating musical development within general development". In McPherson, G and Welch, G (Eds) Oxford Handbook of Music Education Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Cassidy, G.G. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2010). The effects of music on time perception and performance of a driving game. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. 51(6):455-64

• Cassidy, G.G. & MacDonald, R.A.R (2009). The Effects of Preferred Music on Driving Game Performance and Evaluation. Musicae Scientiae. 13(2), 357-386

• Mitchell, L.A., MacDonald, R.A.R (2009) Qualitative Research on Pain Current Opinion in Supportive & Palliative Care 3(2) 131-135

• MacDonald R.A.R, (2009) Arts Education and Cultural Communication: Music, Learning and Identity in Ruismäki, H. & Ruokonen, I. (Eds.) Arts: Points of Contact between Cultures. pp.12-24 Helsinki: University of Helsinki

• Mitchell, H. F., & MacDonald, R. A. R. (2009). Linguistic limitations of describing sound quality: Is talking about music like dancing about architecture? In A. Williamon, S. Pretty & R. Buck (Eds.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Performance Science (ISPS09), (pp. 45-50). The Netherlands: European Association of Conservatoires (AEC).

• MacDonald, R.A.R., (2008) review of Sync or Swarm: Improvising Music in a Complex Age. Jazz Research Journal 2(1) 83-86.

• Mitchell, L.A., MacDonald, R.A.R and Knussen, C. (2008). An investigation of the effects of music and art on pain perception. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts. Vol 2(3)162-170.

• Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald, R.A.R and Flowers, P (2008) An Investigation of the Effects of Music on Anxiety and Pain Perception in Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis Treatment Journal of Health Psychology 13(7), 912-920.

• Wilson,G.B., MacDonald R.A.R., Byrne, C, Ewing, S, and Sheridan, M (2008) Dread and passion: primary and secondary teachers' views on teaching the arts Curriculum Journal 19(1), 37-53

• Duesenberry, P. and MacDonald R.A.R. (2008) Sounds of Progress in the Academy: an Emerging Creative Partnership The Review of Disability Studies Volume 4 (1), 6–19

• MacDonald R.A.R, (2008) The Universality of Musical Communication. In M. Suzanne Zeedyk (Ed) Promoting Social Interaction with Individuals with Communication Impairments. (pp39-51) London: Jessica Kinglsey.

• MacDonald R.A.R, Miell D & Hargreaves D.J. EDS (2008). Musical Identity In S, Hallam, J Sloboda & M, Thault (Eds) The handbook of Music Psychology (pp 462-470) Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Hallam, S & MacDonald R.A.R (2008) The effects of music in educational and community settings In S, Hallam, J Sloboda & M, Thault (Eds) (pp471-480) The handbook of Music Psychology (ppOxford: Oxford University Press.

• Cassidy, G.G. & MacDonald, R.A.R, (2007) ‘The Effects of Aggressive and Relaxing Popular Music on the Task Performance of Introverts and Extraverts

• Psychology of Music, 35(3), 517-538

• Mitchell, L.A., MacDonald, R.A.R., Serpell, M.G. and Knussen, C. (2007). A survey investigation of the effects of music listening on chronic pain. Psychology of Music, 35(1), 39-59

• Mitchell, L. MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E. (2006). The effects of music listening on perception and tolerance of experimentally induced cold pressor pain. Journal of Music Therapy. XLIII (4), 295-316.

• Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald R.A.R and Flowers, P. (2006,) Methodological issues in Music Interventions in Oncology Settings: A Systematic Literature Review. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 33 (5), 446-455

• MacDonald, R.A.R, Byrne, C. & Carlton, L. (2006). Creativity and Flow in Musical Composition: An Empirical Investigation. The Psychology of Music, 34(3), 292-307

• Mitchell, L. MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E. (2006). A comparison of the effects of preferred music, arithmetic and humour on cold pressor pain.European Journal of Pain 10, 343-351

• MacDonald R.A.R &. Wilson,G.B. (2006). Constructions of jazz: how jazz musicians present their collaborative musical practice Musicae Scientiae vol 10(1) 59-85

• Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald, R.A.R., and Flowers, P. (2005) Music Interventions in Oncology Settings: A systematic literature review" British Journal of Music Therapy 19(2) 75-84.

• Wilson,G.B., & MacDonald R.A.R. (2005). The meaning of the blues: Musical identities in talk about jazz. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2(4), 341-363.

