Resources & references

A study documenting the practice of three Canadian music therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health. They share their experience, discuss goals within single-session open groups and program structures in brief therapy and the professional skills required for this work.

Read an article exploring the use of collaborative music therapy and speech-language therapy sessions on language/communication rehabilitation for pediatric populations with acquired brain injuries. Findings showed that these collaborative sessions fostered engagement, strengthened foundational communication skills, and promoted greater communication intent. 

This report tells how music therapists help the various needs of students in a school for the blind. Different music therapy interventions are described, and music therapists explain how they address goals based on their students' Individual education plan. 

Read an article on the knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ community by music therapists, and the perceptions of music therapy by the LGBTQIA+ community. Findings suggest a lack of knowledge and preparedness by straight and cisgender music therapists for working with this clientele, in spite of a commitment to an open and non-judgemental approach. Discussions around disclosure is also included.

Songwriting, used in many cultures as a mourning practice, can inform bereavement music therapy sessions and research. This study explored the perspectives of three Cape Breton Island songwriters and found it supports grief expression, personal growth, and connection.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients during nursing procedures. The results from the qualitative and quantitative data indicated that music therapy reduced pain, anxiety, and behavioral distress, while increasing mood and enhancing relaxation. 

This article explores the efficacy of music therapy interventions in palliative care and their therapeutic impact on physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Read a case study exploring the impact of a familiar song, presented by a credentialed music therapist, on arousal and awareness in an 11 year old child with an acute disorder of consciousness. Results showed more signs of arousal and awareness during the song condition, as compared to a spoken word and a white-noise condition. 

Click here to read a summary of this study.

Music therapists work across populations and age groups to assist with pain management, from children during painful procedures to people at end-of-life care. Music therapists address acute, chronic as well as procedural pain.

This study surveyed accredited music therapists in Canada to examine the impact of religious beliefs on their clinical practice. Results found that religious devotion had more positive benefits than negative repercussions in the workplace among participants.

Research conducted at the University of Melbourne demonstrates that familiar songs can stimulate brain responses that other stimuli cannot in children with severe brain injuries. This article suggests that music therapy can facilitate neurorehabilitation and speed recovery.

Click here to read the study referenced in this article.

This study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of a drum circle activity designed to improve the affective experience of patients, families and staff in a large pediatric hospital. This preliminary study supports the usefulness of group drumming to enhance the well-being of pediatric hospital patients, families and staff.