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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
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26 results
La musicoterapia rompe las barreras del silencio
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sheila Pereiro
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk
Country
Spain

Music therapist Sheila Pereiro shares about her experiences working with diverse populations and how music therapy can improve self-expression, connection with others, and quality of life.

Music and Caregiving: Hitting the Right Notes
2026
Type of reference
General information
Author
Paul Wynn
Language
English
Source / Publisher
AARP
Country
United States (USA)

Read how music therapy has helped an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease, with benefits that extend into his home care. Learn what music therapy is and how caregivers can use music at home to support their loved ones (includes a video, 4:15).

Music Therapy Across the Lifespan
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Carla Tanguay
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Modulations Therapies
Country
United States (USA)

Learn how music therapists support individuals across the lifespan. This article explores potential music therapy goals tailored to different age groups and needs.

Music Therapy for Bereavement
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society
Country
Canada

In this video, an incredible family shares their story of how Music Therapy at Camp Kerry improved their lives after the death of their loved one.

Music therapy for people with dementia
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
University of Limerick
Country
Ireland

Researchers at the University of Limerick discuss their respective studies in music therapy and arts-based research among older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Presentations include testimonials and music performances used in arts-based research.

Music therapy: ‘Her face just lights up when she hears it’
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
BBC News Northern Ireland
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Watch the music therapy journey of a young girl with cerebral palsy and blindness. Her mother tells the changes she witnesses in her daugther during music therapy sessions. Also, this video explains how music therapy is provided in Northen Ireland. The Royal National Institute for the Blind advocates for more music therary access for children in this country. 

Musicoterapia - Dr. Mark Ettenberger
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá
Country
Colombia

Music therapist and researcher Mark Ettenberger explains what music therapy is, who it can benefit, how it can be applied, and what are its therapeutic benefits.

Musicothérapie : Les Webinaires
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Parkinson Québec
Country
Canada

Valérie Saulnier, a professional singer and music therapist presents the benefits and applications of music therapy for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Music can help them regain fluid motion, improve cognitive abilities, enhance coordination, facilitate rhythmic movement, and support social and emotional functioning. 

New institute for the promotion and support of music therapy
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Suzanne Caron
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue canadienne de musicothérapie (RCM)
Country
Canada

After 35 years in the field of information technology followed by some time in politics, Suzanne Caron became a music therapist and founded the National Music Therapy Institute. Its mission is to raise awareness of and facilitate access to music therapy. A number of steps had to be completed before the dream of launching this Institute could become a reality —a process that demonstrated the importance of a determined, flexible, and creative approach. The COVID-19 pandemic— a tragedy in many respects—led the Institute to explore music therapy online for autistic people and family caregivers, and to develop training that would facilitate the transition for music therapists across Canada. The future looks promising for this Institute, whose story has yet to unfold.

New Ipsos data sheds light on public understanding of Music Therapy
2025
Type of reference
General information
Author
Clare Maddocks
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

A survey by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) across the UK to explore public attitudes toward music therapy, reveals largely positive perceptions, but also highlights a persistent lack of understanding about what music therapy entails and how to access it.

Opera legend Renee Fleming teams up with Dr. Francis Collins to study how music can improve health
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PBS News Hour
Country
United States (USA)

In this news report, giants in their fields of music and science, soprano Renee Fleming and phyician and geneticist Francis Collins, are merging their knowledge to propel advancements in body and mind. Recent discoveries are shared. A recent international gathering of researchers, therapists and artists took stock of what is known and what is yet to be discovered. 

Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adrienne Pringle, Cathy Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast celebrated two years of episodes in February 2023. Hosted by music therapist Adrienne Pringle and business leader Cathy Thompson, the bi-weekly podcast shines a bright light on the impact and work of music therapists across Canada. This reflective article features Adrienne’s and Cathy’s personal explorations of themes and ideas that emerged from a close examination of the podcast transcripts from the first 40 interview-based episodes.