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
53 results Clear all
Effects of music therapy in the treatment of children with delayed speech development - results of a pilot study
2010
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wibke Groß, Ulrike Linden, Thomas Ostermann
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Country
Germany

This pilot study explored music therapy for children with delayed speech development. Results showed that it was effective in improving phonology, speech comprehension, communication, and cognitive functioning.

Entrevista musicoterapia DISMO
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Vientos Sonoros -Enseñanza Musical y Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Through interviews, musical activities, and testimonials, see how music therapist Ángel Girón facilitates group music experiences to support communication, self-expression, connection, and physical skills for disabled adults.

Ethnomusicological perspectives on autism, neurodiversity, and music therapy.
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael B. Bakan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 14(3).
Country
United States (USA)

This article suggests a provisional paradigm shift from disability as pathology, to disability as neurodiversity: this has the potential to productively resituate the epistemological orientations of music therapy, both as a field of inquiry and a domain of practice. Drawing from their own work on the ethnomusicology of autism, as well as from research and writings in disability studies and autistic self-advocacy, they propose that the relativistic foundations of ethnomusicology offer a potentially useful alternative and complement to the principally treatment-directed foundations of music therapy.

Forms of vitality and microanalysis in music therapy within adult autism: A clinical report
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alberto Balducci
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy 7(2), 197-206.
Country
Italy

This article examines as a clinical report two years of an ongoing music therapy journey with a young woman with autism. The different phases of the music therapy process are investigated from a relational point of view, explaining the therapeutic choices made by the therapist. including the application of theory of "Forms of vitality".

Healing connects through music therapy
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jodi Winnwalker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music Therapist Jodi Winnwalker shares the connective and healing power of music.

How music therapy processes can unfold in a session
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch the interaction between registered music therapist, Grace Elliot, and her client in their music therapy session, working on goals of communication, motor skills and regulation.

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, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Canada
United States (USA)

This study examined telehealth Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) sessions for autistic children. Results determined improved motor skills and positive feedback from caregivers and therapists, suggesting telehealth NMT as a promising support for motor development.

Inicio y Desarrollo de la Musicoterapia en el Campo del Autismo en la Argentina
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Gustavo Schultz Gattino, Marian Nuzzi, Nuria Marsimian
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Ecos. Revista científica de musicoterapia y disciplinas afines
Country
Argentina
Latin America

This research article provides an overview of music therapy’s beginnings and development in the field of autism in Argentina over the last 15 years.

Inicios de un grupo de musicoterapia con pacientes en edad adulta con trastorno del espectro autista
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Marta Hernández Sonseca
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Revista de Investigación en Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Learn about the development of a group music therapy program for autistic adult women targeting self-expression, communication, and impulse control.

Interview with a parent about the benefits of music therapy with children with special needs
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Ryan Judd
Country
United States (USA)

A music therapist speaks with the mother of a young client who receives music therapy services. Learn how music therapy has helped her son, who is diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, find the motivation to achieve his therapeutic goals, including improved social and physical skills.

Kate's Clinical Work
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This video shows 6 short excerpts from music therapy sessions, led by Dr. Alan Turry at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy; each excerpt is preceded by the presentation of the goals planned. 

Los beneficios de la musicoterapia
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Telemadrid
Country
Spain

Learn about a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services and watch interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.