Resources & references

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.

Read an article describing a study using music-based training to target the spectral resolution for deaf children with bilateral hearing loss, including at least one cochlear implant (CI). The training consisted of 12 weeks of 40 minute in person group music therapy sessions, as well as the use of an online music activities app 3 times a week for 15-30 minutes at a time. Results found that, in spite of the known limitation of CIs on spectral resolution, music training, facilitated by a music therapist, can improve spectral resolution perception in children with CIs.

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.

This paper presents a three-way collaboration between a registered music therapist, art therapist and Aboriginal Elder, healer, and artist in Australia. Participants created a yarning project along with music that complemented their artwork, to support social and emotional wellbeing of First Nation Elders living with dementia. 

Read about the program DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts), which shows significant improvements in students' self-esteem, and internalizing and externalizing behaviours, as reported by both teachers and students.

This study analyzed songs written by active-duty military personnel who participated in music therapy sessions and were living with psychological health conditions and/or mild traumatic brain injury. These songs highlighted the challenges faced by the participants and gave them the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with their loved ones for the first time.

This study investigated the supervision practices of music therapy internship directors within the American Music Therapy Association. Supervisors filled out a survey and the results gathered information on their demographics, professional background, and the supervision techniques they employ.

One of the few controlled researches that focus on parental bonding and music therapy. Music therapists working with families address relationship and interpersonal communication issues; this research documents how music therapy supports mutuality and reciprocity in parent-child interactions.

Read a scoping review exploring the feasibility of telehealth music therapy (TMT) across various contexts. Findings suggest that TMT can be a complement to in-person therapy, when supported with structured approaches, adequate resources and thoughtful client selection. Challenges and innovations in the field are also discussed. 

Read an article examining the body synchrony of autistic children with their therapists during music therapy sessions. Results of this video microanalysis showed that while there was no significant change in the autistic children's ability to synchronize with therapists at the end of their treatment period, there was a significant increase in the ability of therapists to synchronize with the autistic children. The potential implications of this finding for both future research and practice are discussed.

Read about the neuroscience supporting the use of music, and, more specifically, neurologic music therapy, to target non-musical tasks in neurorehabilitation and neurodevelopment.

Read an article about the potential harms of music, especially in the context of vulnerable people. Highlights include the importance of following the professional advice of music therapists to navigate and mediate these potential harms, as well as the importance of ensuring consent and/or control for individuals experiencing music in their environments.