Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  We therefore propose a selection of pertinent* references, however not exhaustive, given that each week more research and other information are published around the world. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
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16 results
A Better Baby Lullaby: Music Therapy for Preemies | The New York Times
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The New York Times
Country
United States (USA)

In this video, a music therapist and a mother share the benefits of music therapy for premature babies. 

Click here to read the related article.

Healing Through Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how music therapy can support children, adolescents and their families in a pediatric hospital setting, and learn how music therapists contribute to interdisciplinary care teams.

Healing Through the Power of Music: Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Country
United States (USA)

This video showcases the Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, which is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children and their families. This hospital is a leader in creative medical treatment options and has the first established pediatric music therapy program in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Music as medicine at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hayley Juhl
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Gazette
Country
Canada

Three therapists use instruments and voices — and parents — to reach kids "where they're at" and promote healing and a feeling of safety. Music therapists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Pascal Comeau, Julien Peyrin and Christelle Jacquet) sing and use instruments to help children get in touch with their emotions and find calm when undergoing procedures.

Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
2013
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children. 
 

Music, Therapy and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elizabeth K. Schwartz
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

A comprehensive guide to music therapy with young children, providing a detailed examination of development from birth to age five, with theoretical perspectives and extensive scales of developmental milestones. The author categorizes development within five levels. An expansive catalog of musical goals is provided for singing, playing, moving, and musical understanding within each level.

Music Therapy at Boston Children's Hospital
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children's Hospital Boston
Country
United States (USA)

This video shows examples of music therapy sessions and perspectives from music therapists and the Children's Hospital in Boston.

Music Therapy at Texas Children's Hospital
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Texas Children's Hospital
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how certified music therapist  Amy Smith supports children in a pediatric hospital setting, with specific examples from neonatal intensive care (NICU) and rehabilitation.

Music Therapy at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Montreal Children's Foundation
Country
Canada

 Presentation by Tanya Lavoie, certified music therapist, working at the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Music Therapy at UC Davis Children's Hospital
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UC Davis Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how music therapy is provided in a pediatric hospital setting to work on a variety of goals with children with diverse needs.

Music therapy helps Banner Children’s NICU patients
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Banner Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch music therapist, Sarra Erb, use singing to help babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to assist their development.

Music Therapy Program at SickKids
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Country
Canada

This video shows work by music therapist Carolyn Williams with children at Sick Kids Medical Hospital. Parents talk about the impact that music therapy has had on the development and the recovery of their child, while the music therapist comments on the actions and reactions of the children in the video.