• MacDonald R.A.R &. Wilson,G.B. (2005). The musical identities of professional jazz musicians: A focus group investigation. The Psychology of Music, 33(4), 395-419

• Hargreaves, D.J., MacDonald, R.A.R & Miell, D. (2005). How do People Communicate using Music. In D Miell, R.A.R MacDonald D.J. Hargreaves (Eds) Musical Communication (pp.1-26). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• MacDonald, R.A.R, Miell, D. and Wilson, G.B (2005). Talking about music: a vehicle for identity development. In D Miell, R.A.R MacDonald D.J. Hargreaves (Eds) Musical Communication (pp.321-338). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• MacDonald R.A.R, Hargreaves D.J, & Miell D (2004) The sounds of ideologies clashing. Action, Criticism & Theory for Music Education, 3(1), 3-9 http://www.siue.edu/MUSIC/ACTPAPERS/v3/EditorResponse04.pdf

• Mitchell, L. MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E. (2004) Temperature and the cold pressor test. Journal of Pain, 5(4), 233-238

• Carlton, L. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2004). An investigation of the effects of music on thematic apperception test (TAT) interpretations Musicae Scientiae 7 (special issue) 9-31

• MacDonald, R.A.R.. (2004). Book review of Jazz and Death: Medical Profiles of Jazz Greats. Popular Music, 23(2), 235-237

• MacDonald R.A.R & Miell, D, (2004). Musical collaboration. In K Littleton and D Miell (Eds) Learning to Collaborate, Collaborating to Learn Understanding and promoting educationally productive collaborative work (pp.133-146), New York: Nova Science

• MacDonald, R.A.R.. (2003). Book review of The Handbook of Music Therapy Bunt,L. & Hoskyns, S. (Eds). Psychology of Music 31(4), 425.

• MacDonald R.A.R., Mitchell, L., Dillon,T., Serpell, M.G., Davies, J.B., & Ashley, E.A. (2003). An Empirical Investigation of the Anxiolytic and Pain Reducing Effects of Music. Psychology of Music 31(2), 187 – 203.

• Reid, K., Asbury, A.J., MacDonald, R.A.R., & Serpell, M. (2003). Putting Pain to Paper: A qualitative study of chronic pain patients experiences of using a 2-week self report pain diary. Health Psychology Update, 12(4), 13-20

• Byrne, C., MacDonald, R.A.R., & Carlton, L. (2003). Assessing creativity in musical compositions: flow as an assessment tool. British Journal of Music Education, 20(3), 277-290.

• Reid, K., Asbury, A.J., MacDonald, R.A.R., & Serpell, M (2003). Dear Diary: Exploring the utility of diaries as a powerful and multi-functional research tool. Health Psychology Update vol 12(2) 7 –13.

• Mayes. G., Wilson, G.B., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Gillies. J.B (2003). Evaluation of an information programme for divorced or separated parents, The Child and Family Law Quarterly, Vol 15(1) 85 – 103.

• Byrne, C. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2002). The use of Information & Communication Technology (I&CT) in the Scottish Music Curriculum: A Focus Group Investigation of Themes and Issues Music Education Research, 4(2), 263-275.

• MacDonald, R. A. R. & Byrne, C. (2002). Teaching Strategies in the Music Classroom: The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies. Music Education International, 1, 44-56.

• MacDonald R.A.R., Miell, D. & Mitchell, L (2002. An investigation of children’s musical collaborations: the effect of friendship and age. Psychology of Music 30, 148 –163.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. & Miell, D. (2002). Social processes in musical communication: a study of children’s’ collaborative compositions. European Journal for Semiotic Studies, vol 14(2), 321-339

• Hargreaves, D.J., Miell, D. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2002). What are musical identities, and why are they important? In R.A.R. MacDonald, D. J. Hargreaves and D.E. Miell (Eds.) Musical Identities (pp. 1-21). Oxford: Oxford University.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. & Miell, D (2002). Music for individuals with special needs: A catalyst for developments in identity, communication and musical ability. In R.A.R. MacDonald, D. J. Hargreaves and D.E. Miell (Eds.), Musical Identities (pp. 163 – 179). Oxford: Oxford University.

• Murray, J.L., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Levenson, V.L. (2001). Sexuality: Policies, Beliefs, and Practice, The Tizard Review 6, 29-35.

