Resources & references

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

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Read a case study exploring the use of music therapy and, more specifically, therapeutic songwriting, on pain management during acute pain episodes in adolescent sickle cell disease patients. Results found that active music therapy interventions were more effective at managing pain than passive interventions, and that the song written during music therapy served as a coping resource by the teen outside of the therapeutic environment.

Read an article exploring the importance of integrating augmentatic and alternative communication (AAC) into music therapy practice. Different types of AAC are discussed, examples of how they can be used in music therapy sessions are provided, and recommendations for practical actions music therapists can take are included.

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 where children and their accompanying adults join residents in retirement or long term care homes for weekly group sessions of singing, movement, instrument play, and guided social interaction led by a certified music therapist.

Click here to read the intervention guide of this program.

Read about an interprofessional (occupational therapy and music therapy) keyboarding intervention program for visually impaired preschoolers. Results demonstrated an improvement in fine motor skills following 6 weeks of 20-minute biweekly sessions.

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.

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

The DRUMBEAT program uses drumming to engage at-risk youth in musical expression and discussions on healthy relationships. Findings support its theory that integrating music therapy with cognitive–behavioural principles promotes emotional control, better relationships, and higher self-esteem.

This paper conceptualizes songwriting as an ‘after-queer’ approach for exploring notions of gender and sexuality with young people. It draws on songs created by adolescents in music-based workshops in schools.