Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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The purpose of our resources database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele, and to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 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.  

If you wish to contribute to our database, click on the button below. The proposed references are submitted to an analysis and a selection process by a team of music therapists from the Institute. Thank you in advance!

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

General search

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
17 results Clear all
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.

Effects of music therapy in cancer patients undergoing infusion chemotherapy: A prospective cohort observational study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria A. Hernandez, Luigi X. Cubeddu, & Juan C. Paramo
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article exploring the use of music therapy during infusion therapy for cancer patients. Results found significant improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, tiredness, pain and wellbeing. Additionally, no significant differences were found between passive and active music therapy intervention protocols, and individuals with higher pre-session anxiety scores tended to choose passive interventions.

High-frequency vs. low-frequency MIDI-assisted group music therapy in psychiatric inpatients: A randomized controlled trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Manuel Esteban-Cárdenas,Ana Gómez-Puentes,Carlos Torres-Delgado et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PLOS One
Country
Colombia

Read a study investigating the impact of different music therapy session frequencies on stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction in psychiatric inpatients. Results found positive effects in both the lower frequency and the higher frequency groups, with a greater benefit on stress reduction for the higher frequency group.

Implementing music therapy through telehealth: considerations for military populations
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Diane G. Langston, Wendy L. Magee, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Disability and Rehabilitation
Country
United States (USA)
Uganda

This article presents three cases of military members, ex-child soldiers, and veterans in telehealth music therapy, showing positive responses and reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression, alongside key clinical, ethical, and technological insights.

Implementing video-based group music therapy during cancer treatment: Insights from a mixed-methods study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Miriam Grapp, Charlotte Flock, Hans-Christoph Friederich, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
Germany

Read an article discussing the use of an online group music therapy intervention for adults undergoing cancer treatment. Results show that, in spite of the limitations of online interventions, participants found the intervention to be useful in supporting them through their treatments.

Music Therapy And Behavioral Health
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Listen to music therapist Calli Puko describe her work with adolescents in behavioural health. 

Music Therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
French
Mandarin
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

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.

Music Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress in Adults: A Theoretical Review
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nora Landis-Shack, Adrienne J. Heinz, Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Psychomusicology
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes current practices on the use of music therapy to support individuals with trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It reviews current studies to determine how music therapy can provide emotional support, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and isolation, and elevate mood. 

Music therapy in eating disorder treatment and its synergy with systemic and family-based therapy approaches: A systematic review
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sarah Seppendorf, Julia Hoorman, Artur C. Jaschke
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Germany
Netherlands
United Kingdom (UK)

This article examines how music therapy is integrated into eating disorder treatments. It reviews research on music, music therapy, and eating disorders, suggesting that music therapy may be a valuable complement to systemic and family-based approaches.

Music Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioural Therapy via Telehealth for Anxiety in Survivors of Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kevin Liou, Joke Bradt, Beatriz Currier, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article comparing the effects of telehealth sessions of music therapy to telehealth sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety in cancer survivors. Results found that both interventions were led to significant improvements in anxiety levels. 

Music therapy with adult burn patients in the intensive care unit: short-term analysis of electrophysiological signals during music-assisted relaxation
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jose Cordoba-Silva, Rafael Maya, Mario Valderrama, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Scientific Reports
Country
Colombia

This study analyzes electrophysiological signals during Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR) with adult burn patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Results showed increased parasympathetic system activity, attention shifts, reduced muscle tone, and relaxation.