• MacDonald, R.A.R , Miell, D. & Morgan, L. (2000). Social processes and creative collaboration in children. European Journal of the Psychology of Education, 15(4), 405-416.

• MacDonald R.A.R & Miell D (2000). Creativity and Music Education: The Impact of Social Variables (2000) International Journal of Music Education 36, 58-68.

• Miell, D. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). Children’s creative collaborations: The importance of friendship when working together on a musical composition. Social Development 9(3), 348-369

• MacDonald R.A.R & Miell D (2000). Collaborating on a creative task: a study of friends and non-friends composing music together. In Joiner, R. & Littleton K. (Eds.) Rethinking Collaborative Learning (pp.65-76). London: Free Association Books.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., J.B., Davies, & O'Donnell, P.J. (1999). Structured music workshops for individuals with learning difficulty: an empirical investigation. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 12(3) 225 - 241.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., J.B., Davies, & O'Donnell, P.J. (1999). Atelier de musique pour individus ayant des difficultés à apprendre Revue Francophone de La Déficience Intellectuelle 10, 19-29.

• MacDonald, R.A.R Murray, J.L., & Levenson, V.L. (1999). Staff attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities and HIV/AIDS. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 12(4), 348 - 358 .

• Murray, J.L., MacDonald, R.A.R., Brown, G., & Levenson, V.L. (1999). Staff attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A service related study of policies and procedures. The British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 27, 141–146.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., Ashley, E., Davies, J.B., Serpell, M., Murray, J.L. Millar, K. & Rogers, K. (1999). An Investigation of the anxiolytic and pain reducing effects of music on post-operative analgesia. In D Erdonmez & R.R. Pratt, (Eds.) Music therapy & Music Medicine: Expanding Horizons (pp. 12-19). Saint Louis: MMB Music.

• O’Donnell, P.J., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Davies J.B. (1999). Video analysis of the effects of structured music workshops for individuals with learning difficulties, In D Erdonmez & R.R. Pratt, (Eds.) Music Therapy & Music Medicine: Expanding Horizons (pp. 219-228).Saint Louis: MMB Music.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1998). At the mercy of the musical environment.Book review of The Social Psychology of Music, Hargreaves, D. & North, A (Eds.) Journal of Applied Cognitive Science, 12, 154-155.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., & O'Donnell, P.J. (1996). Structured music workshops for adults with learning difficulties: an experimental investigation into therapeutic potential. International Journal of Psychology, 31(4), 485.

• Murray, J.L., & MacDonald, R.A.R. (1996). The provision of services to clients with HIV/AIDS. International Journal of Psychology, 31(4), 488

• MacDonald, R.A.R., & O'Donnell, P.J. (1996). The effects of structured music workshops on the communication skills, musical ability and self-perception of mildly and moderately mentally handicapped individuals. In R. Pratt (Ed.), MusicMedicine Vol. 2 (pp. 169-182). Saint Louis: MMB Music.

• Murray, J.L., MacDonald, R.A.R., & Minnes, P. (1995). Staff attitudes towards individuals with learning disabilities and AIDS: The role of attitudes towards client sexuality and the issue of mandatory testing for HIV infection. Mental Handicap Research, 8(4), 321-332.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., O’Donnell, P.J. & Cherry, J. (1994). Structured music groups in an occupational therapy context. Developing Opportunities: Proceedings from The 11th World Congress of Occupational Therapy Vol 2 (pp. 98). West Square Associates, London

• MacDonald, R.A.R., & O'Donnell, P.J. (1994). Structured music workshops with adults with mental handicap. Occupational Therapy International, 1(3), 184-197.

Conference Presentations

• Caldwell, G.N, MacDonald, R.A.R. Duncan, B Thomson, M. (2009) The Role of Music across the Lifespan in Adult Non-Musicians’ Identities. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• Oakland, J. MacDonald, R.A.R. Flowers, P, (2009) The meaning of redundancy for opera choristers: an investigation of musical identity in the context of job loss. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• Ireland, L & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2009) Understanding Everyday Psychosocial Functions of Music: An Interview and Focus Group Study. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• MacDonald, R.A.R., Mitchell, L. & Knox, D, (2009) An analysis of structural components of music chosen for pain relieving purposes. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• De Simone, J, & MacDonald, R.A.R (2009) thematic analysis of musical participation by individuals with mental health problems. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• Mitchell, L, MacDonald, R.A.R., McCahey, L. & Bounds, E. Can music listening overcome hypervigilance and fear of pain: An experimental investigation. Laura Mitchell, Raymond MacDonald,. Paper presented 7th Triennial Conference of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music Jyväskylä, Finland August 11th -16th

