Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format

If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us so we can help.

Propose new references to help us grow our database!

If you have resources to propose for our database, click on the button above to submit the required information.

14 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine
Country
United States (USA)

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

Murcia Conecta 7TV - Vientos Sonoros Musicoterapia
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Vientos Sonoros -Enseñanza Musical y Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Watch how children 0-2 and their parents engage in interactive music experiences to address developmental milestones in a music therapy group called "Danzando en Pañales" (Dancing in Diapers). 

Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
2013
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children. 
 

Music therapy for infants in NICU
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Columbian
Country
United States (USA)

Watch a video featuring music therapist Susan Bakouros showing how music therapy is offered in a hopsital NICU setting. Examples of using music therapy for feeding support, neurodevelopment and parental connection are discussed. 

Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Wales

 Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding.

Click here to watch a video about this article. 

Musique, musicothérapie et développement de l'enfant
2005
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book is available in an official English edition by the Publisher.

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children.

See the record of the book Music, Music Therapy and Child Development.

Resilience, music therapy, and human adaptation: Nurturing young children and families
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to examine current literature in developmental psychology in order to discuss how music therapy can foster resilience in early childhood. Music therapy can help prepare young children and their families for handling adversity, increase parental sensitivity, and create multiple opportunities for families to develop adaptive interpersonal interaction patterns.