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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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

If you have references to propose that we could add to our database, please use this Resource Sharing Form.

75 results
Exploring music for students who are blind
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Perkins School for the Blind

This report tells how music therapists help the various needs of students in a school for the blind. Different music therapy interventions are described, and music therapists explain how they address goals based on their students' Individual education plan. 

Exploring the Effects of Music Therapy on Pediatric Pain: Phase 1
2007
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux, Natasha Zebrowski, Mary Jo Baryza, Robert L. Sheridan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients during nursing procedures. The results from the qualitative and quantitative data indicated that music therapy reduced pain, anxiety, and behavioral distress, while increasing mood and enhancing relaxation. 

Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a drum circle activity to improve affect in patients, families and staff of a pediatric hospital
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kim Archabault, Élyse Porter-Vignola, Frédéric Brière, Patricia Garel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Arts & Health

This study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of a drum circle activity designed to improve the affective experience of patients, families and staff in a large pediatric hospital. This preliminary study supports the usefulness of group drumming to enhance the well-being of pediatric hospital patients, families and staff.

Healing Through the Power of Music: Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

This video showcases the Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, which is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children and their families. This hospital is a leader in creative medical treatment options and has the first established pediatric music therapy program in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hear Our Voices: A Music Therapy Songwriting Program and the Message of the Little Saints through the Medium of Rap
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Scott MacDonald, Michael Viega
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge

This chapter 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. 

How Music can Heal our Brain and Heart
2015
Type of reference
General information
Author
Kathleen M. Howland
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

Music therapy is an ancient and yet very modern practice that has the power to heal and transform our brains and bodies in significant ways. Kathleen Howland, speech language and music therapist explains how music really does have the power to heal our brain and heart.

How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Dr. Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine

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.

I Am Safe and I Am Strong: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience through Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge

This book chapter provides an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists. 
How can music therapy foster resilience in children who have lived though adverse experiences? How can music therapists provide trauma-informed care to their most vulnerable clients?"mmandations pour les musicothérapeutes. 

Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nicole Richard Williams, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Jessica Brian, Luc Tremblay et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children. The improvements in motor skills and positive caregiver and therapist views of telehealth indicate that NMT motor interventions administered via telehealth are a promising avenue of therapeutic support for movement skill development in autistic children.

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Hannah Healy, Rebecca O’Connor, Hilary Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

Intergenerational Jamboree: A step-by-step guide to intergenerational music therapy in senior living
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kate Dupuis, Kathy Lepp, Carrie Perkins, Melissa Jessop, Emma Bender
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Schlegel- UW Research Institute for Aging

This intervention guide is designed for music therapists and recreation and leisure/activity team members who support individuals living in retirement and long-term care (LTC) homes and wish to provide intergenerational music therapy experiences to their residents. The creation of the Jamboree was a collaborative process between the music therapist and the director of recreation at the Village of Riverside Glen LTC home in Guelph, Canada. The team advocates that creating intergenerational opportunities can benefit the health and well-being of both younger and older individuals.