• MacDonald R.A.R Flowers P., Oakland, J., Caldwell, G., DeSimone, J., (2008) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and music psychology: an overview. Poster presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• MacDonald, R.A.R & Mitchel , L .A (2008) Researching the relationship between music and health: An overview of published research and key themes Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• MacDonald, R.A.R, & Wilson, G. (2008) Musical identities in improvising musicians. Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• MacDonald, R.A.R, Carlton, L., Reid, K., Bancroft, T. & Richardson, C. (2008). Music Provision in Young Children's Education: Scottish Perspectives. Poster presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• Mitchell, L.A., & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2008) Music to Take the Pain Away. Paper presented at Popular Music Studies: Problems, Disputes, Questions: The biennial conference of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, University of Glasgow, 12-14 September 2008

• Mitchell, L.A., McDowall, J., & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2008) The influence of cognitive style on pain relief using preferred music. Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• DeSimone, J., & MacDonald R.A.R (2008) mixed methods investigation into the effects of music on individuals with dementia Poster presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• DeSimone, J., & MacDonald R.A.R (2008) An investigation of the effects of music workshops for individuals with dementia. Paper presented at 2nd European Conference on Developmental Psychology of Music, Roehampton University, September 10th- 12th.

• DeSimone, J., & MacDonald R.A.R (2008) An investigation of the effects of a structured music performance for individuals with mental health problems. Papr presmeted at Music, Health and Happiness. Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK– Saturday 8 November 2008.

• Kontogianni,A., MacDonald R.A.R & Pothoulaki, M (2008) An investigation of adult emotional response to violent music video clips and its relationship to personality traits. Paper presented at 2nd European Conference on Developmental Psychology of Music, Roehampton University, September 10th- 12th.

• Cassidy, G.G & MacDonald, R.A.R (2008) Popular Music and the Videogame Experience. Popular Music Studies: Problems, Disputes, Questions. IASPM UK and Ireland Branch Conference 2008. Glasgow University, September 12th-14th .

• Cassidy, G.G & MacDonald, R.A.R (2008) Game-Based Learning for Music Education. 2nd European Conference on Developmental Psychology of Music, Roehampton University, September 10th- 12th.

• Cassidy, G.G & MacDonald, R.A.R (2008). Gameplay as a Walking for Health Strategy. HEPA08: Scottish Physical Activity Research Collaboration. Glasgow, September 8th-10th.

• Cassidy, G.G & MacDonald, R.A.R (2008). Music and Videogame Play For Health: The Effects of Self-Selected and Experimenter-Selected Music on Performance and Experience. 10th. International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Soporro, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• Oakland, J., MacDonald, R.A.R & Flowers, P (2008). Exploring Enforced Occupational Change in Opera Singers: A Case Study Investigation into the Effects of Musical Identity in the Context of Career Change. Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• Caldwell, G.N., MacDonald, R.A.R., & Duncan B. (2008) Non-Musician Adult Perspectives on the Role of Music in the Formation and Maintenance of Musical Identities: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• Knox, D., Cassidy, G., Beveridge, S. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2008) Music Emotion Classification by Audio Signal Analysis: Analysis of Self-Selected Music During Game Play. Paper presented at 10th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, August 24th -29th.

• MacDonald (2007) The musical rhythms of communication. Keynote address presented at Promoting social interaction for individuals with profound communication needs: An international conference, University of Dundee, March 16-17 2007

• MacDonald, R.A.R. & Campbell, A. (2007) Vocal improvisation as a means for exploring collaborative creativity" Poster to be presented at The Third Conference on Interdisciplinary Musicology (CIM07), Tallinn, Estonia, August 2007

• Cassidy, G.G & MacDonald, R.A.R (2007). The effects of Preferred Music on Driving Game Performance. Game Developers Conference March 5th -9th, San Francisco.

