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.

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How Music Therapy Can Become Medicine for Hospital Patients
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Anicka Quin
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Reader's Digest Best Health
Country
Canada

This article summarizes many ways in which music therapy is used in medical institutions. Testimonials from patients and interviews with therapists are featured. 
 

How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

How Music Therapy Can Help People With Cancer
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Cancer Society
Country
United States (USA)

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.

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine
Country
United States (USA)

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.

How music therapy is helping psychiatric patients heal at UofL Health
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UofL Health
Country
United States (USA)

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.

How music therapy processes can unfold in a session
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

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.

"How well do I know you?": Intersubjective perspectives in music therapy when working with persons with profound intellectual and multiple disability
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiří Kantor
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices
Country
Czech Republic

Read an article written by music therapist/special educator, Jiří Kantor, on the unique aspects that music, as a method of connection and communication, can bring to the life and overall wellbeing of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Discussion of the important role that music therapists can play in interdisciplinary teams for these individuals is also discussed. 

I Am Safe and I Am Strong: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience through Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

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?

Impact of sociodemographic, clinical, and intervention characteristics on pain intensity within a single music therapy session
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick, Douglas Gunzler, Thomas E. Love, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain
Country
United States (USA)

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.

Implementing music therapy through telehealth: considerations for military populations
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Diane G. Langston, Wendy L. Magee, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Disability and Rehabilitation
Country
United States (USA)
Uganda

This article presents three cases of military members, ex-child soldiers, and veterans in telehealth music therapy, showing positive responses and reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression, alongside key clinical, ethical, and technological insights.

Implementing video-based group music therapy during cancer treatment: Insights from a mixed-methods study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Miriam Grapp, Charlotte Flock, Hans-Christoph Friederich, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
Germany

Read an article discussing the use of an online group music therapy intervention for adults undergoing cancer treatment. Results show that, in spite of the limitations of online interventions, participants found the intervention to be useful in supporting them through their treatments.

Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nicole Richard Williams, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Jessica Brian, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Canada
United States (USA)

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.