Resources & references

This research article explores the effects of a neurologic music therapy technique called rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results demonstrated that a home-based program using RAS can improve walking velocity, cadence, stride length, and step length.

This video includes an interview of Emanuel Cerebello, music therapist, researcher, and music therapy educator. He discusses his research which focuses on the musical training of music therapists and educators and the use of technology for individuals with disabilities. This interview is part of the research forum of the World Federation of Music Therapy's Ethics and Research Commission.

Read a chapter exploring typhlo music therapy, a model designed specifically for use with blind/visually impaired individuals, which differs from other models primarily in its use of the tactile and auditory senses.

Music therapy is often used to improve well-being. A new study hints that for people with dementia, listening to music can induce lingering emotions even if they don't remember listening.

Music therapy has been a known positive and impactful intervention for adults with memory loss, but previous research and program reports have focused mainly on residents in long-term care facilities. In this study, a caregiver survey was utilized to learn how Music Therapy Respite, a community-based drop-in program, benefited caregivers and their care partner and if this changed based on attendance in a professionally led support group.

This research article offers rational for protocolized music teletherapy (MTT) for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. MTT made music therapy services more accessible and was effective in addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

This research article explores how improvisational music therapy can promote neurological rehabilitation among individuals with neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It discusses how music improvisation can improve self-organizational processes, attunement with self and others, and communication.

This study explores the factors involved in successful development of music therapy programmes for individuals with intellectual disability services in Ireland. Music therapists who have developped programs, as well as (non-music therapist) managers of music therapy programs share their perspectives.

This review investigated the effects of music-based interventions (music therapy and music medicine) on pain and anxiety in children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Conclusions: There is a need to clearly define and differentiate between music therapy and music medicine interventions in procedural support research. Further research is necessary to determine which patients would benefit most from music interventions during medical procedures, and which interventions are most beneficial. 

Read a systematic review examining the effects of music and music therapy in autistic individuals. Findings indicate a difference in how people with ASD perceive music, as compared to typically developping peers. They also found that the neurologic connections involved in music processing seem to be intact for autistic people, and that music therapy appears to have a positive impact on several areas of functioning for this population. 

This study was an exploratory inquiry into the role of music therapy with pre-bereaved informal hospice caregivers. Engagement with resource-oriented music therapy mediates the risk of increased care burden and results in resilience fostering purposefulness and value in caregiving. Resource-oriented music therapy provides a unique clinical avenue for supporting caregivers through pre-bereavement, and was acknowledged by caregivers as a unique and integral hospice service. 

This study explored the use of music temporality in clinical improvisation in Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions with children. Results offered time models that showed how temporal positions within music improvisation and singing helps to improve self-regulation, expression, and introspection.