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
21 results Clear all
MUSIC THERAPY Impact Insight Series - Aged Care
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

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.

Music therapy with individuals with severe multiple disabilities
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Claudia Bajs
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Slovenia

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. 

Outpatient group music therapy for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: A single group pre-experimental study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tobias Wilfer, Carsten Spitzer & Annegret Körber
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Germany

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.

Preliminary investigation of music therapy's impact on medical providers during pediatric burn wound care
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stephanie Epstein
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Burn Care & Research
Country
United States (USA)

Read a research study on the impact of music therapy during burn care in a pediatric setting for the medical professionals providing the care. Results indicated that survey respondents felt more relaxed, less stressed, better patient compliance  and a better overall experience when music therapy was present than when it was not.

Queering Queer Spaces: Journey of a Creative Arts Program for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Creative Youth
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Spencer Hardy, Juniper Monypenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read about a therapy program by an art and music therapist for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth, supporting gender identity exploration and learn about the challenges and opportunities encountered during its pilot implementation.

Role of Music Therapy in Palliative Care—Methods and Techniques
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ramesh Bhuvaneswari
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Palliative Care
Country
India

This paper examines music therapy as a salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and emphasizes the need for its acceptance in India. Music therapy supports preventive and curative treatment, aids coping and acceptance for patients and caregivers, and offers a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to palliative care.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing for First Nation Elders through Three Way Design, Creation, and Reflection
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Anthony “Tony” Duwun Lee, Gucki Reissenberger, Michelle Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This paper presents a three-way collaboration between a registered music therapist, art therapist and Aboriginal Elder, healer, and artist in Australia. Participants created a yarning project along with music that complemented their artwork, to support social and emotional wellbeing of First Nation Elders living with dementia. 

The impact of group music therapy on anxiety, stress, and wellbeing levels, and chemotherapy-induced side effects for oncology patients and their caregivers during chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Andrés Salgado-Vasco, Juliana Torres-Morales, Clara Inés Durán-Rojas, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Country
Colombia

Read a study evaluating the impact of group music therapy sessions among patients undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers. Results showed reduced anxiety and stress, improved wellbeing for both patients and caregivers, and fewer chemotherapy-related side effects in patients.

The significance of the process of music therapy for children with multiple social and communication disabilities
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sara Marta Knapik-Szweda
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices
Country
Poland

Read an article presenting two case studies of music therapy, in particular, improvisational music therapy and neurologic music therapy, to target social and communication goals in young multiply-disabled children.