Description: Working with people living with advanced dementia can be one of the most rewarding and most complex areas of music therapy practice. Music therapists are often challenged to navigate ethical questions, manage expectations, and recognize meaningful therapeutic responses that may be subtle or nonverbal.
Through a collaborative and reflective learning format, participants will explore the ethics, expectations, and practical considerations of music therapy in advanced dementia care. Maryann will share music centered techniques, strategies, and clinical resources that participants can incorporate into their own practice.
This workshop is designed for music therapy students, new graduates, and seasoned music therapists seeking practical tools, thoughtful discussion, and renewed confidence in their dementia care work.
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Date: October 27th 2026
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Zoom
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iSDhWHD6QQGRTprtzaAOgw
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Presenter’s Bio: Maryann Burrows, MTA, FAMI, is a Certified Music Therapist and Fellow of the Association for Music & Imagery based in Victoria, British Columbia. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she specializes in dementia care, long-term care, and palliative and end-of-life settings. Maryann is the inpatient music therapist at Victoria Hospice and maintains a private practice, Embe Music Therapy, where she provides services in long-term care.
Maryann is currently completing a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies at Concordia University. Her research explores interdisciplinary collaboration between music therapists and physicians, examining how co-treatment can enhance person-centred palliative care. Her clinical practice is informed by person-centred, relational, and resource-oriented music therapy approaches, with a focus on fostering connection, preserving personhood, and supporting quality of life for people living with advanced illness.
