Resources & references

Learn what music therapy is, who it benefits, and how it has been practiced in China throughout history. The article also includes quotes from Lin Sisi, a board-certified music therapist in China.

Click here to read about the research of Lin Sisi and other music therapists in China.

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

This research article provides an overview of music therapy’s beginnings and development in the field of autism in Argentina over the last 15 years.

Learn about the development of a group music therapy program for autistic adult women targeting self-expression, communication, and impulse control.

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

Click here to read the related article

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

An intervention guide for music therapists and recreation/activity staff in retirement and long-term care homes, offering intergenerational music therapy experiences that support the health and well-being of both younger and older participants.

Click here to watch a video of this program.

The Jamboree is an intergenerational music therapy program in which young children, typically between the age of 0-4, and their accompanying adults (e.g., parent, grandparent, guardian) take part in weekly music therapy sessions along with residents living in retirement or LTC. During each session, a certified music therapist leads the group in singing songs, moving to music, using instruments and props (e.g., drums, scarves, bubbles) and gently facilitates interaction between participants. Additional care providers (e.g., recreation team members) observe, support and can participate in the program alongside the residents.

Click here to read the intervention guide of this program.

This study describes an interprofessional intervention program, combining the expertise of an occupational therapist and of a music therapist to systematically teach piano keyboarding to preschool children with impaired vision. We conducted a small, mixed methods non-randomized pilot case study to determine how such a program could be successfully embedded into a preschool setting, to examine if fine motor skills improve post-intervention, and to study the perceived effects on participants and their families.

A music therapist speaks with the mother of a young client who receives music therapy services. Learn how music therapy has helped her son, who is diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, find the motivation to achieve his therapeutic goals, including improved social and physical skills.

This article explores the effects of both group and individual music therapy sessions on cancer patients in Spain. Findings indicate a reduction of pain as well as enhancing relaxation, physical comfort, and emotional well-being.