Research – Jessica Fletcher, MM, MT-BC

Fletcher’s Research

Centered in lived experience, Fletcher’s research focuses on the intersections of Appalachia, Hip Hip Hop, Music Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care

Research Gate Profile

Jessica Fletcher was recently quoted as an expert music therapist for parents.com articled titled “Are Lullabies Really Too Sad for Kids? This Toddler’s Reaction Strikes a Chord” by Hannah Nwoko. When asked why a toddler asks his mother to sing You are my Sunshine despite becoming emotional, Fletcher stated the following:

“Developmentally, younger children are most connected to simple melodies and rhythms that are culturally familiar, are interactive/participatory, and are easy to learn/repeat,” she explains. “Because we are so strongly tied to our experiences within our communities and cultures, these often shape our musical and creative associations. So, there is not a particular melody or song that scientifically can cause harm, make you happy or sad, etc.”

Rap in Music Therapy with Appalachian Youth with Adverse Childhood Experiences

Children and adolescents in Appalachia are often exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences and may have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and aggression than youth in other areas of the United States. The unique challenges of working with youth in Appalachia and the unexpected prevalence of rap as a preferred genre are summarized in this article. Rap is a frequently requested genre with youth in Appalachian Ohio and the youth in the area frequently identify with common themes in rap such as social criticism, social empowerment, humanistic values, and negative behavior criticism. Despite success with these methods within music therapy sessions, this Caucasian music therapist has experienced internal conflict due to the potential for cultural appropriation by using rap music in music therapy with clients who are not indigenous to Hip Hop Kulture. Discussion of the implications of therapeutic application, this therapist’s self-reflections and supervision process, potential for appropriation, and personal outcomes are included.

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We’re Free: The Impact of a Rap Writing Music Therapy Intervention on Self-Esteem of At-Risk Adolescents in a Public Middle School Setting

The negative behaviors displayed by adolescents who are at-risk can have detrimental effects on society. Developmentally appropriate, engaging treatments that adolescents enjoy may be the most successful as preventative interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate rap writing as a possible treatment intervention to improve self-esteem of at-risk adolescents. A convergent, mixed methods design was used to provide qualitative insight into quantitative results. Quantitative measures include the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a frequency count of low self-esteem behaviors. Qualitative measures included a thematic analysis of a post study questionnaire, a session transcription, and lyrics written by the participants. The results of this study suggest that rap writing had some positive effect on the self-esteem of three at-risk middle school boys. Participants perceived rap writing as a fun activity that increased confidence and satisfaction.

Two hands play a MIDI Keyboard Controller. The child's hand plays the percussive beats and the adult, therapist's hand plays the keyboard.