Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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The purpose of our resources database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele, and to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 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.  

If you wish to contribute to our database, click on the button below. The proposed references are submitted to an analysis and a selection process by a team of music therapists from the Institute. Thank you in advance!

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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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Type of reference
Clients
Format
187 results Clear all
New University of Limerick graduate using music therapy to treat chronic pain
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
University of Limerick
Country
Ireland

An article about Katie Fitzpatrick, who has dedicated her education and career to music therapy and is blazing a trail in the treatment of chronic pain.

Nordoff and Robbins: Jacob and Becky
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff and Robbins
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Watch a certified music therapist and her client make music together to promote recovery from speech and physical impairments post-stroke. 

Outpatient group music therapy for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: A single group pre-experimental study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tobias Wilfer, Carsten Spitzer & Annegret Körber
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Germany

Read an article on the use of a group music therapy treatment protocol in patients with chronic tinnitus. Results found a reduction in the subjective burden of the condition in around 60% of participants,  and this effect persisted at 6 months post-treatment.

Overview of a Music Therapy Program at a Maximum Security Unit of a State Psychiatric Facility
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Melinda Fulford
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

Pain Management with Adults
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joy L. Allen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

This book chapter examines the uses of music therapy for pain management in adults medical settings. It delineates criteria for referral and assessment, and an overview of methods and techniques.

Parent perspectives of telehealth compared to in-person family-centred music therapy for their autistic child in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lesley Wan Sang Leung, Jinah Kim & Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
China
Hong Kong

Read a study exploring the perspectives of parents of autistic children in Hong Kong on family-centered music therapy for their children in both telehealth and in-person formats. Benefits and challenges of both formats are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

Parents’ Views with Music Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Vladimir L. Cousin, Hubert Colau, Francisca Barcos-Munoz, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

This study examines parental perception of music therapy for children in a university hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). It found that the positive potentials of music therapy in pediatric ICU care reported in other studies could be used to promote the psychological well-being of parents and children, reduce anxiety, and manage pain.

ParkinSong: A Controlled Trial of Singing-Based Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E. Morris, Adam P. Vogel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Country
Australia

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an interdisciplinary singing-based therapeutic intervention (ParkinSong) on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. The results show that ParkinSong is an engaging intervention with the potential to increase loudness and respiratory function in people with mild to moderately severe PD.

ParkinSong Online: protocol for a telehealth feasibility study of therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson’s disease
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E Morris, Felicity A Baker, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMJ Open
Country
Australia

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

Parkinsonics: A Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Trial of Group Singing for Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ankur Butala, Kevin Li, Aathman Swaminathan, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Parkinson's Disease
Country
United States (USA)

Discover how a group singing intervention was used to target vocal motor and nonmotor goals in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results showed that weekly group singing may improve certain aspects of conversational voice volume and quality of life in Parkinson's disease. 

Perceptions of family members of palliative medicine and hospice patients who experienced music therapy
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lisa M. Gallagher, Ruth Lagman, Debbie Bates, et. al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
United States (USA)

This study explored family members’ perceptions of music therapy experiences of a relative in palliative and hospice care, alongside patient self-reports and music therapist assessments of change. Patients showed significant improvements in pain, depression, distress, and mood, while family members reported immediate positive effects on both patients and themselves.

Perspectives on musical competence for people with borderline personality disorder in group music therapy
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jason Kenner, Felicity Baker, Sally Treloyn
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This paper explores perspectives of musical competence among seven individuals with borderline personality disorder in an 8-week group improvisation music therapy program. Increased musical competence was associated with relational insight, therapeutic benefits, reduced emotionality, and the development of a healthier self-concept.