Resources & references

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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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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322 results
La Experiencia Musical
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Canal Revista Medicina y Cultura DEP

This video (in Spanish) includes an interview with Daniel Torres who is a music therapist and professor in Mexico. He describes how music stimulates the brain and the implications it has on human development and rehabilitation. He also explains how music therapy incorporates these neurobiological principles and brings therapeutic benefits to individuals of various ages and needs.

La musicoterapia rompe las barreras del silencio
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sheila Pereiro
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk

In this video (in Spanish), Sheila Pereiro, a music therapist in Spain, shares about her experiences working with diverse populations of various ages and needs. She describes how music helped her clients express themselves, connect with others, find healing, and enhance their quality of life.

La musicothérapie communautaire en santé mentale : un paradigme fondé sur la chanson et la participation du client
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sue Baines, Graeme Danko
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

In 1997, a music therapy program was first piloted in a community mental health clubhouse and six months later expanded to five community mental health group homes, in British Columbia, Canada. An article published in 2000 described the predominantly song-based approach of that program and documented the participant's evaluation of it, concluding that the client-centred empowerment model of consumer inclusiveness appeared to contribute significantly to the rehabilitative effect of the program. In this article published in 2020, the authors report on the current status of the program, including new data.

La Presse : Dans ses rêves
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Mario Girard
Language
French
Source / Publisher
La Presse

This article from La Press presents the work of Anne Lacourse who is certified music therapist in Canada (MTA), at the Saint Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center. It includes a video (1m 6s) of the music therapist performing a song composed by one of her music therapy patients.

Les bienfaits de la musicothérapie pour les endeuillés
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Martine Létourneau-Ryan
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Fédération des Coopératives funéraires du Québec

Article in a magazine that states the benefits of music therapy for individuals going through bereavement. Information about goals of music therapy and certified music therapists (MTA) are provided. 

Los beneficios de la musicoterapia
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Telemadrid

This video (in Spanish) presents a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services in Spain. It includes interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.

Memory Moments - Music Therapy
2011
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Lake View Ranch

Two music therapists use music therapy to help older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. They show how singing, instrument playing, and other music therapy techniques can enhance physical movement, cognitive stimulation, and relaxation.

Music and its Impact on the Brain
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Stegenmöller
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

 Elizabeth Stegemöller presents at the TEDx Iowa State University event on music therapy and its impacts on the brain. She is a music therapist and utilizes music therapy to treat people with Parkinson's disease.

Music and Life in the Field of Play: An Anthology
2006
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Carolyn Kenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers

An anthology of selected writings and presentations by Carolyn Kenny from 1979 to 2006. This volume includes two books, The Mythic Artery and The Field of Play; articles from journals about Music Therapy and Indigenous Studies, chapters in books on Music Therapy; and previously unpublished papers and case study. This volume clearly reveals, perhaps for the first time, the important interplay between Kenny’s lifelong work in Music Therapy and her parallel work in Indigenous Studies. It also integrates many disciplines that both influence and are influenced by Music Therapy education, practice, and research.

Music and Music Therapy Interventions in Clinical Practice
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alfredo Raglio (editor)
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Springer Cham

This textbook provides an overview of practical and comprehensive guidance on the application of music therapy in clinical settings. The chapters are written with an evidence-based approach written by scholars and practicioners in music therapy and related fields.

Music and spirituality: Explanations and implications for music therapy
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Paul Laurent Lauzon
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy

Previous literature in music therapy suggests a need for greater clarity and insight concerning correlations between music and spirituality for the modern clinician. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of these correlations and some possible implications for the practice of music therapy.

Music as medicine at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hayley Juhl
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Gazette

 Three therapists use instruments and voices — and parents — to reach kids "where they're at" and promote healing and a feeling of safety. Music therapists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Pascal Comeau, Julien Peyrin and Christelle Jacquet) sing and use instruments to help children get in touch with their emotions and find calm when undergoing procedures.