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.  

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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.

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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
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20 results Clear all
Music Therapy in Palliative Care
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare O’Callaghan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Oxford University Press
Country
Australia

This book chapter explains the effects of music therapy in palliative care. It is derived from the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (5th Ed) published by the Oxford University Press. Note: The link includes the full text of the chapter (i.e., 18 pages plus references).

Music therapy on quality of life in adults with SCD (MUSIQOLS)
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Dove Medical Press
Country
United States (USA)

In this video, a music therapist presents his study about music therapy interventions for adults with sickle cell disease (SCD).  The full study is also available: click here to read it.

Music Therapy, Spiritual Health Needs, and Substance Use Disorders: A United States Survey Study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jonah Pomerantz
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article on how music therapists in the United States address spiritual needs in individuals with substance use disorders. Results found that a variety of methods are employed, humanistic approaches are the most common, and that both song discussion and lyric analysis were useful in targeting spiritual goals.

Musicothérapie à la maison de soins palliatifs Saint-Raphaël
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center
Country
Canada

This video features Anna Lacourse, certified music therapist who presents her work with a patient at the Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center. The patient gives a testimonial and describes the benefits he has experienced through music therapy.

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)

This paper examines 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.

Study finds music therapy brings effective pain relief for sickle cell patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Medical Xpress
Country
United States (USA)

This is a summary of a study, which reveals promising findings for the application of improvisational music therapy in assuaging the multidimensional acute pain of adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). 

The Effect of Songwriting on Knowledge of Coping Skills and Working Alliance in Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Effectiveness Study.
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael J. Silverman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Findings of this study suggest that a group songwriting music therapy intervention can be as effective as traditional psychoeducation to teach psychiatric patients how to proactively manage their illness.

Trauma and Music Therapy: Let the Healing Begin
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Karla Hawley, a board certified music therapist, shares how a nostalgic piece of music helped her address and overcome the pain of childhood abuse. Through her personal testimony, she describes how music can help individuals express their emotions and heal from traumatic experiences.