Resources & references

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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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83 results
A great moment . . . because of the music: An exploratory study on music therapy and early interaction with children with visual impairment and their sighted caregivers
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maren Metell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Visual Impairment
Country
Norway

This article describes how musical interaction can contribute to bonding and early interaction for children with visual impairments (aged 1–4 years) and their caregivers, who participated in music therapy sessions over 10 weeks. This article discusses the findings in the broader perspective of disability studies and community music therapy, and argues that music therapy promotes positive interactions and empowerment of children with visual impairment and their caregivers.

A systematic Review of Music-Based Interventions for Procedural Support
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger, Lori F. Gooding
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This review investigated the effects of music-based interventions (music therapy and music medicine) on pain and anxiety in children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Conclusions: There is a need to clearly define and differentiate between music therapy and music medicine interventions in procedural support research. Further research is necessary to determine which patients would benefit most from music interventions during medical procedures, and which interventions are most beneficial. 

A Theory of Time in Music Therapy: A Model for Analyzing Nordoff–Robbins Clinical Improvisation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tamar Hadar, Kenneth Aigen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This study explored the use of music temporality in clinical improvisation in Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions with children. Results offered time models that showed how temporal positions within music improvisation and singing helps to improve self-regulation, expression, and introspection.

Abby's Recital - Music Therapy at the Primary Children's Hospital
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Primary Children's Hospital
Country
United States (USA)

This video narrates a young girl progress through her music therapy treatment at Primary Children's Hospital. She was referred to music therapy for an important head injury, and slowly finds her skills back with the help of Kayla Zickerman, Music Therapist. In the end of her two-month hospitalization, the patient offers a recital that demonstrates the extent of what she was able to work on in music therapy at the hospital.

Benefits of Greeting Songs in Preschool Music Therapy Groups
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Harmony Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Jaycie Voorhees, a board-certified music therapist, shares why hello and goodbye songs are important in preschool group music therapy sessions. See how the children sing, move, and engage with the music to build social interaction and encourage active participation.

Benji - A Journey to Speech
2014
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

When Benji was born, he was like any other child... at around eighteen months his speech development started to regress and his parents noticed changes in his behaviour.

Benji was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two and a half years old... and so the challenges for Benji and his family were now clear. Realising the long road ahead, Benji's parents were determined to give their son every opportunity for success in life. His music therapy journey begins here...  

Blind spots in music therapy. Toward a critical notion of participation in context of children with visual impairment
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Brynjulf Stige, Maren Metell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Norway

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore and develop a critical notion of participation within the context of music therapy and children with visual impairment, and to examine theoretical ideas that are relevant for practice, research, and further theoretical discussion. The frameworks of community music therapy and disability studies are used. 

Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room : Online music therapy with children and adolescents with visual impairment
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Bill Ahessy
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Visual Impairment
Country
Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic created a major transformation in the delivery of music therapy services worldwide as they moved online. Parents and their children with visual impairment participated in online music therapy sessions. Parents indicated that the programme was a valuable family resource that supported bonding and interaction. A discussion of the findings is followed by implications for practice.

C'est la journée internationale de la musique! - Musicothérapie au Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale de Laval
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale Laval
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale Laval
Country
Canada

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.

Children's Right to Music
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
French
Subtitle
French/English - in language other than audio
Source / Publisher
Concordia University, Department of Creative Arts Therapies
Country
Canada

Concordia University produced the "Children's Right to Music" documentary. The videos included in this documentary introduce music therapists interacting and using music with groups of children that are autistic or with some disabilities, in schools or community settings adapted to support their development and meet their needs.

Concepts de pédiatrie sociale en communauté et musicothérapie : Une perspective herméneutique
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sandrine Zuyderhoff
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Université Concordia
Country
Canada

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. 

Developing Communication Skills through Music Therapy
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Music therapy is used to help autistic children address develpmental goals. Watch registered music therapists lead an individual session with a child using instrument playing, improvisation, and singing to enhance communication and language development.