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
233 results Clear all
Neurophysiological synchrony between children with severe physical disabilities and their parents during music therapy
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ali Samadani, Song Kim, Jae Moon, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Country
Canada
United States (USA)

Read an article exploring the neurophysiological synchrony between children with severe physical disabilities and their parents during music therapy sessions. Findings suggest that music therapy may facilitate cognitive-emotional connections between these non-speaking children and their caregivers.

New perspectives on music in rehabilitation of executive and attention function
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yuko Koshimori, Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Country
Canada

This paper explores the existing behavioural, neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies of musicians, non-musicians and clinical populations with the goal of delineating the uses of music therapy to target executive functioning and attentional processes in cognitive rehabilitation.

Orchestrating a New Path for Multiple Sclerosis: Achieving Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rehabilitation Goals Through Physical and Music Therapy
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Megan Weigel, Brian Hutchinson, Wendy L. Magee, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care
Country
United States (USA)

This research article investigates who how music therapy and physical therapy can benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It demonstrates how these types of therapies can enhance rehabilitation, treat symptoms, decrease the use of medication, and improve overall wellbeing.

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.

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.