Maria Gjerulff Schmidt

Maria Gjerulff Schmidt is a PhD Fellow at the Department of Communication and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aalborg University, Denmark. Her research is situated at the intersection of music therapy, psychology, and social conditions, with a strong focus on dementia care and person-centered interventions.

Her research interests include music therapy, psychology, dementia care, person-centered care, autoethnography, and the sociological dimensions of health. She investigates how personalized musical interactions can improve well-being among individuals with dementia and their caregivers in nursing homes.

The recent publications highlight her work on implementing personalized music interventions (PAMI) and leading dementia choirs, showing a consistent focus on applied, community-based music therapy practices. Her research combines qualitative methodologies, including autoethnography, with practical implementation in care settings.

• Project: PAMI – Quality improvement in care culture for people with dementia through personalized musical interactions (2024–2028)
• Project: Teaching leadership in dementia choirs and dementia-friendly singing (2024–2025)

She has been active in knowledge dissemination through conference presentations, guest lectures, and workshops, particularly in the context of music therapy research education and methodological training. Her work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being.

Maria is based in Aalborg, Denmark, and can be contacted at mgsc@ikp.aau.dk.