Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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!

Propose new references

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
20 results Clear all
Music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive literature review
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thomas Ostermann, Wolfgang Schmid
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
Country
Germany

This research article evaluates current studies that explore the benefits of music therapy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that music therapy offers psychosocial and emotional benefits such as improving self-acceptance and reducing anxiety and depression.

Musicothérapie : Bande à part chez Les Impatients
2011
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Bande à part
Country
Canada

Les Impatients is an organization that helps people living with mental health problems, offering art-based services. With Dany Bouchard, a certified music therapist, and people participating in his group music therapy sessions, the reporter Alexandre Courteau explored this discipline and shared some participants' testimonies on how music therapy has changed their life.

Musicothérapie et santé mentale : l’expérience de musicothérapeutes québécois
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue officielle de l’Association canadienne des musicothérapeutes
Country
Canada

This study explores the experiences of music therapists working with adults in mental health settings across Quebec, both in the community and in hospitals. It highlights their reflections and recommendations to support the expansion of music therapy services in mental health.

Perceptions of family members of palliative medicine and hospice patients who experienced music therapy
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lisa M. Gallagher, Ruth Lagman, Debbie Bates, et. al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
United States (USA)

This study explored family members’ perceptions of music therapy experiences of a relative in palliative and hospice care, alongside patient self-reports and music therapist assessments of change. Patients showed significant improvements in pain, depression, distress, and mood, while family members reported immediate positive effects on both patients and themselves.

Pouvoir apaisant de la musique / Soothing power of music
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Montreal General Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Music therapist Dany Bouchard explains how he uses music to connect with patients of the Mental Health Mission at the Montreal General Hospital. Through regular sessions, Dany helps them access their emotions, express their feelings, and open new doors to healing.

Supporting parent-child interactions: Music therapy as an intervention for promoting mutually responsive orientation
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

One of the few controlled researches that focus on parental bonding and music therapy. Music therapists working with families address relationship and interpersonal communication issues; this research documents how music therapy supports mutuality and reciprocity in parent-child interactions.

The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin Chu, Chyn-Yng Yang, Kuei-Ru Chou
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Biological research for Nursing
Country
Taiwan

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression.

Therapeutic Effect of Music Therapy on Patients with End-stage Cancer: A Retrospective Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiali Dong , Yanhua Qu
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Noise & Health
Country
China

This research article studies the effects of music therapy for patients with a terminal illness who are receiving end-of-life care within a family context. It studies the impact that music therapy can have on patients' immune system, quality of life, quality of sleep, and anxiety and depression levels.