Resources & references

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 mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children. The improvements in motor skills and positive caregiver and therapist views of telehealth indicate that NMT motor interventions administered via telehealth are a promising avenue of therapeutic support for movement skill development in autistic children.

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

Click here to read the related article