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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Recommendations for patient-reported outcome use in music therapy practice and research within chronic pain and sickle cell disease populations
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick, Joke Bradt, Coretta Jenerette, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This article explores how music therapy can serve as a self-care management resource for improving self-efficacy and mediating the relationship between vulnerability factors and health outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease. Accordingly, it is important for appropriate patient reported outcomes to be used within practice and research to capture these important domains and improve our understanding of how music therapy can help individuals with chronic pain achieve meaningful outcomes.

Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adrienne Pringle, Cathy Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This article features explorations of themes and ideas that emerged from a close examination of podcast transcripts from the first 40 interview-based episodes of the Canadian Music Therapy podcast, featuring reflections from hosts, Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Relatos de espera: experiencias musicoterapéuticas en el Hospital de Quemados. Musicoterapia en sala de espera
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Carolina Vesco, Iris Adriana Marasco
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Ecos. Revista científica de musicoterapia y disciplinas afinesa
Country
Argentina

A music therapy program in the waiting room of a burn unit uses active music therapy experiences to support patients, by enhancing pain management and reducing pain perception.

Remini-Sing RCT: Therapeutic Choir Participation for Community-Dwelling People with Dementia and Their Primary Caregivers
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Zara Thompson, Imogen N. Clark, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia
Norway

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.

Reporting on outcomes: An adaptation of the ‘AQR-instrument’ used to evaluate music therapy in autism
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martin Lawes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article introduces an adaptation of the music therapy and autism specific AQR-instrument. The author developed this adaptation following the requirement to report on the outcomes of his work at a school for children with autism. After introducing the AQR-instrument, the author describes how his adaptation enables him to produce bar charts illustrating client progress. 

Resilience, music therapy, and human adaptation: Nurturing young children and families
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This paper examines current literature in developmental psychology in order to discuss how music therapy can foster resilience in early childhood. Music therapy can help prepare young children and their families for handling adversity, increase parental sensitivity, and create multiple opportunities for families to develop adaptive interpersonal interaction patterns.

Rethinking the role of music in the neurodevelopment of autism spectrum disorder
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thenille Braun Janzen, Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music & Science
Country
Canada

This article provides a critical appraisal of research developments in reassessing the current clinical scope of practice in music therapy for autism spectrum disorders to include interventions targeting motor and attention functions.

Review on the Relationship Between Sound and Movement in Sports and Rehabilitation
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nina Schaffert, Thenille Braun Janzen, Klaus Mattes, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Canada
Germany

Review of current literature on sound, movement, and rhythmic auditory information showing that it can improve movement execution, control, and relearning processes in sports and motor rehabilitation.

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.

Silent sounding: Communicability, musicality and the use of music with nonspeaking individuals with cerebral palsies and multiple disabilities
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Efrat Roginsky & Cochavit Elefant
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Israel

Read a research article on the use of music in the lives of children with severe forms of cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. Findings suggest that music is a very important method in allowing these children to connect with the world around them and interact with others, and that parents were often unaware of their child's potential, demonstrated especially through their musical interactions. Discussion for the collaboration between parents and professionals, particularly music therapists, is also included.