Resources & references

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. 

Read a narrative synthesis evaluating the literature on the therapeutic mechanisms underlying music therapy approaches in adult survivors of trauma. A theory of change underlying the success of these approaches is also proposed. 

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.

This research article explores the effects of Nordoff Robbins- based music therapy sessions in treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study demonstrated that music therapy decreased depression and anxiety and improved self-acceptance and life-quality among individuals with MS.

This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compares the effects of 1) active group music therapy and 2) receptive group music therapy to group counseling in treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The conclusion is that group music therapy, either active or receptive, is an interesting adjunctive treatment option for outpatients with MDD. 

Read a study exploring the different approaches and techniques used by music therapists working with blind/low vision individuals. Key areas discussed include the use of touch, the use of the voice, the setup of the therapy space, and the accessibility of various instruments.

This article explores the role of assessment in hospice music therapy. It presents an assessment tool designed to assist music therapists in achieving a detailed portrayal of the current level of functioning of adult hospice patients and obtaining relevant information to be used to create a care plan.

Read an article exploring the concept of the neurodiversity movement and how it can be adopted in a music therapy context, written by an autistic music therapist. 

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore and develop a critical notion of participation within the context of music therapy and children with visual impairment, and to examine theoretical ideas that are relevant for practice, research, and further theoretical discussion. The frameworks of community music therapy and disability studies are used. 

The COVID-19 pandemic created a major transformation in the delivery of music therapy services worldwide as they moved online. Parents and their children with visual impairment participated in online music therapy sessions. Parents indicated that the programme was a valuable family resource that supported bonding and interaction. A discussion of the findings is followed by implications for practice.

This article examines two cases of military service members treated with music therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and other psychological issues, highlighting how music performance can support personal growth, rehabilitation, and community change.

This scoping review explores Bruscia’s (1987) clinical techniques for improvisational music therapy as they relate to music therapy in autism research to determine the most commonly used clinical techniques in music therapy with clients with autism. The work was undertaken as a preliminary step in a pilot study to explore how the techniques can be represented in terms of individual ways of playing, musical relationships; and how the use of the techniques impacts the participant’s experience of musical connection, influence, and expression.