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!

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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
46 results Clear all
It’s Like we Have Our Own Rhythm: Music Therapeutic Affect Regulation in a Case Study of a Traumatized Patient in Mental Health Treatment
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Oda Dypvik Bjørke, Bolette Daniels Beck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices
Country
Denmark
Norway

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.

‘It’s lovely to be able to communicate with her’: Music therapy helps Kia to finally find her voice
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Alice Hinds
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Sunday Post
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read how Nordoff Robbins music therapy helped a child with complex needs improve communication and self-expression, with testimonials from her mother and therapist.

Click here to watch a live Nordoff Robbins music therapy session.

La Presse : Dans ses rêves
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Mario Girard
Language
French
Source / Publisher
La Presse
Country
Canada

Read about music therapist Anne Lacourse's work at the Saint Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center and watch a video (1m 6s) of her peforming a song composed by one of her clients.

Music is therapy for palliative patients and families
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Covenant Health Canada
Country
Canada

This video presents music therapy sessions at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital in the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit led by Sheila Killoran, certified music therapist.

Music therapists promote well-being
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Alberta Health Services
Country
Canada

This video features an individual who was paralyzed due to a motor vehicle collision and participated in music therapy sessions. The video includes clips of music therapy sessions, testimonials from the patient, and interviews from certified music therapists.

Music Therapy
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
USU Arts Access
Country
United States (USA)

Heather Overly, a board-certified music therapist, discusses how music therapy can support children with  developmental disabilities. Through live session examples and interviews, she demonstrates how group music therapy can meet therapeutic goals such as self-expression, academic skills, and social skills.

Music Therapy at The End of Life (2nd edition)
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cheryl Dileo, Mariagrazia Baroni (Editors)
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jeffrey Books
Country
United States (USA)
International
Italy

This textbook provides an overview of music therapy for pediatric and adult hospice patients, covering foundational concepts, theory and assessment, therapist roles, developmental issues in practice, education and professional challenges, and advancing hospice music therapy.

Music Therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
French
Mandarin
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.

Music Therapy For Grief and Loss
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Utah Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This video features an interview with music therapist Heather Fellows. She discusses the ways in which music therapy can assist those faced with  grief to learn how to process, cope and walk through the journey of bereavement.

Music Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress in Adults: A Theoretical Review
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nora Landis-Shack, Adrienne J. Heinz, Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Psychomusicology
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes current practices on the use of music therapy to support individuals with trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It reviews current studies to determine how music therapy can provide emotional support, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and isolation, and elevate mood. 

Music therapy helping to work through grief and finding a personal identity
1999
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Henk Smeijsters, José van den Hurk
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Netherlands

This article describes a qualitative single-case study of the treatment of a woman having problems with grief and finding a personal identity. The music therapist used several techniques of improvisation to support the client's cautious steps into a new musical and a new personal world.

Music Therapy in Bereavement Care
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Laurel Young
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale
Country
Canada

Certified music therapist and researcher Laurel Young discusses her clinical work and research on music therapy in bereavement care and offers recommendations for future practice and research.