Resources & references

This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.

This chapter in the book Therapeutic Uses of Rap and Hip-Hop, details a unique music therapy songwriting program, Hear Our Voices, and the songwriting process of the Little Saints, a group of “at-risk” fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The authors, who were also the music therapists working with this group, discuss the relevance of Hip-Hop culture, and its musical framework, to the music therapy process, and to the success of the program. 
 

Brian Schreck, a music therapist at Cincinnati Children's, helps patients and families dealing with a serious illness or end-of-life diagnosis cope and grieve through innovative music therapy.  In this video, the Bennett family describes how the therapy helped them through the loss of their 14-year-old son, Dylan. They listen to the song every single day.

This article explores the effects of both group and individual music therapy sessions on cancer patients in Spain. Findings indicate a reduction of pain as well as enhancing relaxation, physical comfort, and emotional well-being.

This paper conceptualizes songwriting as an ‘after-queer’ approach for exploring notions of gender and sexuality with young people. It draws on songs created by adolescents in music-based workshops in schools.

This video features the story of a young patient's healing from leukemia, who benefitted from music therapy during her hospital stay. Testimonials from the child, the parents, the music therapist and a pediatrician are shown.

Read about music therapist Anne Lacourse's work at the Saint Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center and watch a video (1m 6s) of her peforming a song composed by one of her clients.

This research study interviews experienced music therapists of diverse cultural backgrounds. The results provide recommendations on how to build safety in the therapeutic relationship among children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

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

Watch how certified music therapist  Amy Smith supports children in a pediatric hospital setting, with specific examples from neonatal intensive care (NICU) and rehabilitation.

This video features an interview with music therapist Heather Fellows. She discusses the ways in which music therapy can assist those faced with  grief to learn how to process, cope and walk through the journey of bereavement.

This study reviews existing research to compare the effects of music therapy in addition to standard care versus standard care alone, or to standard care plus an active control intervention, on psychological symptoms, substance craving, motivation for treatment, and motivation to stay clean/sober.