Can music therapy in medical contexts ever be evidence-based?

This essay seeks to consider some of the issues around evidence that provide an ongoing challenge to the profession of music therapy to be vigilant and critical with regards the undertaking, but also the appropriation or application, of research in our allied health discipline. It is written in response to the statement that “medical music therapists need to continue to discuss and debate our views as to what constitutes knowledge, expertise and ‘evidence’ in our profession.” (Edwards, 2002, p. 33). A critical perspective to current demands for evidence is provided, and the use of quantitative method as the basis for trustworthy research in music therapy is discussed. The paediatric medical context is the main site of professional research of the author, however, some of the points made will have relevance for other fields of clinical service.