Resources & references

Video interview with Méliane Laurier-Cromp, music therapist at the Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale de Laval. Reflexions on the role of the music therapist inside the social pediatrics team and on the added value of music therapy at the CPSL.

Masters thesis that analyzes concepts of social paediatrics applied to music therapy. Results describe the application of these concepts by music therapists working within this approach. 

This research examines the potential benefit of a music therapy social skills development program to improve social skills and academic performance of school-aged children with limited resources, in an afterschool program.
 

Read an article exploring the use of narrative songwriting into family music therapy sessions. Results suggest that the final product of a song supports sustained positive changes beyond the therapy space.

This chapter in the book Therapeutic Uses of Rap and Hip-Hop, details a unique music therapy songwriting program, Hear Our Voices, and the songwriting process of the Little Saints, a group of “at-risk” fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The authors, who were also the music therapists working with this group, discuss the relevance of Hip-Hop culture, and its musical framework, to the music therapy process, and to the success of the program. 
 

Read a news article detailing a performance by students with emotional and behavioural challenges at a school. Erin Steiner, the music therapist at the school, explains that while they call it a show, the performances and displays are truly a presentation of the culmination of the year's work in music and art therapy sessions.

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.

Read a thesis exploring the literature around combining narrative therapy techniques with therapeutic songwriting techniques to support children and adolescents living through adverse childhood experiences. Trauma-informed care is highlighted, as well as a discussion surrounding both factors which can promote and which can hinder success of the approach.

This paper examines current literature in developmental psychology in order to discuss how music therapy can foster resilience in early childhood. Music therapy can help prepare young children and their families for handling adversity, increase parental sensitivity, and create multiple opportunities for families to develop adaptive interpersonal interaction patterns.

Read about the "Rise Up" program, an interdisciplinary program supporting children 9-17 years old from immigrant families in sharing their experiences and talents artistically with their community. Described by the director of one of the involved university departments as "community music therapy in action," the article also includes the reflections of music therapy students on their mentorship role in the program.

Read about the program DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts), which shows significant improvements in students' self-esteem, and internalizing and externalizing behaviours, as reported by both teachers and students.

One of the few controlled researches that focus on parental bonding and music therapy. Music therapists working with families address relationship and interpersonal communication issues; this research documents how music therapy supports mutuality and reciprocity in parent-child interactions.