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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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
187 results Clear all
Pouvoir apaisant de la musique / Soothing power of music
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Montreal General Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Music therapist Dany Bouchard explains how he uses music to connect with patients of the Mental Health Mission at the Montreal General Hospital. Through regular sessions, Dany helps them access their emotions, express their feelings, and open new doors to healing.

Programa de innovación psicomotriz y emocional a través de la musicoterapia dirigido a personas adultas con deficiencia visual y ceguera
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Isabel Álvarez López
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Revista de Investigación en Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Read about a group music therapy program in Spain for adults with visual disabilities and blindness, targeting psychomotor and socio-emotional domains.

¿Qué es la musicoterapia? - Natalia Garbarets
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Más que palabras
Country
Spain

Music therapist Natalia Garbarets explains what music therapy is, how it differs from musical education, and what are its benefits.

Rap and Recovery music therapy program
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News
Country
Canada

Music therapist Kevin Kirkland explains how he uses rapping to help persons with mental health and substance use issues to process their experiences and express themselves. 

RMTs Change Lives Series - Episode 3 - Thomo's Story
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Testimonial of a gentleman who participated in music therapy after experiencing a dirt bike accident. He explains how music therapy helped his neurorehabilitation, such as walking, and memory skills.

Click here to watch an interview explaining this video further.

Role of Music Therapy in Palliative Care—Methods and Techniques
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ramesh Bhuvaneswari
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Palliative Care
Country
India

This paper examines music therapy as a salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and emphasizes the need for its acceptance in India. Music therapy supports preventive and curative treatment, aids coping and acceptance for patients and caregivers, and offers a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to palliative care.

Scaffolding Young People’s Journey from Mental Health Services into Everyday Social Music Making: A Pilot Music Therapy Project
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cherry Hense
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This study explores how a music therapy group was able to support young people's transition from mental health services into everyday community engagement. Results showed that the group provided a safe space to support the processes of coming together and constructing social identity. 

Short-Term Music Therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) for Prisoners with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare Macfarlane, Erik Masthoff, Laurien Hakvoort
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice
Country
Netherlands

A pilot study of a the SMAART music therapy protocol shows that it can help prisoners with a Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD) in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center. Neurologic music therapy techniques, guided breathing, singing and rhythmic exercises were effective in reducing hyperarousal and improving attention among participants.

Singing to preterm infants during kangaroo care boosts maternal wellbeing
2020
Type of reference
General information
Author
Emily Henderson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
News Medical, Life Sciences
Country
Finland

This article discusses the positive benefits on well-being of adding music therapy to kangaroo care, which stresses the importance of skin to skin touch for preterm infants.

South Health Campus Music Therapy
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Alberta Health Services
Country
Canada

Watch certified music therapist, Laurie Perez, support Karen, a hospital patient, in providing connection and something to look forward to amidst her medical treatment.

Click here to read more about how music therapy can support medical patients

Study finds music therapy brings effective pain relief for sickle cell patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Medical Xpress
Country
United States (USA)

This is a summary of a study, which reveals promising findings for the application of improvisational music therapy in assuaging the multidimensional acute pain of adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). 

The Development of a Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy (MBMT) Program for Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Teresa Lesiuk
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Healthcare, 4(3)
Country
United States (USA)

This paper delineates the design and development of the mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program implemented in a pilot study and includes clients’ narrative journal responses. Conclusions and recommendations, including recommendation for further exploration of the function of music in mindfulness practice are provided.