Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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
16 results Clear all
A Collaborative Approach to Music Therapy Practice in Sensorimotor Rehabilitation
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ruth R. Rice, Sarah B. Johnson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

Read how 3 adults with neurologic conditions received interdisciplinary care integrating neurologic music therapy and physical therapy to enhance neurorehabilitation.

A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Therapeutic Outcomes
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network
Country
Australia

In this podcast episode, Clinical Psychologist Professor Mark Creamer, and Registered Music Therapists: Dr Jason Kenner and Dr Jennifer Bibb explore what music therapy aims to achieve, treatment goals and why change occurs. Expand your knowledge by hearing about the difference between individual and group sessions, the ways in which music therapy can meet short and long-term goals, and how music therapists use their unique skills and methods to provide collaborative care.

A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Therapeutic Outcomes (PDF transcript)
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network
Country
Australia

In this transcription of a podcast episode, Clinical Psychologist Professor Mark Creamer, and Registered Music Therapists: Dr Jason Kenner and Dr Jennifer Bibb explore what music therapy aims to achieve, treatment goals and why change occurs. Expand your knowledge by hearing about the difference between individual and group sessions, the ways in which music therapy can meet short and long-term goals, and how music therapists use their unique skills and methods to provide collaborative care.

Collaboration between nursing and music therapy
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Victoria Davenport & Jennifer Embree
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article on the collaboration between nursing staff and music therapists in a hospital setting. Analysis of music therapy protocols and procedures at a specific health care center, and how they have facilitated both staff understanding of and patient access to music therapy are included. 

Exploring communicative responses to collaborative music therapy and speech and language therapy in young children with acquired communication impairments: A case series
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Rebecca O'Connor, Becky Woods, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

Read an article exploring the use of collaborative music therapy and speech-language therapy sessions on language/communication rehabilitation for pediatric populations with acquired brain injuries. Findings showed that these collaborative sessions fostered engagement, strengthened foundational communication skills, and promoted greater communication intent. 

Fostering Pre-Professionals and Learning Experiences in End-of-Life Care Contexts: Music Therapy Internship Supervision
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortéz, Sara Klinck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Healthcare, 12(4)
Country
Canada

This article is a narrative review which offers background information on palliative care music therapy, and reports the authors’ viewpoints and reflections on supervision strategies and models employed with music therapy interns in palliative care settings based on their experiences. Approaches are shared on supporting pre-professionals as they begin working in palliative care contexts, as well as implications for supervision practices.

Click here to read a summary of the article.

Integrating active music therapy into adolescent sickle cell disease care
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
C. Robert Bennett, Crystal Weaver, Alison Cole, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Country
United States (USA)

Read a case study exploring the use of music therapy and, more specifically, therapeutic songwriting, on pain management during acute pain episodes in adolescent sickle cell disease patients. Results found that active music therapy interventions were more effective at managing pain than passive interventions, and that the song written during music therapy served as a coping resource by the teen outside of the therapeutic environment.

Interprofessional Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy Piano Keyboard Intervention for Preschoolers with Visual Impairments: A Non-Randomized Pilot Case Study
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kelle K. DeBoth, Carol A. Olszewski, Nicole Roberge, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention
Country
United States (USA)

Read about an interprofessional (occupational therapy and music therapy) keyboarding intervention program for visually impaired preschoolers. Results demonstrated an improvement in fine motor skills following 6 weeks of 20-minute biweekly sessions.

Music therapy applied to complex blast injury in interdisciplinary care: a case report
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Luis Avila, Joke Bradt, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Disability and Rehabilitation
Country
United States (USA)

This case report highlights how neurologic music therapy supported the interdisciplinary rehabilitation of a severely injured American service member, improving physical, cognitive, speech, and language skills while offering emotional support.

Music Therapy for Children with Oncology & Hematological Conditions and Their Families: Advancing the Standards of Psychosocial Care
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
David Knott, Caitlin Krater, Jessica MacLean, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing
Country
United States (USA)

This research article evaluated how music therapy can help children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. It determined that music therapy is highly beneficial to have in an interdisciplinary team to manage symptoms and provide psychosocial care. 

Music therapy for people with dementia
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
University of Limerick
Country
Ireland

Researchers at the University of Limerick discuss their respective studies in music therapy and arts-based research among older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Presentations include testimonials and music performances used in arts-based research.

Music therapy helps dementia patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WSLS 10
Country
United States (USA)

Symphony musicians, a music therapist, and a speech language pathologist work together with dementia patients to facilitate a therapeutic experience that enhances long term memories, reminiscence, and quality of life.