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.

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Group Telehealth Music Therapy With Caregivers: A Qualitative Inquiry
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Annabelle Brault, Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Patient Experience
Country
Canada

This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.

Guided Imagery and Music and the Visually Impaired. Help me stay with the light!
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria Samara
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music and Medicine
Country
Switzerland

Read an article exploring the use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music with blind/visually impaired individuals, including the adaptations required for employing this method within this population. 

Guidelines for music therapy practice in pediatric care
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joke Bradt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
International

This book offers a solid foundation for music therapy work with infants and children in pediatric medical settings, combining expert practice insights with a critical review of the existing literature.

Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Adult Medical Care
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joy Allen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
International

This book presents knowledge on medical music therapy, covering work with adult patients across medical units and procedures, including various diseases and disorders.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes: Using music therapy approaches to support and enhance the development of gross motor skills in children who are blind or have low vision
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Karen Bishop
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
Country
New Zealand

Read a thesis paper exploring the use of music therapy to target gross motor skills in young children with congenital blindness/visual impairments. Two case studies are presented, and five common themes are explained.

Healing connects through music therapy
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jodi Winnwalker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music Therapist Jodi Winnwalker shares the connective and healing power of music.

Healing Through Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how music therapy can support children, adolescents and their families in a pediatric hospital setting, and learn how music therapists contribute to interdisciplinary care teams.

Healing Through the Power of Music: Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Country
United States (USA)

This video showcases the Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, which is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children and their families. This hospital is a leader in creative medical treatment options and has the first established pediatric music therapy program in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hear Our Voices: A Music Therapy Songwriting Program and the Message of the Little Saints through the Medium of Rap
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Scott MacDonald, Michael Viega
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

This chapter details a unique music therapy songwriting program, Hear Our Voices, and the songwriting process of the Little Saints, a group of “at-risk” fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The authors, who were also the music therapists working with this group, discuss the relevance of Hip-Hop culture, and its musical framework, to the music therapy process, and to the success of the program. 

Heartbeat Music Therapy Helps Parents Cope with Loss of Teen
2014
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cincinnati Children's
Country
United States (USA)

Brian Schreck, a music therapist at Cincinnati Children's, helps patients and families dealing with a serious illness or end-of-life diagnosis cope and grieve through innovative music therapy.  In this video, the Bennett family describes how the therapy helped them through the loss of their 14-year-old son, Dylan. They listen to the song every single day.

Hello Aiden! Music therapy with Alex and Aiden
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre
Country
New Zealand

Watch as a music therapist sings and plays a hello song for a child during an individual music therapy session.

Hello and Goodbye Songs
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Dynamic Music Services
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapists often begin sessions with a hello song and end them with a goodbye song. Read about the function of these songs to support music therapy goals with children.

Click here to see an example of a hello song in both French and English.