Resources & references

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

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

Read an article exploring the feasibilty of incorporating mindful self-compassion into music therapy sessions for patients living with chronic pain. Results highlighted the need for future research to better interpret the results, but found a general increase in levels of pain acceptance following the treatment sessions.

Watch music therapy intern Lucia Clohessy explain some of the science around music therapy's use and benefits in mental health care.

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.

Watch how music therapist Jessie Habluetzel supports children in a pediatric hospital setting. Two case examples are shared, including one child undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and another with both Down Syndrome and leukemia. 

Read an article exploring a research study on the benefits of music therapy for brain health in normal ageing. Findings report that in both the individual and group conditions there were significant improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Comments from researchers, the music therapy lead where the study took place, and a participant are also included.

Click here to read the research article discussed.

Listen to music therapist Savannah Zimlich explain how she uses music therapy with individuals with multiple disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. She equally discusses how interdisciplinary collaboration assists these individuals in reaching their full potential. 

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. 

Watch a video about music therapy in an aged care center. The music therapist discusses how he approaches his job in this setting, and gives examples of how music therapy has helped certain clients.

Read an article exploring the use and possibilities of music therapy for severely multiply-disabled individuals. A focus-group of music therapists who work with this population was convened, and the findings are compiled into three macro-areas: opportunities, music therapy approaches, and research challenges. 

Read an article on the use of a group music therapy treatment protocol in patients with chronic tinnitus. Results found a reduction in the subjective burden of the condition in around 60% of participants,  and this effect persisted at 6 months post-treatment.