• De Simone, J. MacDonald, R.A.R and Wilson, A. (2007), An investigation of the effects of a structured music programme on cognition in the treatment of patients with dementia. Papet to be presented at The 7th European Music Therapy Congress 200, Eindhoven, August 2007

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2006) The influence of preference upon music perception. Symposium presented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9), Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th.

• Hargreaves, D.J., MacDonald, R.A.R. Miell, D.E (2006) Musical Communication. Symposium presented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9), Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th .

• MacDonald, R.A.R. Miell, D.E and Wilson (2006) Talking about Music. Paper presented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9), Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th.

• De Simone, J. MacDonald, R.A.R and Wilson, A. (2006), An investigation of the effects of music in the treatment of patients with dementia Paper presented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9), Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th .

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2006) An investigation of the effects of post-operative music listening in hospital settings Paper resented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9) , Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th .

• Pothoulaki M, Natsume, M. and MacDonald, R.A.R. (2006) The effects of preferred music listing in college students and renal failure patients. Paper resented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9) , Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th.

• Cassidy, G, and MacDonald, R.A.R. (2006) The Effects of Preferred Music on Driving Game Performance. Paper resented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9), Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th .

• Carlton, L. and MacDonald, R.A.R. (2006) A qualitative analysis of everyday uses of preferred music across the life span Paper resented at The 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (ICMPC9) , Bologna, Italy, August 21st – 26th .

• De Simone, J. MacDonald, R.A.R. and Wilson, A (2006) An investigation of the effects of music on cognition in the treatment of patients with dementia. Poster Presentation at the International Society of Gerontology Conference, Glasgow.

• Dritsas, A, Pothoulaki, M. , MacDonald, R.A.R., Flowers, P., and Cokkinos D. V. (2006) Effects of music listening on anxiety and mood profile in cardiac patients undergoing exercise testing. Poster presented at The European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation Athens Greece May 11-14 2006

• MacDonald R.A.R, & Wilson, G.B. (2005). Musical identities and improvisation Performance Matters: International Conference on Practical, Psychological, Philosophical and Educational Issues in Musical Performance, Porto, Portugal 14 to 18 September 2005

• MacDonald R.A.R (2005). Musical identities: communication , education an therapy. Paper presented at the British Psychological Society Quinquennial Conference, University of Manchester, March 30th – April 2nd.

• Wilson, G.B & MacDonald R.A.R., Musical identities and improvisation: Focus groups and interviews with practitioners Paper presented at the 11th Leeds International Jazz Education conference, 11 - 12 March 2005 University of Leeds.

• MacDonald R.A.R (2005). Music and health Performance Matters: International Conference on Practical, Psychological, Philosophical and Educational Issues in Musical Performance, Porto, Portugal 14 to 18 September 2005

• Mitchell, LA, MacDonald, RAR, Serpell, MG and Knussen C (2005, Aug). Pain levels, quality of life and coping strategies of chronic pain sufferers in the West of Scotland. Poster to be presented at 11th World Congress on Pain, Sydney, Australia.

• Cassidy, G., & MacDonald., R.A.R (2005). The Effects of Aggressive, Relaxing and Preferred Music on Driving Video Game Performance and Evaluation. Paper presented at the Digital Games Research Association’s 2nd International Conference: Changing Views: Worlds in Play, June 16-20, 2005, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

• Cassidy, G. & MacDonald R.A.R. (2005).The Effects of Aggressive and Relaxing Music on Driving Game Performance, Evaluation and Experience. Paper presented at the 2nd Emotion Lab Christmas Lectures: Celebrating Excellence in Academic Games Research, Caledonian University, Glasgow, December 12th.

• MacDonald, R.A.R, Wilson,G., Byrne, C. Ewing, S and Sheridan, M (2005) Arts education as a vehicle for including children with special educational needs in mainstream education. Scottish Executive Education Department School Research Conference. January 14th 2005

• Reid, K., Asbury, J., Serpell, M., MacDonald, R., Wray, D., Gibson, J. (2005 August). Living with and without chronic pain: A Qualitative Analysis of the convergent and divergent experiences of orofacial and lower back pain patients. Poster session presented at the 11th World Congress on Pain, Sydney, Australia.

• Reid, K., Asbury, J., Serpell, M., MacDonald, R., Wray, D., Gibson, J. (2005, March). Struggling to fit in: Chronic pain experiences and the doctor patient relationship. Poster session presented at The Seventh Annual Parliamentary Reception for Younger Researchers in Science, Engineering, Medicine and Technology at the House of Commons, London.

• Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald, R.A.R., Flowers, P., Stamataki, E., Filiopoulos, V., Stamatiadis, D. & Stathakis, Ch.P (2005) A study of the effectiveness of music listening in reducing stress and perceived pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. 7th BANTAO Congress of the Balkan Cities Association of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation and Artificial Organs, September 8-11, 2005, Ohrid

• MacDonald, R.A.R & Miell, D. (2004). Creative collaborations: Young people’s musical interactions. Paper presented at The 8th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, Northwestern University School of Music, Chicago, USA, August 3rd-7th.

• MacDonald R.A.R, & Wilson,G.B. (2004). The musical identity of jazz musicians: a focus group and interview study Paper presented at The 8th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, Northwestern University School of Music, Chicago, USA, August 3rd-7th.

• Cassidy, G. & MacDonald (2004) Differential distraction of music and noise on cognitive task performance. Paper presented at The 8th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, Northwestern University School of Music, Chicago, USA, August 3rd -7th.

• Miell,D, MacDonald, R.A.R. & Hargreaves (2004). What do we mean by musical communication, and why is it important. Paper presented at The 8th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, Northwestern University School of Music, Chicago, USA, August 3rd -7th.

• Wilson, G.B & MacDonald R.A.R., (2004) Constructions of jazz: How jazz musicians present their collaborative musical practice. Paper presented at The Biannual International Conference of the Society Education Music and Psychology Research, The Open University April 23rd-24th.

• Pothoulaki, M. MacDonald, R.A.R. & Flowers, P, (2003). Music therapy in an oncology setting: a review of literature and proposed study. Paper presented at 17th World Congress of the International Society of Psychopathology of Expression and Art Therapy, Athens, 11th-14th October 2003.

• Natsume, M., MacDonald, R.A.R & Knussen, C. (2003). A cross-cultural Investigation of Music listening in everyday life. Paper presented at Researching Musical Understanding, Conference of The Society for Music Education and Psychology Research, Keele 25th October 2003.

• Mitchell, L.A., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E.E. (2003). 'Is laughter the best medicine?: A comparison of humour, music and arithmetic'. Poster presentation at Pain in Europe IV, Prague Convention Centre.

• Mitchell, L.A., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E.E. (2003) .'Investigating the effects of music listening on cold pressor pain'. Poster presentation at British Pain Society Annual Conference, Glasgow.

• MacDonald R.A.R, & Wilson,G.B. (2003). Let’s talk about jazz: a focus group study of how jazz musicians conceptualise improvisation. Presented at The 3rd International Research In Music Education Conference, Exeter University 8th - 12 April 2003.

• Miell,D, MacDonald, R.A.R. & Littleton, K, (2003). Depends what you mean by modern: bringing young people's own music into the classroom. Presented at The 3rd International Research In Music Education Conference, Exeter University 8th - 12th April 2003.

• Wilson, G.B. & MacDonald, R.A.R (2003). How jazz improvisers understand improvisation in jazz: group perspectives on a creative process. Paper presented at the Leeds International Jazz Education conference, 4th-5th April, University of Leeds.

• MacDonald, R.A,R., Espada, G.R.H. & Young H, (2002). Cross cultural music therapy interventions and research: the importance of transactive communication. Paper Presented at The 10th World Congress of Music Therapy, Oxford, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R & Miell, D. (2002). Music: A vehicle for developments in personal identity, communication and musical ability. Paper Presented at The 10th World Congress of Music Therapy, Oxford, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., Miell, D. & Hargreaves (2002). What are Musical Identities and why are they important. Paper presented at The 7th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, The University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. & Byrne, C (2002). An experimental investigation into the relationship between flow and creativity Paper presented at The 7th International Conference on Music Perception & Cognition, The University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia.

• MacDonald, R.A.R & Miell, D. (2002). The effects of musical participation on the personal identities of individuals with special needs. Paper presented at the International Society for Music Education 2002: 25th Biannual World Conference in Music Education, Bergen, Norway.

• MacDonald R.A.R., Mitchell, L., Dillon,T., Davies, J.B., Ashley, E.A. and Serpell, M.G (2002). An Empirical Investigation of the Anxiolytic and Pain Reducing Effects of Music. Poster presentation at 10th World Congress on Pain, August 17th 22nd 2002, San Diego Convention Centre.

