Resources & references

Read about an interprofessional (occupational therapy and music therapy) keyboarding intervention program for visually impaired preschoolers. Results demonstrated an improvement in fine motor skills following 6 weeks of 20-minute biweekly sessions.

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

The DRUMBEAT program uses drumming to engage at-risk youth in musical expression and discussions on healthy relationships. Findings support its theory that integrating music therapy with cognitive–behavioural principles promotes emotional control, better relationships, and higher self-esteem.

This paper conceptualizes songwriting as an ‘after-queer’ approach for exploring notions of gender and sexuality with young people. It draws on songs created by adolescents in music-based workshops in schools.

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.

Read a systematic review detailing the mechanisms of action and advances of the evidence in the use of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) interventions. Results indicate that NMT can improve cognitive functions and neuropsychiatric symptoms with multiple cognitive disorders, but that the efficacy and goals of the therapy vary significantly by stage of disease progression. It also highlights the continued challenges facing the approach and recommendations for future research.

Read about how different research methodologies and collaboration across disciplines can be used to better research the use of music therapy in pain management.

Read an article exploring the feasibilty of incorporating mindful self-compassion into music therapy sessions for patients living with chronic pain. Results highlighted the need for future research to better interpret the results, but found a general increase in levels of pain acceptance following the treatment sessions.

Read an article detailing a micro-intervention protocol for adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder in music therapy. The intervention targets hyperarousal regulation through the use of singing and/or rapping, by employing entrainment as the primary therapeutic mechanism. Both indicators and contra-indicators to the use of this micro-intervention are also discussed. 

This anthology of Carolyn Kenny’s works (1979–2006) showcases her writings and contributions to music therapy and Indigenous studies, revealing the deep interplay between these fields and integrating multiple disciplines that shape music therapy education, practice, and research.

This textbook provides an overview of practical and comprehensive guidance on the application of music therapy in clinical settings. The chapters are written with an evidence-based approach written by scholars and practicioners in music therapy and related fields.

Previous literature in music therapy suggests a need for greater clarity and insight concerning correlations between music and spirituality for the modern clinician. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of these correlations and some possible implications for the practice of music therapy.