Resources & references

Watch music therapist Winnie Choy lead a drumming activity with her client to build finger strength and coordination, learning to take turns, listen and share, and practice communicating in her home language, Cantonese.

Watch how children 0-2 and their parents engage in interactive music experiences to address developmental milestones in a music therapy group called "Danzando en Pañales" (Dancing in Diapers). 

Read how music therapy has helped an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease, with benefits that extend into his home care. Learn what music therapy is and how caregivers can use music at home to support their loved ones (includes a video, 4:15).

 Elizabeth Stegemöller presents at the TEDx Iowa State University event on music therapy and its impacts on the brain. She is a music therapist and utilizes music therapy to treat people with Parkinson's disease.

This anthology of Carolyn Kenny’s works (1979–2006) showcases her writings and contributions to music therapy and Indigenous studies, revealing the deep interplay between these fields and integrating multiple disciplines that shape music therapy education, practice, and research.

This research journal integrates clinical practice and research on music interventions and strategies in medicine, translating insights from music, psychology, cognition, neurology, and therapy into clinical applications while unifying knowledge across disciplines.

This textbook provides an overview of practical and comprehensive guidance on the application of music therapy in clinical settings. The chapters are written with an evidence-based approach written by scholars and practicioners in music therapy and related fields.

Music therapy offers a holistic way to help people of all ages manage pain. Learn how it can support goals such as improving mood, regulating emotions, and easing discomfort.

Previous literature in music therapy suggests a need for greater clarity and insight concerning correlations between music and spirituality for the modern clinician. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of these correlations and some possible implications for the practice of music therapy.

Music therapists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital use instruments, vocals, and musical experiences to support children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional goals while promoting healing and a sense of safety for children and their parents through music therapy.

Read an interview with music therapist Jennifer Phillips and allied professionals in the field of music and medicine and expressive arts. Together, they discuss what music therapy is and the role of music in medicine and mental health. The interview is also available as a podcast).

Click here to watch the related video (52:08).

A music therapy group for individual's with Parkinson's disease is hosted on a weekly basis at Drury University. A music therapist and participants share how the sessions improve neurorehabilitation and symptom management through drumming, instrument playing, and singing.  The text includes an audio excerpt embedded in the article.