• Mitchell, L.A., Brodie, E.E. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2002). Shaken and stirred: Assessing pain intensity and tolerance using the cold pressor, Poster presentation at 10th World Congress on Pain, San Diego Convention Centre.

• Carlton, L. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2002.) A Focus Group Investigation of Musical Creativity Researching Creativity in Music Education. One day conference of The Society for Music Education and Psychology Research, University of Strathclyde October 19th 2002.

• Byrne, C., MacDonald, R. A. R. & Carlton, L. (2002). Flow and Creativity in the Music Classroom. Paper presented at the 10th Anniversary ESCOM Musical Creativity Conference, University of Liege.

• Carlton, L. & MacDonald, R. A. R. (2002) An investigation of the effects of music on thematic apperception test (TAT) interpretations Paper presented at the 10th Anniversary ESCOM Musical Creativity Conference, University of Liege.

• Miell, D. MacDonald R.A.R., & Littleton, K.S. (2002). Discordant cultures: Music in school and in the lives of young people. Paper presented at the International Society for Cultural Research and Activity Theory conference, Amsterdam.

• Miell, D. Littleton, K.S & MacDonald R.A.R. (2002). 'Musical collaboration as identity work' paper presented at the BPS Developmental Section annual conference, University of Sussex, 6-8th September 2002.

• Littleton, K.S, Miell, D. & MacDonald R.A.R. (2002). 'Music in the lives of young people. Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference University of Exeter, 12th-14th September 2002.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Researching the Process and Outcomes of Music Education for Individuals with Special Needs. Issues in Music and Special Educational Needs, Institute of Education, University of London, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Sounds of Progress: evaluating the effectiveness of different methodologies in Arts Therapies. 6th European Arts Therapies Conference, Luxembourg.

• Miell, D. & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Children’s musical identity International conference on communication, problem solving and learning, Glasgow, UK.

• Mitchel, L. MacDonald, R.A.R. & Brodie, E. (2001). The efficacy of music listening for pain relief: A literature review and proposed experimental study.Approaches to research in the psychology and music education. University of Cambridge, UK.

• Byrne, C . & MacDonald, R. A. R. (2001). The use of Information & Communication Technology (I&CT) in the Scottish Music Curriculum: A Focus Group Investigation of Themes and Issues. Paper presented at the International Conference for Research in Music Education: 3 - 7 April, 2001, School of Education, University of Exeter.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Music Education for Individuals with Specials Needs paper presented at The Arts as Medicine, Glasgow, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., & O’Donnell, P.J. (2001). An empirical investigation of developments in joint attention following structured music workshops Poster presented at The Arts as Medicine, Glasgow, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R, & O’Donnell (2000). An empirical investigation of developments in joint attention following structured music workshops Poster presented at The 6th International Conference. Music Perception and Cognition Keele University, United Kingdom.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). Popular music: a persuasive and neglected art form? Paper presented at The 6th International Conference. Music Perception and Cognition Keele University, United Kingdom.

• MacDonald, R., & Miell, D. (2000). An empirical investigation of the social and musical processes involved in children's collaborative compositions. Paper presented at The 6th International Conference. Music Perception and Cognition Keele University, United Kingdom.

• MacDonald R.A.R., Murray, J.L. O'Donnell J.P. & Davies, J.B. (2000. An empirical investigation into the development of joint attention following structured music workshops. The 11th World Congress of The International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Seattle, USA.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., Murray, J.L. & Levenson, V. (2000). An investigation of staff attitudes towards the sexuality of clients with learning disability. The 11th World Congress of The International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Seattle, USA.

• Dillon, T., MacDonald, R.A.R. & Williams, K. (2000). The effects of music therapy on social development and communication skills in two group's of moderate learning disabled children. Poster presented at The 6th International Conference. Music Perception and Cognition Keele University, United Kingdom.

• Dillon, T., MacDonald, R.A.R & Williams, C. (2000). Different drummers: evaluating music therapy sessions for children with learning difficulties. Presented at The Biannual Conference of the Society for Research in Psychology of Music and Music Education, Leicester UK.

• Miell, D. & MacDonald, R.A,R (2000). A safe place to be creative: friendship as a facilitatory factor in children ‘s compositions. Presented at the New Directions in Music Education: Teaching Composition and Improvisation Conference East Lansing Michigan, USA.

