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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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.

Post-Meal Resource-Oriented Music Therapy Groups in a Specialist Day Program for Adolescents with Eating Disorders
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kate A. Aitchison, Tania Withington
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy, Vol 34
Country
Australia

Read how a music therapy program for adolescents with eating disorders involved the participants in designing the session content. Results indicated that this participation may help build positive relationships and reduce distress. 

Preliminary investigation of music therapy's impact on medical providers during pediatric burn wound care
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stephanie Epstein
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Burn Care & Research
Country
United States (USA)

Read a research study on the impact of music therapy during burn care in a pediatric setting for the medical professionals providing the care. Results indicated that survey respondents felt more relaxed, less stressed, better patient compliance  and a better overall experience when music therapy was present than when it was not.

Preparing for future pandemics: enhancing serotonin activation and interpersonal warmth through music therapy to aid in adolescent depression recovery post COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jong-In Park, Seung-Jea Lee, Eon-Ah Choo, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Country
South Korea

Read a study discussing the impact of a group music therapy intervention to support adolescents in depression recovery post COVID-19. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in several physiological measures associated with improvements in depressive changes in the music therapy group, but not in the control group. This finding supports the use of music therapy in this group to improve depression.

Procesos de evaluación en Musicoterapia. Aplicación práctica en un caso de un niño con Autismo
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nuria Inés Alicia Marsimian
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Ecos. Revista científica de musicoterapia y disciplinas afines
Country
Argentina

This case study explores a music therapy assessment of an autistic child in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It presents the stages of the assessment, assessment tools, and assessment findings.

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.

Proposing Music-based Interventions for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms: Current Evidence and Future Directions
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adriano Mollica, Michael Thaut, Matthew J. Burke
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Country
Canada

Read how music-based interventions can be used as a treatment strategy for neurologic and psychiatric patients. These interventions can target both cortical and subcortical areas governing attention, working memory, planning and flexibility, and can modulate these areas over time. 

Qualitative content analysis of “Hello Songs” composed for children by music therapists in the Czech Republic and USA
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiří Kantor, Lenka Kružíková
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Social Welfare: Interdisciplinary Approach
Country
Czech Republic
United States (USA)

This article analyzed hello songs composed by music therapists to identify best practices in their composition and use. 

Queering Queer Spaces: Journey of a Creative Arts Program for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Creative Youth
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Spencer Hardy, Juniper Monypenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read about a therapy program by an art and music therapist for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth, supporting gender identity exploration and learn about the challenges and opportunities encountered during its pilot implementation.