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.

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29 results Clear all
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.

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.

Characteristics of physical resources that facilitate family-led music-making with preschool children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ajay Castelino
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Country
New Zealand

Read an article exploring the ways that a music therapist uses music therapy sessions to support families to engage with music-making with their multiply disabled preschool children outside of the music therapy space. Specific characteristics of the resources and tools provided are discussed.

Click here to read another study on the same research project by the same author.

Collaborative care for relationship completion: Case reports from intensive care units
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Estelle Li En Ng, Min Yu Ng, & Hui Ying Shua, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare
Country
Singapore

Read an article exploring two case studies of the interdisciplinary collaboration between music therapists and medical social workers in end-of-life periods for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The ways that each professional complements the other are highlighted. 

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. 

Cumulative sociodemographic risk moderates the short-term effects of active music engagement
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Steven J Holochwost, Elizabeth Harman, Kristin Stegenga, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article about the impact of sociodemographic risk on the reported benefits of a specific music therapy intervention, active music engagement (AME), for families with children undergoing treatment for cancer. Results suggested that families with higher risk experienced more benefits from AME than families with lower risk.

Effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on maternal anxiety, wellbeing, and mother-infant relationship after preterm birth: a mixed methods study
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Finland

This study shows that maternal singing during neonatal hospitalization can reduce anxiety and support wellbeing and early bonding after preterm birth, though mothers may need guidance and privacy to feel comfortable.

Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a drum circle activity to improve affect in patients, families and staff of a pediatric hospital
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kim Archabault, Élyse Porter-Vignola, Frédéric Brière, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Arts & Health
Country
Canada

This study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of a drum circle activity designed to improve the affective experience of patients, families and staff in a large pediatric hospital. This preliminary study supports the usefulness of group drumming to enhance the well-being of pediatric hospital patients, families and staff.

"From story to song": Translating narrative interventions into family music therapy through songwriting
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sara Lurie, Ayelet Dassa
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy
Country
Israel

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.

Interview with a parent about the benefits of music therapy with children with special needs
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Ryan Judd
Country
United States (USA)

A music therapist speaks with the mother of a young client who receives music therapy services. Learn how music therapy has helped her son, who is diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, find the motivation to achieve his therapeutic goals, including improved social and physical skills.

Mewsic Moves: Transforming Developmental Disabilities into Abilities through Music Therapy
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Mewsic Moves
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how 3 music therapists — John Mews, Cristin Bostrom, and Nam Kyo Kim — work with children with developmental disabilities and their families.