Resources & references

People with advanced dementia are at increased risk of institutionalization and experiencing distress. This study uses existing research to demonstrate that music therapy can effectively help reduce agitation and improve well-being within interpersonal contexts in long-term care.

This article examines music therapy's role in supporting addiction recovery, the types of musical experiences that benefit this clientele, and its potential limitations.

Music therapy is an ancient and yet very modern practice that has the power to heal and transform our brains and bodies in significant ways. Kathleen Howland, speech language and music therapist explains how music really does have the power to heal our brain and heart.

This article summarizes many ways in which music therapy is used in medical institutions. Testimonials from patients and interviews with therapists are featured. 
 

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

Learn what music therapy is and how it can help individuals with cancer as per the American Cancer Society. Using a combination of music experiences and conversation, music therapy can help manage symptoms and process emotions among patients.

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

University of Louisville (UofL) Health is integrating music therapy into its care plan for inpatient psychiatric patients at UofL Hospital. This video introduces you to Katelyn Farris, the music therapist who is helping patients relax and recover through the soothing sounds of music.

Watch the interaction between registered music therapist, Grace Elliot, and her client in their music therapy session, working on goals of communication, motor skills and regulation.

This book chapter provides an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists. How can music therapy foster resilience in children who have lived though adverse experiences? How can music therapists provide trauma-informed care to their most vulnerable clients?

This study explores the sociodemographic, clinical and intervention characteristics associated with clinically significant pain reductions for adults within a single music therapy session. Findings suggest that interventions involving singing, active instrument play, and relaxation/imagery may be more effective than interventions only involving listening. 

Click here to read a news article about the study.

This article presents three cases of military members, ex-child soldiers, and veterans in telehealth music therapy, showing positive responses and reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression, alongside key clinical, ethical, and technological insights.