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.

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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

Propose new references to help us grow our database!

If you have resources to propose for our database, click on the button above to submit the required information.

29 results Clear all
Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
2013
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children. 
 

Music Therapy for Children with Oncology & Hematological Conditions and Their Families: Advancing the Standards of Psychosocial Care
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
David Knott, Caitlin Krater, Jessica MacLean, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing
Country
United States (USA)

This research article evaluated how music therapy can help children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. It determined that music therapy is highly beneficial to have in an interdisciplinary team to manage symptoms and provide psychosocial care. 

Music therapy for palliative care: A realist review
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tracey McConnell, Sam Porter
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Palliative & Supportive Care
Country
Ireland

This article examines the therapeutic benefits of music therapy for palliative care patients experiencing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual distress. Findings suggest that music therapy offers a cost-effective, nonpharmacological approach to relieving symptoms among pallative care patients and supporting healthcare providers.

Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Wales

 Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding.

Click here to watch a video about this article. 

Music Therapy in Palliative Care
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare O’Callaghan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Oxford University Press
Country
Australia

This book chapter explains the effects of music therapy in palliative care. It is derived from the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (5th Ed) published by the Oxford University Press. Note: The link includes the full text of the chapter (i.e., 18 pages plus references).

Music Therapy - The Nebraska Medical Center
2010
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nebraska Medicine Nebraska Medical Center
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how certified music therapist Bridget Shevlin intervenes in a pediatric hospital centre to support children with complex illnesses at different moments, but even as they undergo medical treatments.

Music Therapy with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen, Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Country
International

This book presents models of music therapy for families across diverse clinical settings, with international contributors sharing approaches and case studies that link theory to practice and address each model’s challenges and relevance.

Music Therapy with Military and Veteran Populations
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

This reference book examines how music therapy complements traditional treatments for active military service members, veterans, and their families affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting its benefits in individual and group sessions, and the potential of virtual settings.

Music Therapy With Trauma Patients and Their Families on a Pediatric Service
1984
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Laura Mc Donnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapy can uniquely help severely injured children and their families deal with the events surrounding an accident and its aftermath. The use of music therapy in treating these families on a pediatric service is described and illustrated with a fracture patient and a burn patient

Musicoterapia para niños
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Tukuy Peru

Music therapist Tatia Zarate describes in Spanish how music therapy supports child development and families. Segments of music therapy sessions are featured.

Musique, musicothérapie et développement de l'enfant
2005
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book is available in an official English edition by the Publisher.

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children.

See the record of the book Music, Music Therapy and Child Development.

Parent perspectives of telehealth compared to in-person family-centred music therapy for their autistic child in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lesley Wan Sang Leung, Jinah Kim & Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
China
Hong Kong

Read a study exploring the perspectives of parents of autistic children in Hong Kong on family-centered music therapy for their children in both telehealth and in-person formats. Benefits and challenges of both formats are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.