Resources & references

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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.

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81 results
Evaluation of a music therapy social skills development program for youth with limited resources
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 55, Issue 3

This research examines the potential benefit of a music therapy social skills development program to improve social skills and academic performance of school-aged children with limited resources, in an afterschool program.
 

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, et al.
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. 

Exploring the rehabilitative potential of familiar song for a child with acute DoC: A single case analysis of EEG and time-locked video
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Janeen Bower, Sebastian J. Corlette, Wendy L. Magee, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

This study investigated the behavioural and neurophysiological responses to song, speech and noise in a child with a brain injury and a disorder of consciousness. The child had a greater number of behavioural responses during the song condition, compared to the speech and noise conditions, supporting the use of music therapy in pediatric populations.

Click ici to read a summary of this study.

Familiar songs may help maximise recovery in children with brain injuries
2025
Type of reference
General information
Author
Caitlin McAtomney
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The University of Melbourne

Research conducted at the University of Melbourne demonstrates that familiar songs can stimulate brain responses that other stimuli cannot in children with severe brain injuries. This article suggests that music therapy can facilitate neurorehabilitation and speed recovery.

Click here to read the study referenced in this article.

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, et al.
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
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.