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
19 results Clear all
Music therapy helps dementia patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WSLS 10
Country
United States (USA)

Symphony musicians, a music therapist, and a speech language pathologist work together with dementia patients to facilitate a therapeutic experience that enhances long term memories, reminiscence, and quality of life.

MUSIC THERAPY Impact Insight Series - Aged Care
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch a video about music therapy in an aged care center. The music therapist discusses how he approaches his job in this setting, and gives examples of how music therapy has helped certain clients.

Music Therapy in End-of-Life Care Contexts
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortés, Sara Klinck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Scolarly Community Encyclopedia
Country
Canada

This brief entry is a summary of a peer-reviewed article. It explains succinctly what is music therapy in palliative care. 

Click here to read the related research study.

Musicothérapie - Joanie Ayotte, MTA
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Source / Publisher
CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
Country
Canada

Joanie Ayotte, certified music therapist, explains how music therapy helps achieve therapeutic goals with seniors living in a nursing home (CHSLD).

Something Changed in the Room
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
PBS
Country
United States (USA)

Watch a documentary featuring music therapist Hilary Camino as she provides music therapy to older adults at Sage Living. It includes interviews, testimonials, and music therapy sessions about the benefits of music therapy for this population. Note: this video is available with closed captioning and a transcript. 

The effects of music therapy on engagement in family caregiver and care receiver couples with dementia
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alicia Ann Clair
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias
Country
United States (USA)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in couples with dementia, and caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without music.

Therapist uses music to help dementia patients access and revive memories
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
AARP
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Concetta Tomaino explains how she uses music therapy to help older adults living with dementia to enhance cognitive stimulation, emotional support, physical abilities, and overall wellness.

Click here to read the related article.