• MacDonald R.A.R. (2003). Identities and professional musicians: a focus group study of jazz musicians. Music Education: Research, Policy, Practice, Royal College of Music, London , 31st October 2003.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2003). Structured creative activities as a vehicle for personal development - a psychological perspective paper presented at Is there anybody out there: Exploring Innovative ways to develop communication partnerships, National conference organised by Pavilion Publishers and SENSE Scotland, Edinburgh January 21st 2003.

• MacDonald R.A,R., (2002). Music as an aid to identity development, 1st annual Sensing Music and Arts Conference, Glasgow May 2002.

• MacDonald, R.A.R (2002). En el cruce de culturas: intervenciones e investigacion en Musicoterapia. Paper presented at Introduccion a la fornacion y practica profesional de la Musicoterapia, University of Valladolid, Spain.

• MacDonald, R.A.R (2001). Musical Identities: A Psychological Perspective. Launch Seminar for The Centre for International Research in Music Education, University of Surrey, Roehampton.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Creative inclusion ability and the arts. At The Heart: Children Yong People and Creative Learning, Dunfermline, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). The Psychology of music: research, therapy and education. Department of Music, University of Texas.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). The Psychology of music: research, therapy and education. Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle.

• Murray, J.L. MacDonald R.A.R & Levenson (2000). The sexuality of individuals with learning Difficulties: implementing research findings. West Herts Community Health NHS Trust.

Invited Speakers Presentations

• MacDonald R.A.R. (2003). Identities and professional musicians: a focus group study of jazz musicians. Music Education: Research, Policy, Practice, Royal College of Music, London , 31st October 2003.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2003). Structured creative activities as a vehicle for personal development - a psychological perspective paper presented at Is there anybody out there: Exploring Innovative ways to develop communication partnerships, National conference organised by Pavilion Publishers and SENSE Scotland, Edinburgh January 21st 2003.

• MacDonald R.A,R., (2002). Music as an aid to identity development, 1st annual Sensing Music and Arts Conference, Glasgow May 2002.

• MacDonald, R.A.R (2002). En el cruce de culturas: intervenciones e investigacion en Musicoterapia. Paper presented at Introduccion a la fornacion y practica profesional de la Musicoterapia, University of Valladolid, Spain.

• MacDonald, R.A.R (2001). Musical Identities: A Psychological Perspective. Launch Seminar for The Centre for International Research in Music Education, University of Surrey, Roehampton.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2001). Creative inclusion ability and the arts. At The Heart: Children Yong People and Creative Learning, Dunfermline, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). The Psychology of music: research, therapy and education. Department of Music, University of Texas.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (2000). The Psychology of music: research, therapy and education. Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle.

• Murray, J.L. MacDonald R.A.R & Levenson (2000). The sexuality of individuals with learning Difficulties: implementing research findings. West Herts Community Health NHS Trust.

• MacDonald R.A.R. & Murray, J.L. Levenson, V.L. (1999). An investigation of staff attitudes towards the sexuality of clients with a learning disability. British Institute of Learning Disabilities, International Conference 1999, London.

• MacDonald R.A.R. & Murray, J.L. (1999). Staff attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with learning disabilities. Departmental seminar, Department of Psychology, University East London.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., (1999). The psychology of music: communication, education and therapy. The University of Glasgow Psychological Society.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1998). Psychology, music and therapy: bridging the gap between theory and practice. Departmental seminar, Department of Psychology, University of Paisley.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1997). Two Cultures One Music: The use of a Javanese Gamelan in structured music workshops and performances by individuals with special needs. British Society for Music Therapy, Annual Conference, London, UK.

• MacDonald R.A.R. (1997). The Application of a mixed methods paradigm in the evaluation of structured music workshops for individuals with learning difficulties. Qualitative Research in Primary Health Care Seminar, Perth, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1997). Music as therapy. The Royal College of Physicians, Glasgow, UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1996). Music and language: parallels and contrasts. Beats Thinking: Music Seminar, London. UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R., (1995). Music and the potential for personal development. Beats Thinking: Rhythm for Your Life Seminar, London. UK.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1995). Personal development through music. Annual Seminar of Mobility International, Glasgow, Scotland.

• MacDonald, R.A.R. (1993). Documentation: A guide to progress. The Annual Seminar of the Drake Research Project, Edinburgh, Scotland.