Resources & references

Read an article exploring the use of the Differentiated Didactic Approach to Teaching the Arts (D.D.A.T.A) framework to bridge the gap between clinical music therapy and social inclusion, particularly in using community music therapy approaches to facilitate inclusion of disabled individuals in cultural arts experiences.

This article describes how music therapy can be an anti-oppressive and affirmative service for LGBTQ+ individuals. It describes the benefits of music therapy in both group and individual settings, and describes an example of how one client benefited from a music therapy program.

Watch a video on how the music therapy team at a children's hospital supports children and their families, as well as supporting each other, through the difficulty of caring for sick children.

Read an article discussing an intergenerational music therapy group, led by music therapist Hayley Cann, aiming to bridge gaps and forge social connections between school children and seniors.

Read an article about the STROKESTRA program, developped in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The program supports stroke survivors and caregivers in their recovery through collaboration with professional musicians, clinicians, music therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and physical therapists. One participant noted that, beyond playing instruments or recovering physically from a stroke, the program fosters a sense of community.

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.

Watch a video about music therapy in an aged care center. The music therapist discusses how he approaches his job in this setting, and gives examples of how music therapy has helped certain clients.

Read an article on how music therapists in the United States address spiritual needs in individuals with substance use disorders. Results found that a variety of methods are employed, humanistic approaches are the most common, and that both song discussion and lyric analysis were useful in targeting spiritual goals.

Read an article about a music therapy program in a school setting with the goal of supporting refugee children as they settle into their host country. Results demonstrate the importance of cultural sensitivity, staff training, seeking external funding, and incorporating music therapy as part of a holistic approach for success in the program.

Listen to an interview featuring Dr Alison Talmage, a music therapist who recently published a handbook for helping and establishing therapeutic choirs to be more accessible to individuals with neurologic conditions. She discusses the benefits of therapeutic singing, including the neuroscience underlying the approach, as well as providing anecdotes on some of the participants in her choir.

Read about a therapy program by an art and music therapist for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth, supporting gender identity exploration and learn about the challenges and opportunities encountered during its pilot implementation.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.